A Reading List Worth Binging...

I pretty much suck at doing book posts. My reasons? I dunno, I just read whatever takes my fancy when I finish a book, and it usually gets passed on to a family member or a charity shop, so I rarely have them for long enough to take a photo. I'm probably making excuses, so I'll keep it to a minimum; I recently joined Goodreads, so if you wanna know more about what I'm reading in more detail find me there! 

 

I recently finished The Strain trilogy by Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan after getting a little obsessed with the television programme (that everyone probably missed - but should watch ASAP for old-school scary vampires.) While the second book is mostly just padding out the narrative, the others are addictive, and really hard to put down. While vampires seem like a huge cliche now, The Strain builds up a number of narratives following the plethora of characters, from different backgrounds, including CDC officials attempting to fight the "disease" and a holocaust survivor who's been fighting the vampires for years. An amazing trilogy for anyone in the market for a new book(s)...

While I'd be the billionth person to bring up Game of Thrones on the internet, I have been truly hooked on the Song of Fire and Ice series by George R.R Martin which inspired the series. I think everyone knows what it's about by now, but whether you're a fan of fantasy (for reference, I'm not!) or the television series, the books go into epic detail about the entire goings on in Westeros. And despite the huge size of the books, I guarantee you won't get bored.

Outside of a book series, I finished The Girl in 6E this weekend, written by Alessandra Torre, this book is awash with smut and blood. (This book list is making me seem like a huge weirdo, I know.) While some of the sexual content is mostly unwarranted, it can be forgiven given the underlying themes of love and isolation in this novel. I read this in less than a day, and sure it's got quite mature themes, but if you've seen/read the previously mentioned series' you've probably already seen worse.

And while I'm also late to this party, I spent the beginning of this year (nb. it was actually about 5 days, I was addicted) indulging in the entire Hunger Games series. As a young adult novel, these really are easy to read, and mostly true to the films. Being super cheap on Amazon, these are a trilogy of books you've no excuse to not pick up. I'm sure you'll become obsessed like me, and struggle to keep a secret what is going to happen in the final movie that comes out this winter...

I could go on for an age about books but these are some of my standouts from the past few months, let me know if you pick any of them up. And I'm always looking for new recommendations so do leave them for me, either here on on Goodreads!

The Latest Addiction - Caudalie Instant Detox Mask

I currently have a thing. It's a mask addiction. No, not like Mike Myers or Freddy Krueger... (although that would be cool weird, wouldn't it?) I'm addicted to beauty masks. Mostly for my face and hair, although if someone invents one for another area of the body - count me in! So I'm finding my skin in a weird place, given how temperamental British weather currently is, and I'm enjoying face masks more and more for a relaxing experience, and for an intensive skin treatment.

I've always been mix and match about my face masks, and avoid sticking it all over my face. I use a number of different types, each in different areas of my face to treat my skin, depending on what is needed most in each area. Hydrating patches under my eyes... Detox/cleansing masks for my nose and chin... acidic formulas for sloughing dead skin on my forehead...

Because who wants to be low maintenance anyway?

When I caught wind of the new reformulated (and beautifully packaged!) Caudalie face masks, I knew I had to get my mitts on a couple. I've started with the Caudalie Instant Detox Mask* which is a gel-cream, natural clay mask designed to remove impurities and toxins to have the effect of a detox on your skin within a 5 minute period. Cool, huh?! Soon as I saw that this was ideal for calming down stressed skin, I knew I needed it - because we all know I'm very rarely not stressed.

Because of it's thin texture, I find it absolutely perfect for my favourite method of application; a foundation brush. (Yup, a super cheap foundation brush is the best way to apply face masks minus getting gunk everywhere.) I wash off after about 7/8 minutes, during which the mask will feel tight on the skin as the clay drys. After removing with either my fingers or muslin cloth, my skin texture looks much more even, while pores look tighter and much less visible than previously. At the moment I get most benefits from using this once a week, but I'm sure increasing the frequency of application would work for someone with more blackheads/oilier skin types.

Without swaying my opinion for the super cute wooden cap, this Caudalie detox mask is what dreams are made of; quick to apply, smells like heaven and has visible results immediately. As they're range of four different masks are designed to be used in combinations which will make the best possible results depending on your skin issues, I can't wait to pick up some of the others. For now I'll be using this as part of my relaxation rituals, for myself and for my skin. Bonus points to Caudalie.

Double Cleansing for City Girls - Vichy Purete Thermale Range

Bad beauty blogger confession? I'm a bad cleanser. I hate the stuff, mostly because I hate spending money on it, as it's barely the most exciting of skincare products, is it? Then when you can buy things like lipstick or nail polish instead? No, I'll stick to mostly disliking cleansers. 

