Beauty Additions

Having said that there will be less beauty posts this year – here is a beauty post! A few things have been added to my beauty stash over the Christmas period and I thought I'd keep you up to date.

1. Nails Inc x Victoria Beckham

Bill spied a twitter conversation between my friend and I saying how excited we were about the news of VB collaborating with Nails Inc and so I opened up this little parcel on Christmas Day. He also told me that he thought the colours would match the Louboutins he got for my birthday, he's a good egg! The bottles are substantial, the matte finish feels really sophisticated and the brush is perfectly shaped but more importantly, the colours, formula and longevity of the polishes are just fantastic (especially considering my gym training). Bamboo White is a classy nude, perfect for any occasion and Judo Red is the red you've spent all your life looking for but didn't think actually existed.

2. Nuxe Réve de Miel Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm

I've had this before and had run out but as I have PLENTY of other lip balms I didn't want to repurchase. Problem being, this stuff is incredible. I'm going skiing in February and as my lips can get really sore, I just couldn't leave this behind.

3. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo[+]

YouTubers, Bloggers and friends have been raving about this stuff for a while but I really wasn't all that bothered. However, as you know, the end of last year was quite a stressful time for me and my skin really didn't cope very well so I decided to give it a go. I LOVE this product. Red marks and dark spots are (very, very, VERY nearly) non-existent, pimples haven't had a chance and my skin is brighter and more even.

4. Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne

I think Bill was looking forward to Christmas Day just so I could open this and finally shut up about it! I don't know why I like it so much, it's really got a hold of me though.

What isn't shown in this photo is the new Real Techniques Expert Face Brush that I picked up yesterday for free, those Boots points are magical things! It's a straight swap for an older Expert Face Brush, I'd had it for about two years (?) but even with regular washing I think it's a good idea to replace the brushes you use every day.

Now you've had a little time to try them, what is your favourite product that was acquired over the holidays?

XO

 

I get distracted by shiny things…

It's party season and that means plenty of glitter!

Night Market Clutch On a night out I'm not one of those girls that takes their whole make up bag, an extra pair of tights, a hairbrush, snacks, a box of mints, perfume and the kitchen sink… I only need a small bag to fit the essentials and a cute sequin one does the job very nicely.

True Decadence Blue Baroque Sequin Dress Perfect for a slightly more formal Christmas party, baroque print adds a certain element of class.

Christian Louboutin Pigalle Don't go overboard on the sparkle so keep the shoes classic. Is there anything more classic than red soles?

Sugarhill Boutique Metallic Dress This dress has a metallic front but a navy back and that works pretty well for me. Sometimes all over metallic/sequins/glitter/sparkle/shimmer can be a bit much, ya know?

Lulu Guiness Gold Glitter Lips Clutch Im a fan of accent accessories, means you can keep the rest of the outfit quite simple so useful for the nights when you're on a tight schedule. I also think it's better to spend money on hightlighting pieces that bring an oufit together.

Topshop Velvet Lace Back Playsuit They also do this playsuit in the tall section so I might actually be able to wear it! We're going to London at the end of the month so I want to go into the store and try it on, I've been looking for something nice to spend my birthday money on – this might be it!

River Island Red Skort I'd style this skort with a black sheer blouse and a bold red lip, v Christmassy.

Topshop PU Asymmetric Wrap Skort Winter allows for something a bit spicier. You could wear this in the daytime too with a chunky knit and boots.

Carvela Kurt Geiger Lacey If Louboutins aren't in your budget then you'll want to find some nice alternatives. Cheap 'leather' shoes are really obvious so opt for a 'satin' or 'suede'.

Miss Selfrdige Green Sequin Pencil Skirt Yes, it's green but I think there's something quite Jessica Rabbit about this skirt. It's slinky and but really rather modest too. Although, you could wear it with plunged neckline if you want to ramp up the sexy..

If you you're still struggling then ASOS have a gorgeous selection of party pieces!

XO