Merry Christmas Everyone!

I just want to wish everyone a very merry Christmas or the holiday you celebrate. I hope everyone gets to spend it with those that they love and to have an enjoyable, fun packed day. I hope you all get everything you want and I hope all your wishes come true this Christmas. Don't each too much! :D

Claire

xx

Winter favourites

I'm a bit rubbish at monthly favourites as there aren't enough new products that I use each month. I've decided to do a winter favourites so here it is! 

My sleek original palette is just so handy, the pigmentation is amazing and its only £6! I've mostly been using the greens and the browns.
Hugo Boss Deep Red perfume mmmmm I love this smell sooo much. It's sweet but has that dark and classic kick. 
I'm back to my lighter shade of foundation :( :( so I'm back to using Max Factor Xperience in Beige Linen. This consistency is so good and it goes on very well.
Two lipsticks; Nyx Eros which is just a simple bright red lipstick. Its so creamy and moisturising. The next product is my Max Factor Colour Elixir in Mulberry I did a blog post about this and it is such a perfect winter shade. A nice dark but not too dark red.


Non beauty related:
Spy films in particular Angelina Jolie films. I have never been so into spy films ever, I watched the Tourist last week and I'm in love with Angelina Jolie, why can't I be her?
Something From Tiffany's by Melissa Hill book: This is a good ole' festive book. Set in New York and I love it. I'm yet to finish it, but I will be so sad once I do. 


Hope you are all having a lovely Winter!


Claire
xx

Barry M baby

So it would be fair to say that the other day I went on a splurge at the Barry M section in Superdrug. They have such nice pretty colours though, I just couldn't resist. Do I need more nail varnish's? Nope. But a girl can have as many nail varnish's as she wants right? (Well that's what I tell myself anyway). I bought 4 nail varnish's; Foil 320, Raspberry 273, Dusky Mauve 313, Black 47.  I always find Barry M nail varnish not to have the best staying power but the colour range makes up for it! I will be wearing the Gold Foil on Christmas Day, not long left eeeeeeek!


Claire 
xx

Christmas Time (Misltetoe and Wine!)

Sorry for the cheesy title although I do quite like that song. Well I love any Christmas song, but not as much as i LOVE Christmas as a whole. There are a few things I'm looking forward to this Christmas and sadly a few things that I'm not.


I'm looking forward to this Christmas to:

• Spend quality time with family :)
• Eat as much as I possibly can!
• Give and open presents
• The cosy nights watching rubbish TV
• And relaxing.

I'm not looking forward this Christmas to:

• Revising! I have exams in January so I will be revising hard. I hate school and exams :(
• The cold and snow
• And the dark nights

Christmas is my favourite time of the year, and seeing as I missed it last year being bed bound with the worst flu I have ever had, I hope I will be well this Christmas! I will be spending it at my grandparents with all of my family and I can't wait!

What are you doing this Christmas?

Claire

xx

Eye of the Tiger

I'm a bit of a bore when it comes to eye makeup. I do like to focus on my eyes when applying make up. However, I'm ashamed to say I'm stuck in a routine and rarely change what I do with my eye make up. Boringgggg.... I know, but what can I say? I'm a sucker for routines and regimes.

Liner, lashes and eyeshadow are the three words I go by. I like to volumise my lashes, making them big and glamorous. I always line my lashes, sometimes even with a flick. And I use an eyeshadow to give my eyelids depth and definition.

Here are the 3 main products I can not live without!

1) Max Factor False Last Effect Fusion: I love this mascara! It makes my lashes so big and beautiful. I really need to get a new one as sadly this one has dried up :(

2) L'Oreal Paris Super Liner Carbon Gloss: This is one of the best liquid liner I have ever tried. It's a good price at £6. I do like gel eyeliner in particular Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Liner. However, I just find liquid eyeliner easier to use when I'm in a rush in the morning (which I normally am!).


3) Mac Espresso Eyeshadow: Neutral colours always work best on me. I really like espresso, it's quite a dark brown so is perfect for the crease.




I will try and change up my make up this winter- I promise! But until then I will be using these life saving products!