Vichy's Pureté Thermale range is designed to have something in the range for everybody, and to remove all the pollutants left on your skin from day-to-day life, especially of those living in the city. Pollution can have a really damaging effect on the skin, and can cause premature ageing, excess oil, blackheads, and all the horrible skin conditions you don't want...

Vichy Pureté Thermale Beautifying Cleansing Micellar Oil* - Is a completely new concept, and one that is absolutely not a novelty. We all know of Bioderma, right? The quick and easy cleanser that is gentle on the skin and as perfect as they come? Well, I think Vichy have done one better...

The micellar oil is a very lightweight, non-greasy oil which will remove stubborn waterproof makeup, as easily as it will remove excess oil and sebum from the face. Being infused with camellia oil and vitamin E, it won't strip the skin too much, and will leave skin feeling plump and hydrated without leaving any greasiness or a film on the skin. Much unlike others I've tried this didn't irritate in the slightest, around the eye area, and once washed off left no traces on my eyelashes like i'd found with other heavier oil/butter formulas.

I can't sing this products praises enough. I'm definitely enjoying this cleanser to the extent of having my faith restored and cleansers, and my negative attitude to them has gone out the window - I now love cleansing!

Vichy Pureté Thermale Fresh Cleansing Gel* - Admittedly I didn't get on as well with this one as I did with the wonderful micellar oil. It's a gel to foam formula, which is also designed to remove impurities caused by pollution, and has a host of ingredients designed to not dry out the skin. I'm a sucker for oils, butters, milks and all formulas that feel like silk on my normal skin type, so for me a foaming formula was something out of the ordinary, and had me ever so slightly too much out of my comfort zone. And to not finish on a bad note, this would be amazing for anyone with oilier skins, especially if you wanted a quick cleanse in the morning.

What do you think? Will you be picking up any of these products to remove damage from air-pollutants? I can't recommend the oil enough, and I'll definitely be stockpiling when this runs out...

New Era Beach Hair - Bumble and Bumble Surf Infusion Spray

I am a strong supporter of beach and bed hair. I love it. I'd quite happily marry it if it was a person, (weird statement of the day) but it doesn't love me. It's a strong love/hate relationship, being that I want tousled, disheveled waves every day, but most "surf" or salt sprays leave my hair feeling dirty, and nothing short of crispy, and just plain gross. And while the best I have ever tried was the infamous Bumble and Bumble surf spray, it did get left behind more often than not in favour of having soft hair.

So you can imagine my excitement when on their Instagram they started rolling out pictures of a  Bumble Surf Infusion, to join the rest of the salty, beach family. This time it's formulated with oils designed for drier and courser hairs that can't deal with the drying which can come from it's sister products...

The product inside is a "bi-phase" formula, and to activate, you shake the bottle to combine the salt and the oil. I'm not too sure if this is a gimmick, but much unlike the previous surf spray, this does look much less like you're wearing product on your hair (although I've not tried it anywhere near my roots). I wouldn't call it hydrating, but nor is it as drying as the original.

I tend to only use surf spray on hair thats already a little dirty, as I can't give up the few days of outrageously soft, freshly washed hair. If my hair doesn't already have a wave to it, I'll encourage one with my GHDs, then apply the spray or put on the surf infusion generously, tie it up in the messiest bun possible, do my makeup, et voilà - a perfectly tousled beachy, bed-head!

I would definitely recommend this to those with natural curly hair (although I've not trialled it yet on my natural texture) that tends to run drier, but also love the look of the beachy waves that seem to be taking over Pinterest. While I'll be still using the original for the days when I can do nothing with my greasy hair but make my self look like a viking, the new infusion formula will be perfect for the summer months. Now we just need the sun... (or a beach, that would work too. Volunteers?)

Plus, if you head over to Bumble and Bumble UK to buy this, you'll receive the cute waves bag pictured, with an extra dose of shampoo/conditioner samples. Just use the code "BBSURF" - and you'll also receive their standard free delivery. Pretty cool, huh?!

Nude goes permanent - Tom Ford Nude Dip Eyeshadow Review

I was completely slow on the mark last time the Tom Ford Nude Dip eyeshadow quad came out. Mostly because I was scared that starting off buying TF products would be a downhill spiral into an expensive addiction oblivion, but after getting shade and illuminate at Christmas, and it being added to the permanent line... I couldn't resist.

The shadow itself is quite a stiff formula, definitely not what you'd be expecting, but in hindsight, removes possibility of fallout, both from the pan and on your eye. While like all other eyeshadow quads, the applicators that come with it are mostly pointless, and these in particular serve only to look pretty with the TF logo on them (me... superficial? No...) But the packaging is just as slick and beautiful as what you'd expect from such a premium brand. If I wasn't terrified of carrying this around and breaking it, I'd be taking it out every five minutes just to brag.

