Lush Halloween 2018

Happy Halloween everyone! Instead of going out trick or treating this year I'll be chilling in the bath tonight with some of these products from the Lush Halloween 2018 collection. Lush are one of the few brands that actually bother to bring out Halloween products so I always look forward to seeing what goodies they have on offer. Last weekend I finally managed to pop over to Leeds & pick up a few treats. The main thing I wanted to buy was the Bewitched gift set. For £26.95 you get a soap, a bath bomb & two bubble bars along with a fantastically spooky knot wrap. They have loads of different limited edition bath products for Halloween but in my opinion this set features some of the best smelling products & the design of the reusable packaging was just too cool to resist!



Lord Of Misrule Bath Bomb (£4.25)
I don't often buy bath bombs anymore as I prefer the moisturising qualities of bubble bars but Lord Of Misrule is a Halloween treat that's not to be missed! When you first put it in the bath, this bomb turns the water into a creepy shade of slime green. As it continues to fizz the bomb cracks open to reveal a pink centre which creates some gorgeously gross looking bath art. It also has popping candy inside which crackles as the bath bomb dissolves. Once fully dissolved the entire bath turns a deep wine colour. It's a really fun bath bomb to watch! Of course the best part is the smell. The powerful scent comes from a spicy herbal blend of patchouli & black pepper oil along with vanilla for sweetness. It's warming & relaxing, perfect for a cosy night in.



Ghost In The Dark Soap (£5.95)
There's much more to this adorable little ghost soap than meets the eye. If you get him wet, he actually glows in the dark! Not a huge amount but it's still a fun gimmick for Halloween. Lemongrass & bergamot are two of my favourite fragrances so I really love the smell of this soap. It's a tangy & sweet citrus scent that lingers on your hands or body for ages. The soap lathers up well & feels creamy on the skin. Solid soaps can be quite drying but Lush make some truly lovely ones & Ghost In The Dark is no exception.



Bewitched Bubble Bar (£4.95)
It wouldn't be Halloween without a black cat! This bubble bar features frankincense & bergamot oil to make your bath smell completely magical. It's sweet & woody, fruity & refreshing and unlike anything I've tried from Lush before. Like most bubble bars it can be crumbled in parts to make it last longer but if you only use a little bit the water will turn a weird grey colour which isn't the prettiest thing to look at. I'd recommend using the whole thing to turn the bath water fully black. Bewitched creates a ton of bubbles & it made my skin feel super soft. I hope that Lush come out with more products using this scent as it's very unique & something I'd love to experience more often.



Sparkly Pumpkin Bubble Bar (£4.75)
This bubble bar was the product that made me want to visit Lush at Halloween in the first place. I love anything sparkly or pumpkin related so this little beauty has been calling my name for a while. This is definitely the messiest product in the set as it's covered everything else with orange glitter but at least it'll be a lot of fun to use in the bath tonight. Sparkly Pumpkin turns your bath water a rich orange colour & creates mountains of skin softening bubbles. The blend of juniperberry, lime & grapefruit oils is truly gorgeous. It's a combination of warming spices & uplifting citrus zing. This bubble bar is the ultimate Autumnal treat, I just wish it was available all year round!




Magic Crystals Body Scrub (£10.95 / 300g)
Lush have also brought out two new body scrubs with their Halloween collection but these products will be joining their permanent lineup. They kindly demonstrated both products on my skin in store but I still couldn't decide which one I liked best. Thankfully they gave me a sample pot of Magic Crystals so I could test it out properly at home. I'm a big fan of Lush's body scrubs because they use salt as a base & always have the most gorgeous scents. Magic Crystals is really special because of the bright purple colour, it definitely looks like something a witch would brew up in a cauldron. The scrub smells strongly of mint with a hint of aniseed. It features menthol crystals, spearmint oil & peppermint oil for a really refreshing polish that will make your skin tingle all over. The scrub is made from fine sea salt & Epsom salts so it's great for rubbing over your muscles after the gym. They've also infused the scrub with fresh rosemary & sage which have antimicrobial properties to help cleanse the skin. The consistency of this scrub is quite thin but this means that you only need to use a little bit each time. Magic Crystals leaves my skin feeling soothed, soft & tingly fresh so this mystical minty blend is well worth trying out.