Claire 
xx

Soft and Supple Hands

We are now in the dry and chapped hand period. So hand creams are now essential to achieve incredibly smooth and beautiful hands. I've got my 3 favourite hand creams to show you all which vary in price.

From  L-R Boots Essential Hand Cream, Soap and Glory Hand Food, L'occitane  Shea Butter Hand Cream

The first is the boots essential hand cream priced at around £1.35. This hand cream is good, I wouldn't say its amazing but it does the job. Keeping hands hydrated and preventing them from getting chapped.


Second is the Soap and Glory Hand food priced £4.85. This isn't greasy and has great consistency, it keeps hands moisturised, hydrated and soft. Also it smells lovelyyy!


Last is the L'occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream. Priced at £17.50, this hand cream isn't cheap. It's the thickest consistency out of the three but it moisturises, nourishes and protects your hands. I really do love this hand cream, but priced at £17.50 I feel that's a bit steep so I'll just have to wait for my birthday or Christmas.

From  L-R Boots Essential Hand Cream, Soap and Glory Hand Food, L'occitane  Shea Butter Hand Cream

From  L-R Boots Essential Hand Cream, Soap and Glory Hand Food, L'occitane  Shea Butter Hand Cream

So above all my favourite hand cream for the winter is the Soap and Glory's Hand Food. Good price and amazing quality, therefore I know this product will be a helping hand (excuse the pun)! 



What is your hand savior?


Claire 
xx

Frankly Scarlet Review

Frankly Scarlet blush by Mac has now been added to my makeup bag... finally! I went to my nearest Mac counter a few weeks back only to be told that they didn't have the 'Frankly Scarlet' blush at the moment and that it has probably been discontinued but look on the website. I looked on the Mac website and it was there and not discontinued  I was so close to buying it online, however my nerves got the better of me as it's a bright colour I wanted to see it in the flesh before purchasing. So I went to another Mac store and they had it! I didn't even really have to think about the decision before I bought it.

There are little flecks of glitter that show up so nicely on the skin.

As you can see the blush is really pigmented. This means you have to be super careful not to apply too much as you don't want to look like a clown! I feel this blush is quite hard for some skin tones to pull off. But luckily with my olive skin tone when applied lightly it looks really nice. I think this blush will look even nicer in the summer, however I'm really excited to wear this, this winter.

What blush will you be wearing this winter?

Claire xx

Wish List

Lately I have been craving a few items but unfortunately my money will not stretch far enough to satisfy the cravings. 

1st on my list is the Elemis fresh skin range. I really want the moisturisers but at around £20 each, I haven't yet found the courage to splash out.

2nd is the new Soap and Glory range, in particularly the 'Lid Stuff' eyeshadow in 'Whats Nude'. I've heard a lot about their new range, so I can't wait to get my hands on some of it.

3rd is a Velvet skirt. This one is from Topshop but for £34, I might as well save some money and make my own!

4th is a hair cut! My hair is already quite short (touching shoulder length) but last winter I had it bob length and I loved it... I want it back! One of my biggest style icons is Alexa Chung and I really want it cut like this;

 5th is a holiday. I may have only just been back from half term. However, I need to get away from all the stress and exams. So can someone please take me away, preferable somewhere hot with nice sandy beaches?

Finally this one is an unrealistic wish but oh well. Its the Jeffery Campbell Lita's. They are just amazing, words can not express my love for these shoes!! Mum if you're reading this, it's Christmas soon (hint, hint) haha!

Claire xx

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Outfit Of The Day

I'd thought I would share with you what I wore the other day. I was meeting up with friends up in Central London. I wanted something with a bit more going on, I wanted to add a splash of colour to my usual black and grey outfits- I thought this shirt was perfect! I bought this when I was Bournemouth early in the year and I just love the print. My trusty high wasted shorts were worn along with my comfortable, classic vans.

H&M shirt
Topshop Shorts
M&S Tights
Black Vans

Fossil Watch
Various charms that I put on a chain

Hope you like it!

Claire
xxx

I went shopping and bought...

The other day I went up to London Oxford Street to do a bit of shopping. I got a few bit and bobs for Autumn as I'm still not prepared for the dark mornings and cold nights that are upon us.