The colours of the shadows themselves are exactly what you'd expect from a neutral palette, but a million times more beautiful courtesy of it's multi-tonal satin shades. The top row holds a frosted, golden champagne colour, and a muted copper/rose (quite similar to the likes of Mac Naked Lunch). The bottom two shades are a medium taupe, and a dark brown both with subtle warm undertones, to link the shades altogether. All the shades are well pigmented, and easy to blend, while lasting a full day (with primer) without any creasing. I can quite easily make a day appropriate smoky eye, and layer a darker shade come evening to "amp up the drama..." don't judge me based on the cliches.

If you're a fan of in your face glittery eyeshadows, and deep intense shades like that of a Mac pigment, you probably wouldn't be the biggest fans of the latest permanent addition. If you're a strong supporter of the glowing, natural look (for both day and night) you will adore this Tom Ford Nude Dip eyeshadow quad - even if it is nearly too pretty to use!

The signature style tag

So the lovely Latasha tagged me to do this "signature style" tag, and while I usually ignore tags for being a little boring... this one really caught my eye. It's basically you're go-to look, and a breakdown of the products, and while the products used can change often, it usually is mostly inspired by looking sun kissed and healthy. Shall we...

 

For the sake of making things quicker, and far less messy, I use a lot of products which are multi-purpose. Well, they may not be multi-purpose but I sure make them that way...

Full Breakdown:

- This Works Tinted Skin Miracle - in the place of a foundation, this gives skin colour and a beautiful healthy glow.

- Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage - while I only tend to need concealer under my eyes, this covers everything that needs covering.

- Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder - the ideal natural looking powder for an extra, brightening step of the under-eye area.

- Chanel Soliel Tan de Chanel - you probably get the deal with this one, but I use this for a healthy colour on my face with a fluffy brush, and use an eyeshadow brush to sweep over my eyelids for a natural definition.

- RMS Living Luminizer - same as with the Chanel bronzer, this super thick consistency "highlighter" helps to give my skin a healthy glow, and looks amazing on the lids (if you can handle the stickiness!)

- MAC Mystery eyeshadow - current go-to for my brows and eyeliner, especially after I broke my beloved grey brow colour (that was a limited edition - sob.)

- Dior Iconic Overcurl mascara - the one I've been raving about for YEARS. This mascara is truly a holy grail and does incredible things to your lashes. It cannot be beat, especially after using Shu Uemura lash curlers.

- By Terry Baume de Rose - technically skincare, yes... but this lip balm gives lips an incredible healthy sheen that will make even the most cracked and chapped lips look attractive.

So I've basically just proved how much I love emphasising healthy skin, and keeping the look as natural as possible. I do use a lot of other products too, depending on what mood I'm in, how good my skin is, etc. but these are some of my most reached for at the moment. Honorary mentions to MAC Face and Body that I usually rely on mixed with moisturiser when I'm at uni, and Chanel Illusion D'Ombre in Emerveille for when my eyelids require more shimmer.

Thanks Latasha for tagging me to do the signature style tag! I now tag Estelle, and Kirstie to do the same. Meanwhile I'm off getting myself a huge slice of chocolate cake and watching The Vampire Diaries...

The perfect face oil - African Botanics neroli-infused marula oil

I will hold my hands up high and say that I'm a snob when it comes to all kinds of products. I look with my eyes far before I come to a conclusion about the quality of the product itself. This is why I often rely on samples and trial sizes to introduce me to brands and products I wouldn't usually buy for myself. I ran out of my beloved Clarins Blue Orchid face oil much quicker than I expected as the bottle started nearing the end (*drama*) so I relied on a good few face oil samples to help me decide whether to repurchase or try something new. 

After one application of the face oil in question, I noticed the smell... the heavenly, natural scent that almost had me shaking my head around to get another whiff of the neroli. Of course, I'm talking about this incredible neroli infused marula oil by the brand African Botanics, stocked at Space NK...

The brand, while having previously slipped under my radar, has an incredible ethos of working with botanical essences to produce the best possible organic skincare solutions. This oil has a super light texture, thats filled with vitamins C, E and all the fatty acids we know are incredible for protecting the skin. I use two or three pumps depending on how much hydration I need; I find it tends to have fully soaked in after an hour, after which my face looks glowing, is well hydrated, and any redness around my jawline looks reduced and much calmer.

I've only been using this for a few weeks so far, but I'm thoroughly loving it - and I can't wait to see of the benefits to the skin from using it long-term. And knowing that there's no nasties in the product is just an added bonus!

