June Favourites

1. MAC Duchess Palette

I've really been enjoying using this palette this past month. I love all the warm, natural tones in it, and rhymes really seem to suit my eye colour and skin tone. Unfortunately, this was part of a limited edition collection and is now unavailable. I've been loving the gold tones eyeshadow as an all-over lid colour.

2. Beauty Blender

This came in my June Birchbox, and since I've had it, I've really been enjoying using it to apply my foundation with. I've noticed however, that it works a lot better when it's clean. When it's dirty, it doesn't leave as such a nice finish to the skin

3. Soap and Glory Kick Ass Concealer

Ok, so it's not actually the concealer that I like about this product, it's the powder that comes with it. I'm really not a fan of the concealer (no coverage and clings to every dry bit!), but I have really been liking  it to set my under eye concealer with. It's a light, transparent powder, which is perfect for the under eye area, and concealer in general.

4. Maleficent

Sleeping Beauty is my all time favourite Disney film, so as soon as I heard about this new take on the classic, I knew it was one of them films I just couldn't say no to. And it definitely didn't disappoint. I loved it! It really made you question the original film, and made you sympathise with the enemy. I'm not a big fan of Angelina Jolie, but I think she did an incredible job!

5. Endless Love

This was a film I wanted to see at the cinema when I first saw it advertised, but somehow never ended up going. But it's recently been on SkyMovies, so when I saw it, I downloaded it. I really liked it! Ok, so it's your typical bad boy love story, (girl falls for bad boy, parents don't like him, boy leaves girl, girl and boy get back together) but sometimes you really can't beat these type of films!!

6. The Fault in Our Stars

I think this is probably going to be on everyone's favourites these next couple of months, but I'm jumping on the bandwagon! After reading the book earlier in the year, I've been really looking forward to the film coming out. And I think it really did the book justice, and portrayed it honestly. Even though it was a sad film, it really makes you question just what's important to you, and what's worth stressing out over. Shailene Woodley is my favourite actress, and I loved her portrayal of Hazel Grace in the film.

7. Gossip Girl

June was the month I got my Gossip girl back on! I loved it when it was first on the TV, and I love it even more now!! I'm currently on season 3, and love it getting in from work and watching an episode (or three) tucked up in bed. The only problem with falling back in love with this show, is it's really, really, really fuelling my need (nope, not want) to visit NYC!

8. Love by Jana Kramer

I think 2014 is going to be a good year music wise for me, as a lot of my favourite singers/bands are releasing new albums this year. And to start the countdown off, Jana Kramer (Alex Dupre from OTH) has released her new single off her second album called "Love". As soon as I heard it, I had it stuck in my head! It's such a gorgoues song, and the storyline is what I love the most. It's a really feel-good song for those who still dream and believe even if life has beaten them down. It's one of the few songs that if someone asked me what song best describes you/your view on life, I would immediately pick this song. I would highly recommend it when you're feeling uninspired and need a pick me up. 

What have been some if your favourites this past month?

P.S. Can you believe we're already half way through 2014?!

May Favourites

1. Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream in Light Beige

I've really been liking this on days where I don't want a heavy foundation. It has really decent coverage, considering it's only a CC cream, but it's still light and doesn't feel like you're wearing makeup. It also contains SPF15, making it a great Summer base. It leaves a lovely natural finish, not completely matte, but not dewy either, somewhere in the middle. I would really recommend this.

2. Real Techniques Powder Brush

Since picking this up in my birthday shopping trip, I've been using this to set my makeup with the Maybelline Super Stay Waterproof Powder, and it's been working so well! I notice that my makeup lasts a lot longer. I give the brush a big swirl in the powder and then just apply it all over, pushing it into the skin, though, not sweeping. The brush just seems to get just the right amount of powder, without making you look cakey, and it's great for blending blush out aswell.

3. Soap & Glory Sexy Motherpucker Gloss Stick in Nudist

I actually used this when I had a job interview, as I really wasn't in the mood for an overly obvious lip colour. I'm so glad I did! I've been quite a little bit obsessed with this since. It's a perfect everyday lip product, as it adds a hint of colour to your lips, which just makes them look healthy and alive (I don't know about you, but sometimes mine go really pale which is not a good look!). It's very moisturising, doesn't cling to dry patches, and lasts a considerable amount of time. I'll definitely be trying some more out!