Scrub Scrub Scrub Body Scrub (£12.95 / 300g)
Even though I loved how incredibly soft Magic Crystals made my skin feel, I eventually decided to purchase a full size pot of Scrub Scrub Scrub. The juicy blackcuurant scent was utterly irresistible & is very similar to the fragrance of their Comforter bubble bar. In the pot it kinda smells like Wine Gums but the full fruity power is unleashed once you apply it to your skin. Scrub Scrub Scrub is a great release for Halloween because the pitch black colour is certainly a bit spooky. The scrub is black because it contains powdered charcoal as well as fine sea salt so it does a brilliant job of exfoliating your skin. Charcoal deeply cleanses the skin, absorbs excess oils & has antibacterial properties. The dark crystals are also infused with toning rosemary, grounding pine & refreshing buchu oils. It gently polishes & buffs away dead skin cells, leaving your whole body feeling baby soft. The consistency is much thicker than Magic Crystals but again a little goes a long way. The gorgeous blackcurrant scent really lingers on the skin & transforms your bathroom into a magical place. The only thing that's not so magical about this product is the mess it leaves behind in the shower. Cleaning up afterwards is a small price to pay for the beautiful fragrance & wonderfully soft skin. This is one of Lush's very best body scrubs & if you're a fan of The Comforter, you will absolutely love Scrub Scrub Scrub!




Bewitched Knot Wrap
Lush sell lots of different knot wrap designs but this one is exclusive to the Bewitched gift set. Witches & cats aren't just for Halloween so I'll be more than happy to use it all year round! It's made from 100% organic cotton & is the perfect gift wrap alternative. We waste so much paper when wrapping presents so this long-lasting, reusable packaging is an awesome addition to this gift set. You can reuse it as a scarf, a bag or a tea towel but my favourite way to wear a knot wrap is as a cute & quirky headband. I love the neon green & pink colours which complement the Lord Of Misrule bath bomb. It's a great way to brighten up any outfit & do your bit for the planet at the same time.

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November Favourites

Anastasia DipBrow Pomade in Medium Brown
I love love love the Anastasia Beverly Hills products and her DipBrow Pomades are one of the best things to ever happen to my eyebrows. Now that I have this in Medium Brown instead of Blonde, the colour is spot on for my natural brows. The formula is just incredible. It's very creamy and easy to work with which means that you can sculpt your eyebrows into any shape you desire. You only need a teeny tiny amount as it is super pigmented. I like to use it with the Anastasia #12 brush as it doesn't lay the pomade down as thickly as other brushes. Once applied it won't budge all day long, it is totally waterproof & smudge-proof. I especially like that it adheres to the brow hairs and not just the skin underneath. The result is a very clean & precise yet natural looking pair of brows. This stuff will revolutionise your brow game forever. Read my full review here.

Lush Charity Pot
This moisturiser is called Charity Pot because 100% of the price goes towards a good cause. Each pot comes with a different label on the lid showing who you will be donating to by purchasing this moisturising lotion. I went for the Gloucestershire Against Badger Shooting pot because I think badgers are cute & it's wrong to cull them. It's really great that Lush are doing this & it's a such a lovely moisturiser too. You can use it on both your hands and body. The texture is quite thick & features a plethora of hydrating oils so I mainly use it on my hands or any dry areas like my knees & elbows. It makes my skin feel silky soft & has such a beautiful scent. It's a mix of moringa, geranium, rosewood & ylang ylang oil with a hint of vanilla - so good! They also sell samples of this in their little lip balm tins for £1 so you can just try it out. It's well worth investing in a bigger pot though as this is a brilliant moisturiser for the Winter & you're helping out a good cause at the same time!

Label.m Texturising Volume Spray*
I'm really into these dry texturising sprays. They're like a cross between a dry shampoo and a hairspray but without any gross residue, stickiness or crispy bits. Label.m products are a staple backstage at London Fashion Week and this Texturising Volume Spray is one of their best creations. I like to use this when my hair is looking a bit flat for an instant burst of volume. It feels lightweight yet the hold is impressive, leaving my hair looking big & bouncy all day long. It adds some sexy texture and definition to my locks whilst absorbing any excess oils. It's a great choice if your hair feels too soft after washing & lacks the grit to do anything with it. I'm not too keen on backcombing my hair as it can be quite damaging so I always spritz this in my hair instead when it's needed as visually you get the same effect. The price is very reasonable too in comparison to the Oribe Dry Texturising Spray or the Bumble & Bumble Thickening Dryspun Finish.