The Anti-Discoball Highlighter - Laura Mercier Radiance Primer

I have, without a doubt, the largest love/hate relationship with highlighters. I used to have the biggest hate for them given they all reminded me of the severe Nars Albatross, Kim Kardashian look. Now I'm a touch more obsessed with them, more specifically, the glossy and dewy highlighters that make you look as if you've had 6 more hours sleep than what you've actually had. 

I've had the Laura Mercier Radiance Primer in my arsenal for years now, given its huge size, it's lasted me more than long enough as a primer to help boost the glow of my usual foundation. Now, I've found plenty more uses for this product. My favourite one?... A highlighter! Yup, radiance primers make the best, most natural-looking highlighters.   

After a full base application (foundation, concealer and setting powder) I put less than a pea-size amount on the back of my hand, warm it up a little, and (for the lack of a better word) slap it on my cheekbones, exactly where light would naturally hit. It has no visible shimmer, but the orange tones seem to perk up, and mesh with the complexion, rather than looking like the obvious glitter ball offered by most highlighters. When combined with a setting spray, it's lasting power is pretty impressive, and it will get you through the day without needing to worry about reapplication.

Another method for I sometimes use for a more subtle, all-over glow, is to mix it, half and half with your usual foundation...

I'm currently feeling a touch mean, as I can't find this in stock anywhere online! I've dropped in a link above, and for those hoping to achieve a supermodel glow, I'm sure a little waiting won't hurt - right?!  

Undeterred by Shipping Restrictions - How I got GLOSSIER in the UK (And the Rest of the World)

So when the beauty giants, Into The Gloss launched their own skincare brand, I think we all went a tad crazy, right? The teases of baby pink packaging were all over their Instagram, from them and models alike, so imagine the disappointment when you go on their site to be greeted with the; "We only ship to America" blah-blah message. GLOSSIER, YOU TEASES. DON'T DO THIS TO US! So I sulked, pouted and did all I could to not strop at them on social media (I'm kidding, I totally stropped.)

Amongst my impatience and diva stropping (if you know me, you know I'm good at that, like REALLY good. Combined with my chronic bitch-face, my diva strops are legendary) I managed to come across something I'd never heard of before... Borderlinx. They're a freight-forwarding company that gives you an American address to have your things shipped to, then they take it from there and cover customs charges to get your things shipped out within 4-6 days. While I suck at explaining things, they're really thorough, and super helpful via Twitter if you have any queries, but I cannot recommend them enough. The prices may seem a little steep, but if you're a beauty addict these things just have to be done.

While I still want them to work on their UK shipping, I guess this will satisfy in the mean time. I'm off to slap everything on my face simultaneously. So Glossier have managed out of my bad books a little, because just look at that packaging...

Expect reviews sometime soon...

One for the Contourphobes - Becca Lowlight Sculpting Perfector

Back when I first started using makeup, I made tinted moisturiser, mascara and brow pencil my best friend. I never touched eyeshadow (until the neon pink phase - but let's not go there, hey?) and lipstick was out of the question, because the texture just grossed me out. I didn't think for a second I'd be buying muddy looking creams to emphasise the very small cheekbone situation I have going on. But, here we are...

I picked up the Becca Lowlight Sculpting Perfector on yet another Space NK whim, (they're the best whims, aren't they?) expecting great things as a lover of their super popular Shimmering Skin Perfectors. This contouring cream is dubbed on their site as a "adaptive and blendable, combining the warmth of skin-authentic undertones with the coolness of a natural shadowing effect". Despite its daunting appearance in the pan, it does adapt to your skintone, and with blending will look very natural on even the palest winter skin. 

While it is called a cream, I've found it to be quite waxy in texture, and can drag a little when applied with certain brushes. I apply this straight after my foundation, using my finger to leave a stripe of colour (just enough time to let panic set in) just under my cheekbone. After doing my brows and eyes I return to the product, which should have meshed with the foundation and after some more blending with my fingers and a clean fluffy brush the look will be akin to your skin, and look completely natural. The colour is absolutely perfect, and for anyone like me, that uses all cream products for a fresh, dewy look, this will become your new best friend.

My Secret Skincare Weapon - Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Solution Review

While I am blessed with relatively good skin, I do still have my qualms like the next person; "this bit is too dark, that's too light, and UGH... those spots." I do try and keep my skincare routine as simple as it needs to be, and I even winced when the internet informed me of Korean 14 step routines last week. Yikes - FOURTEEN STEPS? This is exactly why I try and pick products that pack a punch...