4. NYX Powder Blush in Angel

This has been the only blush I've been using during the month of May. It looks very pale in the pan, but when you apply it to your face, it gives a lovely natural, warm flush colour. It seems a very strange colour (good strange), I think it's going to be one of those that looks different on absolutely everyone (even though every blush is like this). Depending on your skin tone, it can look more pink, and on other skintones, it looks more peachy. This will be another product I'll be trying more of!

5. MUA Undress Your Skin Highlighting Powder

I finally managed to get my hands on this a couple of months back now, but it got put to the back of my drawer, and I just didn't reach for it, that is until the month of May. I saw Shannon's (from RaspberryKiss) review and soon found mine out of the drawer again. It is a lovely highlighter, considering it's only £3! It's not too shimmery, but you do need a gentle hand with it,  otherwise you can look disco ball face. Colour wise, it's a pearly pink colour, and this is the only downside, in my opinion. I would prefer it if it was a more golden colour as that suits my skin tone more, but it doesn't bother me that much. This is one of those products that are hard to get hold of, so if ever you see it, pick it up fast!

6. Dan + Shay - Where It All Began

I have been in love with this album since watching Megan & Liz's cover of their song "19 You and Me". I find that this is the perfect Sunday-afternoon chillax album. The songs are really relaxed, and easy-going, but also really catchy and well written. It is technically classed as country, but don't let that put you off if you're not a fan, as it's not full of twang and y'all's.

7. Florida Georgia Line - Here's To The Good Times...This Is How We Roll

This is another album I found thanks to a Megan & Liz cover! Compared to Dan + Shay, this is a really country album, so of you don't like that type of music, this album is definitely not for you. I think that this is a perfect Summer feel-good, Saturday night album. A lot of the songs are about having a good time, and are so catchy. My favourites are "Tell Me How You Like It", "This Is How We Roll", and "Take It Out On Me".

8. The Originals

I can't believe that I haven't mentioned this in a favourites post yet! This has to be one of my favourite TV shows that has been on lately! Unfortunately, it has now finished its first season, and won't be back until about October time, but I have been slightly obsessed with this show. I loved the series finale, I think it was even one of the best finales that I've seen in a while! It is a spin-off of "The Vampire Diaries," but I don't think you need to have watched TVD to keep up with this show. I would highly recommend this show if you're in need of something new to watch.

9. The One by Kiera Cass

If you saw my March Favourites, then you'll know that there were two books that I loved, called The Selection and The Elite. Well, this is the third and final book in that trilogy. I think I read this in about two days! That's how much in love I was with it. I was desperate to find out the end, and see who America ended up with. I was surprised at how much of a story was actually in the book. I was just expected a short storyline at the beginning, and then there'd be the wedding etc, but there were a lot of twists and turns, all leading up to the ending. This was a good ending to the series, and answered any unanswered questions well. I was very satisfied with the ending, and think anyone who has read the previous books will be too.

April Favourites

 

1. TRESEmme Keratin Smooth 7 Day Smooth

This was a new product that came out sometime in April, and as soon as I saw the advert, and heard 7 days smooth, frizz free hair, even after washing, I knew I had to try it. To be honest, I'm not particularly impressed by the shampoo and conditioner, they just seem any normal one, but I do like the special treatment. It does keep my hair smooth and frizz free, especially the first couple of days before I wash it again. After I wash it, it is back to being a bit frizzy, but not so much.

2. MAC Hue

This has been one of my go-to lip looks this last month. This month I was more experimental with lipstick and lipgloss and really started getting into wearing it, as previously I was lucky if I wore a tinted lip balm. I've been using this with the other products I'm showing, and it creates a gorgeous spring lip colour.

3. Collection Volume Sensation in 13 Satin Bow

This is my favourite as I think it is a drug store dupe for the above MAC Hue. Next time you're in Superdrug or boots, swatch it. It's a gorgeous nude colour, that's on the peachy side.

4. MAC Fleur Power blush

I've been back to loving this blush to add a lovely natural, spring time flush. It's not too dark, not too light. I think it's a great one for a no-makeup-makeup look, as it's a perfect your flush but better shade.