The Library Of Fragrance Pistachio Ice Cream*
This new range of single note fragrances is simply amazing. If you've not checked out The Library Of Fragrance yet then you're really missing out. These perfumes are such good quality for the price and along with the regular floral scents they also have some wonderfully strange ones in the collection. I'm really into their foodie scents. Who wouldn't want to smell like fresh waffles, apple pie or marshmallows? The Pistachio Ice Cream perfume smells exactly like real pistachio ice cream - sweet, creamy & nutty. It's utterly delicious & a whole lot cheaper than the Laura Mercier Creme de Pistache perfume. The best part is that you can mix and match these to create your own bespoke scent. Is it bad that I pretty much want to buy every single one? Read my full review here.

MeMeMe Long Wear Satin Lip Cream in China Rose
This beautiful soft pink lipstick is basically a drugstore dupe for MAC Creme Cup. Not just in colour but in texture, scent & finish too. Due to the inclusion of shea butter & vitamin E, this lipstick feels really moisturising on the lips & applies very smoothly. Long Wear is a bit of a misnomer as the texture is too creamy to stay put all day. I'd say it lasts about 2-3 hours before needing a touch up but that's fine by me! The pretty pink colour & glossy finish make this my ideal everyday lipstick. Read my full review here.

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August Favourites

Bourjois Instant Dry Nail Drops
The last time I went to the hairdressers I discovered that they had set up a DIY nail bar so that you could spruce up your nails whilst waiting for your colour to develop. It's such a genius idea & I had a lot of fun playing with all the products. I'd never tried nail drying drops before but one use was enough to convert me. At the salon I used the Essie Quick-E Fast Drying Drops but when I went to Boots afterwards I spotted this Bourjois version which was a bit cheaper. This product is basically a clear liquid that you drip onto your nail beds with the pipette to dry them off in a matter of seconds. I never have time to sit around waiting for my nails to dry properly so products like this are essential to me. I use a couple of drops per nail to make sure that everything has been covered & my polish dries off super fast. The oily texture also nourishes your nails & cuticles so it's a brilliant way to finish off your manicure.

Bumble & Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Primer
I absolutely adore Bumble & Bumble's Hairdressing Invisible Oil. It makes such a difference to my damaged hair. That magical blend of coconut, sweet almond, grapeseed, safflower seed, macadamia nut & argan oils literally works miracles. Bumble & Bumble recently expanded this line by bringing out three new products. I think that their shampoos & conditioners are way too expensive but their styling products are little bit more affordable. I recently got the new Invisible Oil Primer for my birthday and I was instantly wowed by how much softer, shinier & generally more amazing it made my hair. This product has such a huge list of benefits, it basically does it all! It's main use is to offer protection against heat & UV damage, thus reducing breakage. A few spritzes of this lovely light mist all over my hair helps to detangle, soften, defrizz & tame flyaways. My hair is so much more manageable & easy to style. It totally transforms dry & dull hair and I don't think I could give up using this product anytime soon. I'm not sure whether I prefer this or the original oil but you'll probably get on better with the primer if you have very fine or greasy hair.

Lush African Paradise Body Conditioner
There's nothing better than a trip to Lush when you're in need of some quick pampering. One of my favourite treats are their body conditioners. I can hardly ever be bothered to moisturise my body when I get out of the shower so I prefer to rehydrate my skin when I'm still in the bathroom. After washing your body you simply massage this creamy concoction all over & then rinse it off. This conditioner is made from an indulgent blend of shea butter and cocoa butter along with almond oil, moringa oil & marula oil to deeply moisturise the skin. It feels so wonderfully hydrating without leaving any greasy residue. Lush have also included mango juice to brighten the skin and aloe vera to cool & soothe. It makes my skin feel softer than ever before & imparts a beautiful sheen that makes my limbs look nicely toned. Best of all this stuff smells absolutely incredible & the tropical scent stays on your skin all day long. African Paradise is probably one of Lush's most expensive products but by golly it's good!