The Kiehls Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution is something I picked up a while ago, on a complete "I can't resist SpaceNK" whim, not expecting much, but enamoured by the simplicity of the packaging. While it doesn't look like much, this serum brightens the skin, by fading any unsightly dark spots, and evening out the texture to make your skin feel like (for the lack of a better analogy) a baby's bottom. I've tried a good few of the serums that claim to brighten the skin, but none have performed as well as this, and I constantly find myself going back to it eventually. I'd say you've found a winner when it costs £36, but you'll happily throw the money at the sales assistant. (N.B. I do not actually throw money at strangers)

So if you're still in a winter skin slump, or simply looking to spruce up your skincare regime, I can fully vouch for this beauty from Kiehls. (Also, their SPF is amazing whilst you're at it)

Have a good weekend folks!

Beating Dull Winter Skin

I couldn't have picked a more relevant time to write this if I tried. The ground outside is covered in a layer of ick (formally known as snow, but I much prefer it's new name) and I've been donning a sheet mask, which made me look like a murderer, thanks for asking. All because of the evil season, Winter. While buying a new coat is usually exciting, nothing else about this freezing cold season is. Everyone cranks the heating up, and your skin dries out until it resembles a flaky desert. So I figured I'd share the couple skincare bits I've been turning to to look less like a horror movie character... 

I always underestimate Clarins as a brand, so it was quite surprising for me to realise just how often I use their products during the winter period. Their Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil is well raved about, and for good reason. It's a lightweight face oil, which hydrates much more than a moisturiser alone, or can be mixed with a moisturiser to make it slightly more hydrating. My favourite method of application is to take about four drops and massage them into my face with my fingers, then with the Body Shop Facial Massager to encourage the products to absorb into the further layers of my skin. The Radiance booster is ideal, as it's a self tan designed to be customisable, of which comes in handy during winter, meaning I can put one drop into my moisturiser, and have my skin appear less sallow, but without looking as if I'm overly tanned.

Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre and Avene's Thermal Spring Water are ideal products for day-time use, encouraging your makeup to have a good, well-hydrated base to avoid it clinging to any dry patches. My technique varies with these two, depending on just how dry my skin is, and whilst my techniques may make professional make-up artists cringe, my experimental application tends to work well for my skin. The moisturiser can be used heavily under a base, or can be mixed in as a DIY tinted moisturiser. If the moisturiser doesn't go far enough by itself, I use the thermal water prior to or post base to ensure it is hydrated, which helps to ensure the makeup is even and helps provide that dewy look we all long for.

I won't push drinking water, as I know it's a cliche. But it really does work...

Somewhat of a Haul

It is somewhat a rite of passage for bloggers to do a Christmas haul, isn't it? I feel like I've broken the rules as I'm not actually sharing my Christmas presents, instead, more of my excessive online shopping habits. "Well, those Debenhams beauty card points aren't going to spend themselves, are they?!..." 

I have wanted to pick up Tom Ford's Shade and Illuminate palette for what seems like forever, but constantly put it off for fear of sparking an obsession with the excessively expensive Tom Ford beauty range the same way I did with Chanel. As of right now I'm enamoured by this palette (as you can probably see from the smeared finger marks, I got impatient waiting for daylight to get blog photos done) but I feel like any obsession is kept well under control. Or maybe that is just cause I'm projecting my obsessions elsewhere? Who knows? 

I also picked up Laura Mercier's Secret Camoflage concealer palette, probably a tad too dark considering I usually wear lighter than my skin-tone concealer, but the thickness and quality of this product is like no other. It lives up to it's camoflage name, it will absolutely make any dark circles or blemishes disappear.

So, I ran all of these photos through Photoshop to resize them, and have only just noticed myself making an appearance in this photo. I'm clearly easier to find than Wally.

I've done all the Naked Urban Decay palettes now, I was underwhelmed by Naked 2, but the third offering is incredible and gets used very often by me. Naturally, I had to explore a bit more into the palette that sparked the whole obsession with their Naked range, didn't I? Half Baked, Sin and Sidecar are my current go-to shades, but if anyone has any combinations they'd recommend, do send them my way!

The Bobbi Brown Smoky Nudes palette attracted my attention before Christmas, despite being another neutral palette, it's elegant charm came from the super cute pull out drawer and incredible tortoiseshell packaging design. The quality of these is incredible, and this palette is much more compact than most, whilst not suffering on the quality of the shadows themselves or colour selection.

If you ever wanted to buy an eyeshadow palette to just ogle, this would be it...

And it wouldn't be a haul of mine without Dior or Chanel, would it? I picked up two of the standout shades from the new Spring Kingdom of Colours Collection, Le Vernis in Lady and Rouge Dior Baume in Belle de Printemps. As with all the other reformulated Dior nail polishes, the lasting power is incredible, the shine is similar to that of a gel, and the colour Lady, is just that, an elegant ladylike mauve shade. The lip balm seems to get different shade descriptions just about everywhere it is described, in my opinion, its a beautiful pink/coral shade, not too dissimilar to my favourite balm; Clinique's Mighty Mimosa. Not sure whether this collection is widely available yet or not, I picked mine up from Selfridges online.