 

I'll start off with the beauty stuff. I went into Boots looking for a new hand cream and after reading various reviews, I decided to go for Soap and Glory Hand Food, and I really like it. I then went into Mac and decided to treat myself to a new lipstick, I wanted a warm nude for Autumn/Winter so I bought Faux. Urban Outfitters are currently having a sale however, I didn't buy anything from the sale, I ended up getting this lovely long sleeved top. About a month ago I got really annoyed as the boots I'd had my on in Topshop had been discontinued. Looking on the Topshop website last week I found that they had been brought back so I decided to waste no time and get them before they get rid of them. I love them they're so warm and cosy.

 

I hate the Oxford Street Primark especially on a Saturday but I decided to be brave a go in. Looking in the pyjamas section I found the onesies! I can't believe I haven't owned one up until now because it's so comfortable- perfect for lazy Sundays!

Claire xxx

I made a skirt

A few week backs I was trawling through shops looking for the perfect skirt. I knew what i wanted; a long flowy skirt which draped down but looked good on. I looked in Topshop, Urban Outfitters, H&M, and I just couldn't find one anywhere! Accepting defeat I gave up, until I was walking through the haberdashery section in John Lewis and spotted some material. I'd made myself a skirt in the summer with help so I decided to try make my perfect skirt on my own.

I picked out some black jersey material and bought a pattern- and began sewing.

I'd say it took me roughly 2-3 hours to make, but I have made some stuff before.

This has really made me want to start sewing again. Today I went to Soho in London to check out all the fabric shops and I found some lovely material. I can't wait to sew my next piece, I'm thinking maybe another skirt or shirt. What do you think I should make next?

Claire xxx

Material and patterns can be bought from John Lewis, any fabric shop near you or online. To find out how much material you need, look on the back of the pattern envelope. My sewing machine is from John Lewis.

Coco by Chanel- My Signature Scent

Today I'm going to show you my favourite fragrance; which is Coco by Chanel. I have the Coco Mademoiselle Eau De Toilette and it has now become my signature scent. I purchased this back in February whilst on holiday. It does have a hefty price tag but there was a big discount at the airport so I decided to splash out. 

This perfume has the classy feel but with a fun and sweet edge. When I were this it makes me feel so pretty and girly but also classy and important at the same time. It's definitely an older scent which was what I was going for as I'm not the biggest fan of really sweet, floral scents. I love this perfume and when it runs out I will definitely be going out to another one!

Claire x

Urban Decay 15th Anniversary Palette

I have finally bought the Urban Decay 15th Anniversary Palette! I've been wanting this for weeks, as it's quite pricey I saved up and finally got it. I LOVE IT!

For Urban Decay's 15th Anniversary (hence the name) they decided to do a collection of eyeshadows. This palette consists of 15 eyeshadows ranging from browns, pinks, purples, to blues. The pigmentation is amazing, the eyeshadow goes on to skin well and blends very easily. 

Left-Right: Evidence, Deep End, Deeper, M.I.A, Ace, Blackout, Half Truth

Urban Decay describes each eyeshadow;

Deeper (deep shimmery golden brown), M.I.A. (soft shimmery dark brown), Ace (dark gunmetal shimmer), Blackout (darkest, most saturated black), Half Truth (shimmery smoky purple), Tainted (pale matte purple with golden shimmer), Junkshow (bright pink w/fuchsia shift), Omen (shimmery metallic bright purple w/blue shift), Evidence (deep metallic blue), Deep End (bright teal shimmer), Midnight Rodeo (medium metallic brown w/silver and gold glitter), Midnight 15 (oyster pearl w/silver glitter), Vanilla (shimmery white gold), Flow (soft peach shimmer), Chase (metallic bright bronze). I think they descirbed the eyeshadows perfectly.

These eyeshadow are great and are perfect for anyone that doesn't have many eyshadow and want a palette to create a variety of looks. I think this is a excellent beauty staple and although its quite pricey, I definitely think it's worth investing.

Sorry for the crappy pictures, however I wanted to blog about this tonight, so I hope you don't mind too much!
 