5. Seventeen Lip Gloss Stash particularly coral one

I got this set in the Boots New Year sale, and have just come around to using some of the lip glosses in it. My favourite is the coral shade one. Unfortunately the colours don't have names, so I don't know which one it is. And I don't know if these are in their permanent line. But I've been wearing this over MAC's Hue or the Collection lipstick, and it creates a lovely spring/summer time coral lip. Plus, this colour really seems to suit my skintone.

6. Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

On first use, I wasn't that impressed with this sponge, but after sticking with it, I have begun to love it! It creates a really flawless, natural base, and makes it look as if you're not wearing foundation. Plus, if you suffer from dry patches, like me, then this just helps foundation glide over them, and doesn't make the foundation cling to them. It really is a great product!

7. Simple Moisture Boost Hydro Mist

A rediscovery for me this month, and one I'm so glad I found out again! I was applying my usual makeup one morning and noticed that my skin was looking extra dry that day, and it just didn't look nice. So, upon searching for something to try to fix it, I came across this in my drawer. I sprayed over the top of my makeup, and my goodness! The change! Goodbye dry, dull, cakes face, hello, glowy, radiant skin! I now use this over the top of my makeup whenever I apply it. It doesn't move the makeup, but it also doesn't set it. Just a couple of spritz and my skin looks so healthy! I would highly, highly recommend this if you suffer from dry, dehydrated, dull skin, and want an added glow.

8. Botanics Hydrating Night Cream

I picked this on a whim really, as it was on offer, and I needed a new night cream. But since I been using it, I've really been enjoying using it. It's another an overly fancy night cream, it doesn't claim to do much, just to hydrate the skin, and that is exactly what it does. It sinks into the skin quickly, and doesn't leave any residue or sticky feeling.

9. Game of Thrones season 4

April was the month that Game of Thrones came back on our screens. I only got into this show about this time last year, so I'm quite new to the world of Westeros, but it's such a good show!  It's one of those edge-of-your seats, OMG shows. I've so far been liking the series, (especially episode 2 (I won't give any spoilers). However since getting into the series, I have found it slightly action-less compared to the other series. I think it needs to start getting going now.

10. Divergent movie

I have waiting and waiting for this movie to come out, and it finally did this month! After reading the book, I was so excited to see the world of Divergent come to life on the big screen, and I definitely wasn't disappointed! It stayed true to most of the book, and I loved the actors! Theo James made a great Four, and Shailene Woodley is probably my favourite actress right now. She portrayed Tris perfectly, showcasing her selflessness, her bravery and also her vulnerability. I now can't wait to see how the next films turn out. I would highly recommend this film for anyone.

What have been some of your favourites during April? 

March Favourites

1. Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum here

This used to be my favourite foundation, and then I just seemed to stop wearing it. However, I found it out again this month, and fell in love with it! It is probably one of my all-time favourite founations. I love the way it leaves my skin looking, and it doesn't cling to my dry patches. I need to pick up a new tube as well, I'm pretty much to the end of my current one!

2. Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water here

I picked this up this month after using up all of my L'Oreal version. I liked the L'Oreal one, but it seemed to leave some sort of residue on my skin, which I wasn't keen on, so gave this a try when it was on offer. I much prefer this one to the L'Oreal one! It doesn't leave a residue, and seems slightly more hydrating. Plus, you get double the amount for pretty much the same price! Bonus!

3. Hydraluron here

After hearing so many people rave about this, I finally plucked up the courage to spend the money and buy it! I fully agree with people that say they don't notice this doing anything, until they stop using it. I've only been using this the past two weeks, so can't give a full review yet, but I have already noticed a difference in my skin; it's more glowy and smooth.

4. Soap and Glory Scrubatomic here

I was in need of a  new scrub after using up all of my Michael Todd Fruit Enzyme scrub, and saw that FleurDeForce recommended this one in her Top 10 under 10: Skincare video. I've really enjoyed using  this scrub. It's one of the more gentler scrubs; it has little grainy bits in, but not big enough to make you feel you're ripping you're skin off! Plus, it smells so good! It reminds me a little of those fromage frais yogurts that you'd have when you were little!