I also picked up two of the Nars Audacious lipsticks, which can fully be blamed on Tasha, as it's her penchant for Nars that had me lusting after these two shades, Julie and Anita, like nothing else. I haven't tried Anita yet, but the quality of them is incredible, and the magnetised bullet feature has me embarassingly excited. (No shame.)

Lookfantastic had some incredible offers on before Christmas, so I filled up my basket to the extent of it reaching nearly £300 before I realised that is outright ridiculous, and went about culling my basket down to things I need want. I picked up the Aveda Smooth Infusion in an attempt to calm down my corkscrew curls and frizz to something that might resemble a beach wave (wishful thinking) and the Kerastase mousse in an attempt to control the frizz I do get. Do you remember mousse? I can't believe it still exists. This one is so far from the stuff I used to slap all over my hair until it was crispy in my teens. I think the saying "you get what you pay for" applies...

And thanks to BeautyBay no longer stocking LDN Skins, I'm in the market for a new tinted light tanner that I can build up, and have last longer than the mediocre 5-7 days of a proper self tan. It's hard work being pasty pale, but hopefully the new St Tropez tanning oil and Cocoa Brown Gradual tan can help me out a bit. Fingers crossed.

So there you have some of my more exciting purchases recently. At least the ones that have arrived, I'm still waiting on a Free People and a Levi's order to show up. I'm impatient, and the waiting for parcels period is the worst. Can every company have next-day delivery, please?

A Venture into Burberry

Upon discovering Boots' latest brand arrival; Burberry, I got super excited. As a brand I'd wanted to try since they first came on the scene, they were pretty inaccessible and where only available in the online stores that cost a near fortune on delivery. Face it, Net-a-Porter, if we're going to spend £5+ it isn't going to be on delivery!

I'm 100% aware that Latasha is going to kill me for this post, as she already wants both of these products, but I just had to share them as they are so beautiful, and incredible quality!

I had a near fortune to spend in advantage card points so I decided to treat myself to their Lip Mist in Feather Pink, and their nail polish in Ash Rose. I'm so glad I did as these two are going to become definite staples in my routine, as such neutral, ladylike shades, appropriate for all times of the year. 

The Lip Mist formula is similar to that of a gel, and offers a sheer tint of colour, whilst moisturising to keep the lips looking hydrated and healthy. When applied it lasts a couple of hours, similar to what you'd expect from a lip balm, the colour is the cliche' "your lips but better" shade, and so fades away into a nice tint, which can either be topped up, or left to fade away completely.

The polish formula is quite thin, and requires 3 coats, and the bottle size is also smaller than average, so they don't quite live up to the exceptional quality of Dior polishes, but they are still equally amazing. My nails chip like crazy, and this lasted four days without any chips, until I took it off wanting to go for another colour. It took me 24 hours to put this beautiful nude pink shade with tones of grey back on my nails. I'm obsessed!

A Christmas Gift for *Nearly* Everyone

Don't get too worried, this isn't the beginning of a hundred gift guides. "Gift guides for your cat." NICE. I picked myself this little set up last week and couldn't help but share it. I'm sure there's not many people that wouldn't love receiving it, its elegant, pretty, and simply one of the best mascaras out there. 

This set is priced at the same price as the mascara alone, so the value for money is amazing. With the sleek packaging and bonus product, it will look like a much better (and more expensive) gift than just a mascara. The dinky little palette is a neutral one called Montaigne with both warm coral and brown tones. Pretty much my perfect kind of eye colour.

I confessed my love for Dior's Iconic Overcurl AGES ago, and you can catch that here if you're interested, but don't laugh. 

It's currently available for £22.05 on Debenhams website, including their 10% off. If you're stuck for a gift for any woman, I can guarantee that they will love this! Happy Christmas shopping...

Currently Loving

Without a doubt I've started about 50% of my posts by apologizing for a lack of posting because some form of technology has failed on me. This time? My laptop. I decided that silk bedding and silk leggings was a good idea... It isn't, it's like a slip and slide. Hopefully it will be fixed soon and I can get back to blogging. I miss it.

But in case you hadn't noticed, I'm officially self-hosted! I made the move last week as it was the only thing I could do with my iPad. I'm now lyonnotes.co.uk which will hopefully clear up the is it "Lyon" or "Lyons" confusion. I'm oddly excited, it looks so much more slick without the blogspot.

I managed to get this sneaky one done on my old laptop. It's (incase you hadn't worked out yet) a couple of things I'm absolutely loving recently.