You can buy the Urban Decay 15th Anniversary Palette from House of Fraser and Debenhams for £39.

Do you own any Urban Decay Palettes? 

Claire x

London Fashion Week- Giles Deacon

I can't believe I haven't blogged about this yet (I've been so busy with school!) but on Monday 19th September I was lucky enough to go to Gile's Deacons Spring/Summer 2012 fashion show. It was held in the Royal Courts of Justice on the Strand, Central London. This is the second time he's used this venue, the first time being his Autumn/Winter 2011 fashion show where I was extremely lucky enough to attend as well.

These were the invitations and Giles always does fabulous invitations. This one was a fun silver mask which had all the information written on the inside. It was a really clever and creative idea.

The clothes were absolutely gorgeous. I wanted to own all them! I love Giles' style, its really feminine but with an edge. There were lots of silver, lovely prints, peachy-nude colours and stunning red lace, all of the outfits I would LOVE to wear. Overall I absolutely love his outfits, and I am so blessed to have had the chance to experience two of his shows.

Here are some pictures I took to share with you.

With the celebs in the background.

There were actually a few celebrities at his show. Kelly Brooke, Jessie J, Dannii Minouge, Jaime Winstone, Nick Grimshaw, and Pixie Geldof who wore a lovely dress from Giles' Autumn/Winter 2011 show.

 

Kelly Brooke and Jessie J

Dannii Minouge, Jaime Winstone, Nick Grimshaw and Pixie Geldof

Dannii Minouge looking gorgeous as ever.

And finally there were these amazing swan headpieces in black, red and white. They were beautiful!

This show was AMAZING and I am so thrilled I got the opportunity to go, I loved it!

You can see the whole of the show on style.com.

Claire x

Max Factor Colour Elixir Lipstick Review

Last month I decided to buy a new lipstick. After hearing that Max Factor had brought out a lipstick, I decided to look at them. I knew I wanted a dark, deep red, so looking through the lipsticks I found Mulberry perfect!

It's a really creamy formula which smells lovely! It has the caramel-toffee smell about it. This lipstick really moisturises your lips, making them feel soft all day long.

However I do wish this lipstick was slightly darker as it comes out quite dark pink/red on your lips. But I do love this lipstick and I'm glad I bought it. It's perfect for Autumn!

This lipstick along with 15 other different shades which can be bought here.

Claire x

Nars The Multiple Review

Recently I bought Nars The Multiple. It’s quite pricey so I could decide whether to splash out or not, however I’m so glad I did. I bought the shade Maui which is a dusty rose colour, perfect for all seasons and for day and night. This multi-purpose product (hence the name) can be used on cheeks, eyes and lips. This cream-to-powder product goes on to skin so smoothly.

Usually I use this on my cheeks as it gives you the perfect flush of colour for your cheeks, however from time to time I do wear it on my eyes. Although it can be used on your lips I find it a bit drying so if I was to use it on my lips I would definitely need a lip gloss on top. I find that the blush lasts all day and gives a really nice, brightening colour to your cheeks. I really recommend this product and definitely for people wanting that everyday natural look. I’m pretty sure I will be buying another shade in the future.

Nars The Multiple can be purchased here.

Claire x

Nail Of The Day: Andrea Fulerton Petrol In Water

Today's NOTD is Andrea Fulerton's Petrol In Water. Last week I bought this nail varnish and I love it! This is a trio nail varnish meaning you get 3 nail varnish shades in one!! It works by using one of the 2 colours or layering them to achieve a glittery duocrome shade that changes colour when it hits the light.

This has got to be one of my favourite nail varnishes ever! It is a gorgeous blue that changes to purple in the light with glitter all over. I don't think these pictures gives the nail varnish enough justice, it is just amazing! This nail varnish dries very quickly, making it touchable within minutes. I've worn this for 5 days now with Sally Hansen Double Duty base coat and Sally Hansen insta-dri on top and it has not chipped once!!! I really recommend this nail varnish as you can probably tell; retailing at £7.99 I think it's a steal- 3 nails varnish for £7.99!!!


