Liverpool's Hidden Gems*
Ex-Directory
Calderstones Park
Yee Rah
Makeup Revolution Christmas Lip Lacquer Gift Set Review
Are Beauty Advent Calendars Really Worth The Money?
I've always been extremely cautious about beauty advent calendars before jumping in and buying one. They're pretty to look at, there are 12-25 products to open in the run up to Christmas and they're talked about in the blogging world a lot too. Brands push to promote them in adverts, magazines and on YouTube and the question I'm wondering is whether they're really worth the money?
Some advent calendars aren't much more than an expensive chocolate calendar, such as House of Fraser's own brand one for £20 which is pretty reasonable. What about the quality? What about the size of the products? How about you go on the flip scale. You pay a whopping £250 for a Jo Malone one that contains mini perfumes and body creams, or a Diptyque one filled with 15 mini candles and a larger candle and various other products. Are they really worth the money, when you could buy a few products you will really like for a fraction of the price?
Updated Mac Lipstick Collection
I only began collecting Mac lipsticks in July 2014 and although it seems little in comparison to others, I'm quite impressed with it so far. I have twelve to date and think I'll be buying another soon since my makeup storage has lipstick rows of 6 and there is an empty gap just waiting for the perfect nude-beige. The lipsticks I own are a mixture of finishes and shades that are suitable for all types of occasion.
Brave, Rebel, Speed Dial, Relentlessly Red, Flat Out Fabulous, Ruby Woo, Hang Up, Chatterbox, Hot Gossip, Up The Amp, Pure Heroine.
Current Garnier Skincare Favourites
Miracle Sleeping Cream
Micellar Cleansing Water
Micellar Extra-Gentle Cleansing Wipes
Miracle Wake Up Cream
Urban Decay Smoky Palette First Impressions
ManKind Christmas Gift Guide For Men
A Bit Of A Mystery
Visiting The New Kiko Store
The Perfecting Bronzer is stunning to look at and when swatched is creamy and blendable. Although I've not tried it on my cheeks, it looks like it will be a fabulous bronzer to work with. Kiko's eyeshadows were unreal. Incredibly pigmented and the shadows with the shimmer/glitter in them were just so beautiful. Had payday arrived when I had gone, I would have picked up about ten of these. The shadows at the bottom reminded me of the night sky and would be perfect for a smokey eye.
The Cutest Christmas Jumper
I love Christmas. I love the little cartoon gingerbread men and candy canes, and that's why I chose to review this Candy Cane Christmas Cardigan* (£45.91) from Cheesy Christmas Sweater. They sell a wide range of more interesting Christmas jumpers that are high quality and will keep you cosy without you feeling like you've got ten thousand layers on. I'm definitely more of a cardigan gal than a jumper gal since I hate things clinging to me and with the buttons on the cardigan, you can wear it open or closed.
TV Shows I'm Loving Right Now*
Made In Chelsea
The Walking Dead
Scream Queens
Spooks
Don't Tell The Bride
A Nifty Gift Idea For Your Man*
Interiors - 7 Easy Ways To Divide A Room Space*
Screens
Folding Doors
Colour Themes
Curtains
Shelving
Shelving
Steps
Integrated Furniture
Having multiple spaces in one room can help make the most out of smaller rooms and the need for more storage. I have multiple spaces in my room due to lack of space and it's so much better than cramming everything into the whole room. I personally love the fairy lights and bunting idea!
Life Update
I'm not the biggest fan of random updates on my blog since I tend to write as I go, but if you haven't noticed I've been a little absent. That's because I got a job! I always thought I could balance a job and blog and still have time to put my feet up but I think because I've just started there were a lot of changes I've had to get used to. Even at Uni I wasn't in full time working hours, nor at Sixth Form so it has been about 5 years since I was out full time.
I've just starting working at Boots, because although I do earn from blogging and I'm perfectly happy being clear about that, it does not pay the bills. It does help though! I love blogging and if I could do it full time I wouldn't hesitate. We're desperate to save up for a place of our own, getting my into driving lessons and saving up a couple hundred thousands for our trip to LA in April. Albeit this job holds a temporary contract until February but it's a step in the right direction.
After my first week of working full time on the self select beauty, so brands like Rimmel, Maybelline, Sleek etc, I had to drop to part time. I have EDS & Fibro and my little body just couldn't take working 37.5 hours a week. I really tried, but even on my days off my body wasn't recovering and I didn't have time to blog either since I just wanted to be painless. Now I'll be working 20 hours and although that comes with a pay drop, it comes with improving my health. Boots have been nothing but supportive of both my health conditions and allowing me to drop my hours.
Hopefully next week I'll be back on my feet sofa, laptop open and blogging until my heart is content on my days off. I'll be able to photograph in advance and schedule posts for a week or two ahead. My posts will go back to my August-September schedule, posting on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday and any extra days if I want to. See you then!