Chanel Les 4 Ombres in #234 La Poesie - If there was ever an eye quad that was my eyeshadow preferences encapsulated, this would be it. It's lovely baked formula gives off an ideal amount of pigment, and as you'd expect from Chanel, there's no glitter in sight, just small flecks of shimmer which look like an incredible satin shade when applied. The shades are a warm tan, ivory, a dark smokey brown/plum and a soft lilac/pink (all are shimmer). This is surprisingly my first Chanel eye quad and I definitely would buy more. Be quick if you want one, these are limited edition.

Diptyque L'Ombre Dans L'Eau EDP - After a nightmare time trying to find a Jo Malone fragrance I liked, I went to the opposite end of the elegant perfume spectrum and went for Diptyque. I had smelled this in store before and refused to admit that I could wear anything other than overly feminine, floral scents. This is much more masculine that what I normally wear, and for that reason I love it. It's an ideal switch up for winter, and it's long-lasting strong scent lingers for just the perfect amount of time. As my first foray into Diptyque I can truly see the beginning of a love affair...

Eve Lom Kiss Mix - I have to give the beautiful Latasha credit for this one. She got it as a free birthday gift in Space NK whilst we were shopping and was enough of a babe to give it to me. Ever since I've been obsessed with the menthol type scent, and lightweight, hydrating texture. Take note; a Tasha recommendation is a GOOD recommendation.

Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in #40 La Sensuelle - I caught a glimpse of this online and decided to have a quick nosey in Debenhams at how good it is. I fell in love at first sight. Bit excessive for just a lipstick? No. This matte finish, highly pigmented wine-red shade is ideal for blotting into a stain (my preferred type of application) or layered for a full effect deep winter berry lip. I've had so many compliments when I wear this, and I think I've just become a convert to dark lips and to the Rouge Allure formula - amazing!

Wishing and Wanting #9

1- Acne Jensen Boots 2- Bobbi Brown Smokey Nudes Palette 3- Rosie for M&S Satin Pyjamas 4- Diptyque Mimosa Candle 5- Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate 6- Diptyque L'Ombre Dans L'Eau EDP

Words cannot describe how much I want those ankle boots. They're literally the most perfect boot. The question is, would I actually wear them or be terrified of ruining a pair of £390 boots?

Bobbi Brown have just released their new Smokey Nudes collection and this palette is a stunning little sliding compact with a mix of matte and shimmer shades. It's gorgeous, I seriously want! Keeping to the makeup theme, how luxurious is Tom Ford's Shade and Illuminate? It's one of those things you wouldn't even consider buying for yourself but if the right person just chose to gift you with supermodel cheekbones...

Since winter is coming I may aswell stock up on pretty PJs and candles too, right? I've just ran out of my beloved Neal and Wolf candle so I'm looking for something as pleasant and comforting to fill the void.

Brow 101 with Eylure

Brows are one of those things that when we were growing up, just existed. We plucked them, a lot. And other than that, we just didn't care about them too much. It's only recently that having perfect brows has become one of the things we lust after most. 

Eylure Brow Stencils* - £4.95

These are the thing I got most excited about when Eylure launched their new brow range, the pack of brow stencils. Despite them not seeming too exciting, I have a serious case of wonky brow, and both look like they belong on different people so I'm constantly trying to get a teeny bit more symmetry. I know "brows are sisters, not twins" but what if they were to be twins, just not of the identical variety? And I can't just simply go to a salon, because truthfully I don't trust anyone around my eyebrows where wax is involved.

Each pack provides four stencils, Slim, Medium, High and Full arch, each providing a different arch and thickness. I like to alternate between full and medium to help shape my brows in the way most similar to my natural brow shape. I place the stencils over each brow and shade in heavily with my usual brow powder. When I remove the stencil I'll be left with a terrifyingly uniform slug on my face that means I can get go happy with the tweezers.

These are working so well for me, and I truly recommend them to anyone with fuller brows that's halfway to terrified by the idea of a beautician doing them.

Eylure Brow Nourishing Oil* - £8.45

Slap me if I'm wrong, but I do believe this is one of the first brow growth products from a high-street, popular brand? Given most brow oils and growth promoters are on the costly side of things, the Eylure one makes a nice purse friendly addition to anyone's routine. Rosemary oil is one of the main ingredients, which will help promote blood circulation, thus helping the hair follicles grow healthily and stronger. I have noticed that my brows seem to be growing better than normal since using this, and I've been having to trim them more often. I'm not sure if after using this nightly for about 4 weeks I should be seeing serious results, but I would say they're definitely healthier and much more manageable. Plus, my skin surrounding the brow seems to be getting less irritated by my hair removal methods since starting using this oil. 