You can buy Andrea Fulerton Petrol In Water here. Sally Hansen base coat can be bought here. And Sally Hansen Insta-dri top coat can be purchased here.


Claire x

August Favourites

It's the beginning of September and the start of Autumn for England; well the last few days have been the nicest we've had all summer which is typical! But September means it's time for me to write my August Favourites. I have been on holiday so in this months favourites there are a lot of products I used on holiday.

L-R Nars The Multiple in Maui, Makeup For Ever Aqua Cream in Shade 12, Vaseline Essential Moisture, Sally Hansen Insta-dri, Vo5 Surf Style.

Nars The Multiple: I bought this whilst I was on holiday after wanting it for ages! The multiple is what is says on the tin- a product to use in multiple ways. You can use this on your cheeks, eyes and lips; although when using on lips I find its a bit drying so I use a lip gloss or lip balm on top. I have this in Maui as I think its a perfect blusher colour for summer and winter. You can get The Multiple in darker shades for a more bronzed look and for a limited time Nars have released The Multiple in their famous bronzer shade Laguna.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream: It's hard to get Make Up For Ever in the U.K so when I found out there was a Sephora near where I was staying I was so excited. I've heard a lot of good reviews on the Aqua Cream so I knew I had to buy it. This waterproof cream came in so handy on holiday; I could wear it to the beach and didn't have to worry in the slightest about it running down my face when in the sea.

Vaseline Essential Moisture: Whenever I go on holiday my legs get so dry and cracked; which really is not a pretty sight and makes my tan look rubbish. So i found this moisturiser heavenly as it made my skin silky smooth and made my tan long lasting and looking amazing.

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Top Coat: I was on the hunt for a good top coat for ages. I was so tired of my nail varnish chipping after 2 days. I picked up this about a month ago and I love it! My nail varnish now doesn't chip for 5-7 days!

Vo5 Surf Style: During summer I cut down on heat I use on my hair. So I curl and straighten my hair a lot less and let my hair dry naturally. I found Vo5 Surf Style really useful in keeping your hair looking nice with little effort. I would spray this on when my hair was wet and then scrunch my hair. When my hair was dry, I would have really nice messy beach waves.

You can buy Nars The Multiple here. You can also buy Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream here. Vaseline Essential Moisture which can be found in all supermarkets can also be bought here. You can buy Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Top Coat online here. Vo5 Surf Style Spray can not be bought from boots or superdrug anymore, however Vo5 Surf Style texturising paste is available in supermarkets and online and works just the same as the spray.

My Travel Makeup Bag

I went on holiday recently and before unpacking my travel makeup bag I though you may want to see what was in it. I had to be very strict with how much i could take because of the luggage restrictions :( :( I went away for 2 weeks, meaning that I had to take a lot of clothes (well that's what I told myself anyway!) which took up most of the luggage space, so I had to think carefully about the makeup I took. So here is what I took:

Boots makeup bag

L-R Benefit That Gal Primer, Max Factor Xperience Foundation, Mac Studio Finish Concealer, Mac Blot Powder.

L-R Bourjois Delice De Poudre, Nars The Multiple in Maui, Mac Blush in Dainty, Benetint sample

.

L-R Mac Eyeshadow in Jest, Mac Eyeshadow in Woodwinked, Sephora Eyeshadow in Sweet Candy no.28, Sephora Eyeshadow in Dreamy Blue no.71, Sephora Eyeshadow in Midnight Kiss no.34,  Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream in Shade 12.

 

Sleek Makeup Palette The Original 594.

 

Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Liner in 01 Black, Rimmel Eyeliner Pencil in 161 Black Magic, L'Oreal Contour Khol in Dark Chocolate 137, Bourjois Metallic Eyeliner in 54 Bleu Clinquant, Bourjois Metallic Eyeliner in 45 Bleu Neon, Max Factor False Lash Effect Fusion Mascara.

 

L-R Sephora Lip gloss in 20 Perfect Nude, Mac Lipglass in Frozen Dream (discontinued), Mac Lipglass in Fab Fun (discontinued), Mac Lipstick in Angel, No 17 Lipstick in Honey Blossom, Vaseline Rosy Lips.