Mavala Double-Lash
I'm forever trying out new lash growth products as I feel like my eyelashes aren't quite as long & lustrous as they once were. My mascara picking habit certainly doesn't help things as I often get unsightly gaps along my lashline. Some of the ingredients found in these kind of products can be quite scary & expensive to boot. I prefer to use things with natural active ingredients like Talika Lipocils & Indeed Labs Peptalash. I've always heard amazing things about this Mavala offering & it soon managed to find it's way into my shopping basket. I've been using this every morning before mascara & every night before bed for the past month. As a result my lashes are looking much fuller & thicker. They seem a bit stronger now too as I haven't had as many come out when picking off mascara. I wouldn't say they look much longer but I feel like their overall condition has definitely improved. The mascara wand style applicator is much better than those thin eyeliner brush style ones. It thoroughly coats each lash & can be used on eyebrows too.

Skinbreeze Blemish Fix*
I love dual-purpose products and that's why I can't get enough of this Blemish Fix serum from Skinbreeze. The combination of hyaluronic acid with salicylic acid is a dream come true for acne sufferers. This light watery serum will help to rehydrate your skin & fight blemishes at the same time. Salicylic acid exfoliates inside your pores, unclogging them to reveal clearer skin. It also has anti-inflammatory & mild antibacterial benefits. Regular use of a BHA product can reduce oil production but one downside is that it can also dry out the skin. That's why this serum is so lovely to use as the hyaluronic acid stops your skin from getting dry. Blemish Fix also contains seaweed extract to help soothe the skin. It's a very gentle yet incredibly effective way of clearing up blemishes. I normally use this serum in the morning before my moisturiser as I use an AHA in the evening. I like that I can use this under my makeup as way of fighting spots throughout the day. It's the kind of thing that would make a wonderful addition to any skincare routine.

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In-Shower Moisturisers

L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil / Nivea In-Shower Body Moisturiser* / Lush African Paradise

When you're as lazy as I am, an in-shower moisturiser can be a complete godsend. I always spend ages in the shower so when I'm finished I like to get dried off & dressed as soon as possible. Moisturising my body just never comes to mind when I've got a million other things to be getting on with. I am prone to patches of eczema though so it is quite important for me to keep my skin hydrated. That's why I prefer getting my moisturising done while I'm still in the bathroom. Luckily there are quite a few products out there now that can get the job done quick sticks.

If you're looking for a multi-purpose shower product you won't find anything better than L'Occitane's utterly gorgeous Almond Shower Oil. This does it all & smells amazing to boot! That beautiful almond scent lingers on the skin for hours. It works as a shower gel & body moisturiser in one so this is the best one to use if you're short on time. Despite being an oil it lathers up quite well and cleanses the skin without drying it out whatsoever. This shower oil is a real miracle worker if you suffer from eczema or psoriasis. It deeply nourishes those dry & irritated patches to reveal calmer, softer skin post-wash. I also love using this to shave with. It gives just the right amount of slip & helps me to get a closer shave around trickier areas like my knees. It is an expensive shower product but a little goes a very long way with this stuff. Each bottle lasts months & months for me so it's a worthy investment.

I always hear plenty of praise for the Nivea In-Shower Body Moisturisers. Nivea make several different versions of this product but I was sent the sea minerals one for normal skin. Unlike the L'Occitane one this product is only meant to condition the skin so you still have to use a shower gel or scrub beforehand. When you're done with everything else in the shower you simply massage some of this all over your body then rinse it off. The formula absorbs instantly so you're left with lovely soft skin after drying and get can get on with getting dressed right away. Although it isn't quite as luxurious as the other products it definitely does help to rehydrate any dry areas & smooth my skin. It's a brilliant budget buy that works surprisingly well. The sea minerals one doesn't smell that great though so I really want to try the pampering honey, nourishing cocoa & almond oil versions.

Having used up my tub of Ro's Argan Body Conditioner I decided to try out another Lush skin conditioner. After having my arm washed with several products instore (anyone else find this totally awkward?!) I decided to plump for African Paradise. At the time I didn't realise it but this product is actually pricier than the L'Occitane offering! This is a really indulgent treat for the skin. African Paradise combines loads of nourishing oils together including almond oil, moringa oil & marula oil with shea butter and cocoa butter plus a healthy dose of fresh mango juice. The resulting concoction is truly divine! The tropical scent is absolutely incredible & it stays on your skin all day long. I find it hard to stop sniffing myself whenever I use it. This is definitely the most hydrating skin conditioner. Nothing makes my skin feel softer. After washing it off my skin feels exactly the same as if I'd applied a regular body moisturiser but without any greasiness, stickiness or waiting around for it to absorb properly. It also features aloe vera to cool & soothe the skin which means that it can be used to treat irritation & sunburn as well. This is such a wonderful product & if you're desperately in need of some in-shower pampering then it's worth every single penny.