5. PIXI Glow Tonic here

This is another product that has seemed to rave reviews about. I picked this up at the end of February, and have been using it for most of the month of March. I have noticed a big difference in my skin from using this. It looks more healthy and radiant. It did break me out at first, but that was just a purging stage which lasted about 2 weeks.

6. The SacconeJoly's here

I have really gotten back into watching The SacconeJoly's daily vlog. For those who haven't heard of them, they are an Irish couple (Jonathan and Anna) who have 6 dogs and a 18 month old called Emilia. Anna is also 9 months pregnant, and is due to give birth any day now. I used to watch these when I first got into YouTube, but then just sort of stopped. But I've really been enjoying watching about their lives. Emilia is the cutest baby! She is very sweet and very funny! Plus, it's exciting being on baby watch! 

7.  The Selection by Kiera Cass here

8. The Elite by Kiera Cass here

I first read this book last year, loved it, and then ordered the sequel when it was first released, but never got round to reading it. However, after reading my Christmas books, I re-read The Selection, and then read The Elite for the first time. I loved this series of books! As I said in my Versatile Blogger Award, I'm a sucker for fairy tales, so these are very much my sort of books. The story is basically a fairytale meets Hunger Games type of book. I can't wait for the final book in the trilogy to come out in May!

9. Cadbury Mini Eggs 

10. Cadbury Creme Egg

11. Hot Cross Buns

Easter brings about so many great things; Spring, pastel colours and best of all, some lovely goody treats! Every year about this time, Cadbury brings out their Easter range, and they are sooo good! My favourites are the Mini Eggs and the Creme Egg. I have also really, really loved Hot Cross Buns! I'd forgotten how tasty they were!

12. Innocent Cloudy Apple Juice

I can be very fussy with fruit juices. A lot of them give me mouth ulcers, as they are too acidic, so I do have to be careful about which ones I drink, but I have really been enjoying this one. It's not too tart or acidic, and best of all, it doesn't give me mouth ulcers!

13. E45 Cream here

I had never thought of using E45 on my face until I watched one of Sabrina's (from LoveLaughMakeup) videos, and she said that it was one of the best things for her dry skin. So, when I saw it at Superdrug, I picked up a tube to try out. I use it as a night cream, and it has really helped with my dry patches. It doesn't leave my skin feeling greasy or as if there's something really heavy on your face.

14. Once Upon a Time Season 3B

The beginning of March saw Once Upon a Time return from its Winter break, and I have loved it! I like where they're going with the rest of this season, and can't wait to get further into the season.

By the way, it's just been brought to my attention about the Boots discount codes on Voucher Cloud. There are some really good codes on right now, so if you're planning on doing some online shopping at Boots.com, take a nosey and see what they've got. You can't beat a bargain!

What have some of your favourites been during the past month?

February Favourites

1. Victoria's Secret Sheer Love Fragrance Mist

This has definitely been my go to scent of February. It's a very fresh scent, but has a sweet-ness to it aswell. It reminds me a lot of Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh.

2. Urban Decay Naked3 Palette

I've been loving this ever since receiving it for Christmas. The colours are so gorgeous, and flattering. I think that this may be my favourite Naked palette. If you want to read more of my thoughts on this post, then check out my post here.

3. Soap & Glory Glow All Out Powder

I have really been enjoying using this powder throughout mid-January and all of February. It's a perfect, everyday highlighter. It's the perfect product to add a glow to your face, that isn't glitter-ball. I've got a full review here.

4. MUA Clear Mascara

I picked this up when I was in Superdrug one day. I have never been one for filling in my eyebrows, or doing much with them other than brushing them out. But, I saw this and  thought for a £1, I would try it out. I have really been liking this. It's nothing special, but just keeps my eyebrows groomed and in place all day.

5. Soap & Glory Super-Colour-Fabulipstick in The Missing Pink

This has absolutely been my favourite lipstick over the past month and half. I have got a full review coming up in the next couple of days, so I wont go into too much detail here, but I love the way this makes my lips look. It also doesn't cling to my dry patches, just seems to glide over them. As for colour, it's the perfect your-lips-but-better-shade.

6. Stila Perfect and Correct Foundation in Tone

I have really enjoyed using this foundation, ever since buying it in the January sales. I've got a full review here, which goes into more detail, but what I love most about this, is that it's a very moisturising foundation, and leaves a lovely, dewy finish. It doesn't look as if you're wearing anything either; it looks like your skin.

