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

 

Winter Beauty Essentials

You may have seen in my Autumn Essentials that I included just a couple of beauty products, Zoe (from ZoFlo) suggested that I expand and do a dedicated post to Winter beauty essentials so that’s exactly what I’m doing…

(Lip balm and waterproof mascara still stands by the way!)

MOISTURISER

Moisturiser is important all year round but it find that the winter really dries my skin out and can leave it feeling sore, especially when it’s been blasted by cold winds. The Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief is possibly my all-time favourite but the Simple Kind to Skin Replenishing Rich Moisturiser is a lot cheaper and still does a good job, it definitely lives up to ‘kind to skin’.

Why such long names though?!

NAIL POLISH

O.P.I – Black Cheery Chutney

Essie – Beyond Cozy

Dark nails are super sexy but still sophisticated and classy but either see a nail technician or paint VERY carefully, badly painted dark nails just look trashy. If you’re rubbish at painting and don’t have the time/money to go to a salon then glitter it is. The other bonuses of glitter polish are that 1. it dries pretty quickly and, 2. smudge it and you can’t tell.

HAND CREAM

 

L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream

Hemp Hand Protector | The Body Shop (p.s. I think this one is particularly brilliant)

As with moisturiser/your face, your hands suffer a lot in the colder months. Look after them, your hands often age faster than your face so don’t forget them! Lovely stocking fillers too!

DARK LIP

My favourite red – Chanel Rouge Coco Hydrating Crème Lip Colour in Gabrielle

Cult favourite berry – Rimmel Kate Matte Lipstick in 107

Christmassy red, a velvety plum or a sultry berry. A bold lip brightens up a dull day! Darker shades suit me more, I look too much like Barbie with bright summer colours!

EYELINER

Rimmel Scandal Ryes Waterproof Kohl Liner

Barry M Bold Waterproof Eyeliner

I’m not really a fan of eyeliner in the warmer months because I think it can look a bit much but I like to take things up a notch for winter nights/Christmas parties. Word of warning – use wisely, lemurs are cute but you’re a human.

What’s on your essentials list for winter?

XO