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July Favourites

Lush D'Fluff Strawberry Shaving Soap
I went to Lush a few weeks ago to buy thank you presents for Chloe's preschool teachers & felt like treating myself at the same time. One of the things I picked up is their new D'Fluff Strawberry Shaving Soap. This is such a fantastic shaving product! First of all it has the most incredible strawberry scent, I could quite happily sniff the pot all day long. It has a light mousse texture as it features whipped egg whites. It doesn't really lather up like normal soap, it melts into the skin instead. This is due to the cocoa butter which adds a lot of moisture to the skin & allows you to get a very close shave with even the cheapest of razors. The soap also contains organic rosehip oil & coconut oil which help to reduce irritation & redness. It doubles up as a regular body wash if you fancy smelling like a delicious fresh strawberry. It's such a delight to use & leaves my whole body feeling silky soft for days.

Arran Aromatics Feel Good Formulas Aloe Vera Energising Body Gel*
This cooling body gel from Arran Aromatics has barely left my side this Summer. After a few hours outside in the hot sun I'm always ready for a cool drink in the shade. To refresh my skin after piling on the sun protection all day I've been rubbing this gel all over my arms, back & legs. It immediately cools my body down & absorbs well without leaving me feeling sticky. The gel contains aloe vera extract to soothe & nourish and witch hazel to cool & tone the skin. It has a lovely fresh floral scent too. This gel is the perfect solution for when you're feeling a bit hot & bothered. It works even better if you keep it in the fridge!

Soap & Glory Orangeasm Body Wash
After I had a bad reaction to Soap & Glory's Breakfast Scrub I've been quite wary of buying their body products. I'm such a sucker for citrus scented shower gels though so I couldn't resist trying this one out. Orangeasm has such a strong masculine scent which is quite different to the sweeter citrus scents I'm used to. It features fresh green mandarin, Sicilian lemon & sweet orange peel oils. It's very refreshing first thing in the morning & does a good job of hydrating my skin. What I like most about this product is that it seems to have a welcome side effect of getting rid of my keratosis pilaris (bumpy upper arms). I think it must be from all the natural citrus oils & acids it contains. This body wash makes my skin feel so smooth & as long as it keeps my arms bump free then I'll keep on repurchasing it.

Avene Cleanance K
Y'all know I love me some hardcore chemical exfoliants so when I heard that Avene's Cleanance K contains glycolic, lactic and salicylic acid I had to give it a go. It's basically a spot treatment as it helps to minimise blemishes & pores. This is a hydrating creamy gel formula which makes it suitable for daily use without drying out the skin. You can use it to target individual spots or you can apply it all over your face. I've been using this in place of a serum in my evening skincare routine & I'm really impressed with the results. As the acid percentages are quite high you do have to expect quite a lot of skin purging when you start using this product. My chin & forehead have been purging like crazy for the past couple of weeks! I always get closed comedones on my forehead & this has really helped to smooth out all those horrible bumps under the skin. If you have blemish-prone skin that can tolerate high acid percentages then I would definitely recommend buying this spot treatment.

Hydraluron Moisture Jelly
Hydraluron used to be a must-have product for me. The original formula is the perfect serum to combat dehydration. After repurchasing it several times I came to realise that I prefer using a moisturiser that already contains hyaluronic acid. This allows me to skip out a step in my skincare routine & save money at the same time. The idea of a Hydraluron moisturiser had me very excited & I bought it as soon as it launched. This cooling gel has fast become one of my favourite ever moisturisers. It works best as part of a daytime routine & is especially nice to use in hot weather. Like the original Hydraluron, the Moisture Jelly is instantly hydrating & feels amazing on the skin. It's a moisturiser that is truly suitable for all skin types. The product absorbs quickly without any stickiness. It's a great base for makeup & doesn't pill under primers, sunscreen or foundation. I find that because it's not your traditional creamy moisturiser, my makeup lasts longer without any primer underneath anyway. Also the packaging is totally awesome! You simply press down on the top disc & a small blob of the product appears. It's so hygienic & delivers exactly the right amount for my face. Can this become the standard packaging for all products housed in pots please?