7. Real Techniques Duo-Fibre Contour Brush

I've been really liking this brush to apply the Glow All Out powder and just any highlighter in general. As it's duo-fibre, it doesn't pick up as much as a normal brush, so I don't need to worry as much about being too heavy-handed with the highlight, which I sometimes can.

8. Lanolips Lemonaid

I have fallen in love with this lip balm over the month of February! It is so moisturising, and I haven't had half as many problems with my dry lips as I used to have. A full review can be found here.

9. The Band Perry - Pioneer

I don't what it is, but I have been hooked on this album! Some of my favourites include: 'Don't Let Me Be Lonely', 'Pioneer' and 'I'm a Keeper'.

10. Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette - Naked2 shade

I've really been loving the Naked2 shade in this palette for filling in my eyebrows. This has been the perfect shade for my blonde eyebrows. I only use a little of this, as I'm really not a fan of the really filled in brows. I use the Real Techniques Brow Brush with this powder, and then finish off with the MUA Clear Mascara.

11. Kacey Musgraves - Same Trailer Different Park

Again, this has been a go-to album I've been hooked on during February. I tend to put this on when I'm having an afternoon blogging. My favourites are 'Merry Go Round' and 'Follow Your Arrow'.

12. Real Techniques Duo-Fibre Face Brush

This has been my favourite powder brush, really for the same reason as the contour brush. It doesn't collect as much powder as a normal brush, so it doesn't make your makeup look cakey, and overly powdered.

What have some of your favourite products been the last month?

January Favourites

1. Victoria's Secret Sheer Love Fragrance Mist here

This smells so nice! It's almost slightly parma violet-y, which I love. It's described as white cotton and pink lily, and is a very fresh scent, perfect for those fresh but cold days. It's not too overwhelming, like some of the VS fragrances can be. I think this is going to be even more loved in the Spring!

2. Divergent Trilogy by Veronica Roth here

I received this trilogy for Christmas, and probably read all three within the first two weeks of January. The books are dystopian, and follows the main character of Beatrice "Tris" Prior. If you want to read a summary than check out Veronica's blog post here. I really loved these books, and there is even a movie coming out in March/April time based on the first book, which, from the trailers, looks amazing, and I can't wait to see it!

3. Oilatum Natural Repair Face Cream here

I bought this probably about mid-December time, but fell in love with it this past month. My skin had been feeling really dry and dehydrated after I woke up, and so I thought it was time I invested in a good, intensive face cream that I could slather on at night. I saw Nic from Pixiwoo rave about this one, and thought I would try it out, and love it. It leaves my skin looking and feeling replenished. It isn't heavy and greasy, which I always worry about with a deeply moisturising moisturiser, and I hardly have any dry flakes since using it.

4. Victoria's Secret Bombshell Diamonds perfume (no longer available)

Oh man, does this smell good! It seems a very typical scent for Victoria's Secret; i.e. fruity, sweet, sexy and girly. I didn't realise at the time of buying, but this is a limited edition perfume that they come out with I think during the holiday season, or at least Winter season, so you can't buy this any longer (unless you go through ebay), so I'm sorry about that. But I do love this smell! It's meant to be inspired by the "beauty of diamonds", and has top notes of raspberry, pink pepper, passion fruit, mandarin and pear, middle notes of litchi, ginger lily, jasmine, poppy and plum, and base notes of sandalwood, musk, white amber, vanilla and cedar. I also find that it lasts a decent amount of time.

5. Shu Umera Eyelash Curler here

Again, something I received for Christmas. I have really weird eyelashes. My right eye is fine, and doesn't take much to curl at all, but on my left eye, they grow pretty much straight down, and are almost impossible to curl. That's when, after hearing so much hype about these, I decided I would like to try them out. And I can say, they are as good as everyone says! They really help to curl my eyelashes, and especially if I curl them after I've applied mascara and it's dried. I really do love these, and if you have near-impossible to curl eyelashes, then I would recommend these,

6. Victoria's Secret Strawberries and Champagne Fragrance Mist here

Surprise, surprise! Another scent that smells so good! I think this is more fruity than the others (hence the strawberries), but still has that sweetness that comes with all VS scents. It's also a lot stronger, and a lot more long-wearing. I think this would be great during the Summer months aswell.