Eylure Brow Trio in Dark Brown* - £9.95

Brow palettes are one of those things that I cannot get enough of. As much as I love using MAC eyeshadows and my Anastasia Brow Gel, having everything in one place makes everything seem so much easier. This includes a wax, a coloured powder and a highlighting powder, which is completely new to me, as I've never to this date felt the need to highlight under my brow.

I applied this in the same way I would normally (with my usual brushes, instead of the one included) with an angled brush and brushed through with a spoolie to soften any harsh lines. I then went in with the highlighting powder on the angled brush provided and blended out with a fluffy brush. This made a HUGE difference, and it really made my brows look much more defined, and it seemed to cover up any of the fine "baby" type hairs under my brow. To finish off, I slicked some of the wax on lightly to set my brows and brush upwards. After this my brows stayed defined from morning to night and never strayed, because face it, eyebrows sliding to your cheekbones isn't a good look.

Eylure Permanent Tint for Brows (Single Application)* - £9.95

Ok, confession... I haven't used this. Last time I used an Eylure dye I had a really bad reaction so I decided not to risk it. My Aunt soon swiped this off my hands and slicked it on her brows, using the teeniest amount of product and finding it went way further than anticipated. So despite the single use claims, if you're careful when squeezing out the product you should get at least 3 applications (but don't hold me to it). I'm usually her brow guru, and she usually goes for a black tint which can look unnatural, so leaving on a dark brown for a minute longer develops into a beautiful deep brown/black which helps to give the appearance of thicker and more defined brows.

And there's just what can only be described as a snippet of my high-maintenance eyebrows, if you're interested in knowing the rest; the tweezing, trimming and shaping, let me know!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend! Lots of love.

NEW IN : Iconemesis Phone Cover

iPhone cases are one of those accessories that really should be as pretty as your handbag, but I seem to only ever buy one every few months when the previous one falls apart. Why should all my other accessories get so much attention, when the one thing I always carry around is my phone? Truthfully, I don't know but when Iconemesis offered to send me a new case over I squealed in excitement at the opportunity to throw away my old and battered Giovanna Battaglia case.

I chose this incredible illustrated skull design on a white background to match my white phone...  

Skull case - Iconemesis

The case itself is a thick sturdy plastic that's thick enough to feel like it offers protection for your phone, but not that thick that you look like you work on a building site. Much unlike some of the other more outrageous cases I've had, I would be very happy to pull this out of my pocket (I had a case with bunny ears and a tail not so long ago). I can't recommend this brand enough for good quality cases, and equally incredible designs.

Now, to go and watch some old episodes of The Vampire Diaries. Started rewatching these as I was sick, now I'm obsessed again. Thank God for DVD boxsets...

Lighten Hair Minus the Dye - John Frieda Lightening Spray Review

You know one of those things that just crops up every now and then and you become completely obsessed with it and talk about it that much that everyone around you notices and gets reasonably fed up with you? THAT. I'm so obsessed with the John Frieda Go Blonder spray that I've been practically screaming it's praises from the rooftops. Here's why... 

You all know by now that I went from being the darkest brown to a blonde in almost one swoop, right? Well, I've been a blonde for over two years now, and I'm still not sure if blondes do have more fun, but I'm sure of one thing; roots are a pain in the arse. Excuse my French, but they are, right? They look dreadful, and with my hair being a really warm toned blonde my roots always look extra mousy, and just all-round horrible. So upkeep can be quite the pain.

I've spent so many hours scouring the internet to find a product or natural way of lightening my hair, and all of them are either ridiculous or don't sound very sanitary. As I was beginning to give up, I came across John Frieda's Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Controlled Lightening Spray. It has a small amount of peroxide to help send your hair in the right direction when it comes to lightening. It's activated by heat, so the blow-drying and straightening we usually do to look pretty has its benefits where this spray is concerned. 

I apply this in different ways, depending on what parts of my hair need brightening. To blend my roots in; I wash my hair then section off my hair, spray directly to my roots then use a fine-toothed comb to distribute the product further down the hair to avoid any patchy areas. To apply all over, I wash my hair (this product should only be used on wet hair) and brush it carefully, parting where I usually part my hair, and holding about 30cm away before brushing my hair through again.  

You can use this in numerous ways, for root touch up, highlights or all-over lightening, giving you the versatility that you want when it comes to your hair. This would be ideal for people like me, wanting their roots to blend in, or for people wanting to freshen up (or make) an ombre or balayage effect on their hair.

Since using this my hair has been in a much better condition from not constantly applying dyes to upkeep the colour. I've lost counts of how many times I've been complimented, and my family have asked whether I've lightened my hair. I'd say the proof is in the pudding, but I didn't take any before pictures, because I truly didn't think that it would work. I was completely incorrect and for fellow blondes, this is a game-changer.