7. Soap and Glory Super-Colour-Fabulipstick in The Missing Pink here

This has been my go-to lipstick since receiving it for Christmas. It's the perfect your-lips-but-better shade, and is extremely moisurising. It doesn't cling to dry patches and makes your lips look so good! I've got a review coming up during the next week.

8. Boots Botanics Hot Cloth Cleansing Balm here

I've been using this for a while now, and I think this has really helped with my dry-dehydrated skin. It doesn't strip my skin, just leaves it nicely cleansed and hydrated. I've got a review here if you want to read more about it.

9. One Tree Hill here

January was the month where I fell back in love with One Tree Hill. This is probably one of my favourite shows ever, and for some reason I just got the urge to rewatch all the series again starting from the beginning. If you haven't watched it, then I highly recommend you do.

That's it for my favourites for this month. Hope you enjoyed. 

2013 Favourites | Random

So this is the last of my 2013 Favourites posts/series. This one is going to cover my random favourites.

TV Show:

Game of Thrones, The White Queen, Reign

2013 was a good year for TV for me, so it was really hard for me to narrow it down to one, so settled on my top 3. I finally got into Game of Thrones this year, and ended up watching all of the seasons within 2 weeks or something! Crazy! It's such a good series, and really draws you in, as you can never guess what the writer's are going to do next. Nothing is off limits to them. Another show I really enjoyed this year was The White Queen. It's based on the book by Philippa Gregory, based at the time of the War of the Roses, telling the story of Elizabeth Woodville and Edward IV. It was a really good show, and brought out my inner history-geek. The other show that really stood out to me this year was Reign. It's based on Mary Queen of Scots, but its's not a boring history show. I find it's a slight cross between The Tudors and Pretty Little Liars, which I love.

Film:

The First Time

I first saw this film one day when there was nothing on the telly, and I was searching On Demand. I played it, and fell in love with how cute and endearing it was. It's basically about falling in love for the first time, and the ups and downs of it. It is a really sweet movie, that I would highly recommend.

Book:

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Well, I didn't read this until the last week of 2013, as it was one of the books I received for Christmas, but it was still technically in 2013, so I'm counting it! I really enjoyed reading this book, and exploring the character's and their world. It's a dystopian style book, about a new-world Chicago thats split into 5 factions, Dauntles (brave), Amity (peaceful), Abnegation (selfless), Erudite (intelligent) and Candor (honest), and a girl called Tris, who when she turns 16 must choose which faction she wants to spend the rest of her life in, except it's not that easy for Tris. If you want to find out more, than you'll have to read it yourself (or just look up spoilers online)! There's even a movie coming out in March based on this book, which I now can't wait to see.

Blog:

Makeup Savvy

Makeup Savvy has definitely been my favourite blog of 2013. Almost every day I check to see if any new posts have gone up, and really enjoy reading every single post that Fee writes. She always comes up with some really interesting and original posts aswell. If you're after a new blog to read, then check Makeup Savvy out.

Person

FleurDeForce

I love FleurDeForce's videos. Everytime I see that she has uploaded a new one, I can't wait to watch it. She always goes into a lot of detail, and her videos are really informative. I also love watching her vlogs aswell, especially Vlogmas which she did in the run up to Christmas. If you haven't already, then go check her out.

So, that's what I've been loving during this past year. I wonder what will be added to the list this time next year, and what things will take some places. 

What have been some of your favourites from this past year?

2013 Favourites | Beauty

Today's post is continuing on from my previous post about my favourite products from 2013. This post is covering the beauty spectrum (anything that isn't makeup).

Nail Varnish:

Essie Fiji, Essie Neo Whimsical, Seche Vite Top Coat

Okay, so I couldn't really choose one product for this category. I'm not a big fan of dark shades on me, so I always go for pastel/light colours. 2013 was the year that I finally caved into the hype around Essie's Fiji, and I've got to say, I know why people love it so much! It't the perfect baby pink shade. Essie Neo Whimsical is a muted sort of grey-lilac, which I loved during the Autumn and Winter. And then, 2013 was also the year I brought the highly raved about Seche Vite top coat, and fell in love with how quick it dried my nail varnish! I'm one of those who once they've painted their nails, also find things that need to be done, so this has been a life saver for me!

Perfume:

Wonderstruck by Taylor Swift

This was without a doubt my go-to perfume. I did use a few different perfumes during the year, but I always seemed to go back to this one. It's a very sweet smelling scent, quite vanilla-y with a hint of musk and sandalwood. The lasting power is quite good aswell.

Haircare:

TRESemme Instant Refresh Dry Shampoo, Frizz-Ease 3-Day Straight

These were the two stand-out haircare products that I used during the year. The dry shampoo is the best one I've used. As long as you don't go overboard, it doesn't leave the white cast on your hair like a lot of others do, and the smell isn't too offensive. It also leaves your hair feeling and looking more refreshed. The 3-Day straight is what I use to blow-dry my hair, as naturally I have long curly hair, that takes a bit of taming, so this helps to smooth and straighten my hair, and helps keep it straighter that bit longer.

Body:

The Body Shop Peach Vineyard Body Butter

I love the smell of this! It smells so good! Literally like a peach! (Hard to believe, right?!) I love anything peach scented, so fell in love with this. This scent is a limited edition scent that The Body Shop only seem to bring out at summertime, so it may be available for a few months yet. This is a really thick body butter which absorbs into the skin really quickly and leaves it completely moisturised.

Skincare:

Lacura Aqua Complete Moisturiser

This has to be one of my best finds this past year! It is a really good moisturiser. It hydrates my skin really well, leaving it looking and feeling healthy and glowing. It has an SPF of 6, so it's not the best that way, but if you use a foundation or primer with higher SPF, this shouldn't really be a problem. And the best part I find is that it's only £1.99 from ALDI!

Lip Balm:

Balmi Raspberry

I picked this up on a whim, when I was after a new lip balm and saw it was on offer, and I have to say I'm so glad I picked it up! It really helps sooth my dry lips, and keeps them hydrated for a decent amount of time. Plus it smells so good as well, like raspberry ripple ice cream!

Stay tuned for my random favourites from 2013.

2013 Favourites | Makeup

So, to round off 2013 nicely on my blog, I thought I would gather some of my favourite products from the past year, and tell you about them. This post is the makeup products, and then they'll be a beauty post (skincare, body care and haircare) and then finally a random post.

Foundation:

Rimmel Wake Me Up in True Ivory

This was my go-to foundation since I first brought it at the beginning of June. It leaves the skin with a lovely radiant finish, perfect for my skin, as it can sometimes look dull and tired. The colour match is just about perfect for me aswell.

Concealer:

Maybelline The Eraser Eye in Light

I have loved this concealer for under my eyes, as it does really help to conceal dark circles, which I suffer from. It doesn't look cakey, and it doesn't crease on me, which I find with a lot of concealers. The only disappointing thing, is the colour range, as there's only about 2 or 3 shades, so it's not good for darker skin tones.

Powder:

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in Transparent

After hearing Tanya Burr rave about this product for so long, I finally caved and bought it, and I really really liked it. It's light enough, so that it doesn't look powdery, and helps keep my makeup in place most of the day, and helps with shine-control, while not adding any extra coverage.

Blusher:

MUA Blush Perfection in Dolly

I love these MUA cream blushes! They apply so easily and nicely, and set to a lovely finish, slightly more powder than cream. Out of the shades I've tried, this is my favourite, as it seems to really suit my complexion and gives me a really nice natural flush.

Brush/Tool:

Real Techniques Buffing Brush

This has been my favourite brush to apply my foundation on with. It gives a flawless finish, blending out the foundation perfectly, and making it look like you're not wearing makeup. It also washes easily, and is so soft.

That's it for my makeup favourites of 2013. There's not a lot, but generally, on a day-to-day basis, I don't wear eyeshadow or lipstick, just a bit of lip balm. Next up will be my beauty favourites.

December Favourites

1. Daisy Eau So Fresh by Marc Jacobs here

2. MAC Groundwork Paint Pot here

3. Maybelline SuperStay 24hr Waterproof Powder in Ivory here

4. Pantene Smooth and Sleek Light Silicone Free Shampoo here

5. Frizz Ease Original Hair Serum here

6. Victoria's Secret Secret Craving fragrance mist here

7. Victoria's Secret Amber Romance fragrance mist here

8. MAC Lipstick in Hue here

9. MAC Powder Blush in Fleur Power here

10. MaxFactor Whipped Creme Foundation in Natural here

11. Stila Custom Colour Blush in Self Adjusting Pink here

12. Soap and Glory Endless Glove Moisture Mask and Cream here

My Everyday Makeup Bag

I don't know about you, but I love reading about what other people have in their everyday makeup bag. It's a great way to gain so many ideas for new products that people adore and can't live without. So, for today's post, I thought I would show you what's in mine.

This is the bag I use for my everyday makeup. I picked it up from House of Fraser sometime in June, I think. This is the large version, and they also do a small version, but I can only find the small version online here, but Ted Baker have lots of beautiful designs here.

Foundations and Primers:

Urban Decay Pore Perfecting Primer

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation in True Ivory

Witch Tinted Moisturiser in Medium

Stay Matte pressed powder in Transparent

Concealers:

Benefit Confessions of a Concealaholic

Maybelline The Eye Eraser concealer in Light

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in 3 Medium

Benefit Fake Up concealer in Light

Collection Illuminating Touch concealer in 2 Natural

Cheeks:

MUA Blush Perfection in Dolly

MUA Blush Perfection in Bittersweet

MAC Powder Blush in Fleur Power

Stila Custom Colour Bush in Self-Adjusting Pink

Eyes:

MAC Paint Pot in Groundwork

Maybelline The Rocket waterproof mascara

L'Oreal Waterproof False Lash Effect mascara

Benefit They're Real mascara

Lips:

MAC Lipstick in Hue

Maybelline Baby Lips in Mint Fresh

Tools:

Cosmopolitan Maximum Effect Lash Curler

September Favourites

1. Maybelline Baby Lips in Peach Kiss - a hydrating lip balm with a touch of colour, great for day-to-day, especially in this colder weather, and it's not too nude, so you don't look dead

2. GHD Salon Styler Wide Plate Straighteners - I've lately been going mad on straightening my hair, and I swear by these! Makes my hair so smooth, and really lasts well. I've had them for a few years now, and are still going strong

3. Rimmel Stay Matte powder - a good powder for keeping my makeup in place, and keeping my t-zone oil-free

4. MUA Blush Perfection in Dolly - a lovely natural, peachy colour that really seems to suit my skin tone. I love the texture of the MUA cream blushes, and I think this would suit everyone

5. Real Techniques Buffing Brush - I love this brush so much! Even more than the Expert Face Brush, it blends foundation into the skin flawlessly, and doesn't leave any brush marks etc

6. Balmi lip balm in Raspberry - I use this as a night-time lip balm; it's so moisturising and really leaves your lips looking and feeling lovely, and it smells amazing!!

7. Maybelline Baby Lips in Cherry Me - again, a nice, hydrating everyday lip balm with a hint of red

8. Taylor by Taylor Swift perfume - this is a slightly different scent to what I usually go with, slightly more grown-up, but still quite sweet smelling

9. Maybelline The Eraser Eye concealer in Light - this covers dark circles so well, and it also helps to treat them. Can't say I've noticed anything treatment wise, but I do love this to cover under the eyes

10. John Frieda 3-Day straight - I've been using this with my GHDs, and it just helps to keep my hair that much smoother and straighter

11. L'Oreal Telescopic Waterproof mascara - I bought this on recommendation from ViviannaDoesMakeup, and I love it! Sadly it has been discontinued, but I found this in the Boots clearance bit. Lengthens eyelashes really well, and holds a curl

12. Herbal Essences Fresh Balance Clarifying Shampoo - I use this just once a week, to make sure my hair is really clean, and there's no product build-up. It does a really great job, and it's always on offer at Boots (it's currently half price at £1.94, for a huge 400ml bottle!)

August Favourites

1. Ted Baker Large Bow Wash Bag in Black

2. Rebecca Minkoff MAC Daddy Clutch in Coral

3. Wonderstruck Enchanted perfume by Taylor Swift

4. Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

5. Real Techniques Stippling Brush

6. Rimmel Wake Me Up foundation in True Ivory

7. The Royals book series by Rebecca Bourdon

8. The White Queen TV show

9. The First Time film