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The Lush Lip Lineup

Me? A lip balm hoarder? Guilty as charged. I can totally justify it though! Lip balms are easy to scatter everywhere so it's always good to keep a few around. Some of these stay in my handbag & some live on my dressing table. I like to be able to top up my lips with a balm no matter where I am at that point in time. I think my obsession started when I was at school & everyone had those horrific little tins of Vaseline. I cringed every time I saw people whip them out & practically told them off if they dared to offer me some. It just coats the lips leaving them even drier in the long run. If you use Vaseline on your lips stop it now or... I'm not sure we can be friends anymore ;) From that point on I made it a personal mission to find a better lip balm & convert my friends. Carmex is still an old favourite of mine because it saved me from the hell of Vaseline. I've gone through countless pots of the stuff but the tube packaging is lot more convenient. It has a lovely texture & that menthol tingle sure is addictive. My mint flavoured Balmi is quite similar but with the added bonus of SPF 15. The little keychain makes this a great one for handbags as you can just hook it onto your keys or a bag strap.

Much like the rest of your face or body, your lips need a little exfoliation before treating them to some moisture. I normally go over them with my toothbrush or a flannel but if they're still a bit flaky then there's no better treatment than one of Lush's lip scrubs. I adore the sugary sweetness of Bubblegum but my favourite has to be the Popcorn one. It tastes like salted caramel & will smooth over even the roughest of pouts. If you're a bit lazy then Lanolips Lemonaid Lip Aid* will naturally exfoliate & hydrate your lips all at the same time. The combination of creamy whipped lanolin & organic lemon oil is hard to beat. It makes your lips feel absolutely amazing & the fresh lemon scent is truly delicious. Another incredibly yummy product is the Super By Dr. Nicholas Perricone Lush Lips conditioning balm. I think the Super range has been discontinued as you can only find the products in TK Maxx or online now. This uses coconut oil which is renowned for it's hydrating properties. It has a nice buttery texture & over time it definitely makes your lips softer in general. I can't get enough of it's subtle coconut taste & scent. I only hope I can find another pot when mine runs out.

If you've never tried the NUXE Reve de Miel lip balm, what are you doing?! Go buy some pronto. This balm is a staple product for me. Whenever my lips get cracked & start bleeding due to the weather or illness then I can always rely on this stuff to sort them out. I normally reach for the stick during the day, it's a good one to take out with you & it is my go-to base for lipsticks. Unlike most lip balms it has a matte finish so it won't affect whatever you put on top. The pot stays on my nightstand as the texture is a little thicker. I always pop some of this on before bed to keep my lips moisturised overnight. Philosophy's Kiss Me Tonight is another brilliant overnight lip treatment. It makes my lips feel really soft & is very comfortable to wear. This stuff lasts for hours & I rarely have to reapply it. Whenever I use Kiss Me Tonight, it's always still on my lips when I wake up. It works just as well during the day for kissably soft lips 24/7. What's your favourite lip balm?

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January Favourites

Louise Young LY20 Super Fan Brush
I was lucky enough to win this brush in a Twitter competition over Christmas and it is a blinder, let me tell you! I'd actually wanted a fan brush for ages because I'd seen some people on YouTube using one for highlighting & contouring. I bought a cheap one off eBay which was horrific, it had scratchy bristles & a weird smell even after I washed it so I didn't feel very inclined to use it on my face. But this Louise Young one is something else! Its so soft & doesn't shed hairs all over your face. The shape is absolutely perfect for contouring with. I normally suck at contouring but this brush makes it so simple. Its really fluffy and blends out any harsh lines with the greatest of ease. Its even better than the MAC 109 brush.

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette
I know a lot of people find this little set of matte neutral colours quite boring but personally I adore this palette. The colours are perfect for daytime and can easily be built up for a smoky nighttime look too. I love the definition these shadows bring to my eyes without being harsh. Naked 2 is also a brilliant eyebrow colour because it is fairly similar to MAC Omega eyeshadow. I have used this palette every single day since I bought it which is surprising because I'm normally all about the shimmery eyeshadows. Its just a really handy set of eyeshadows and I think most people would love it if they gave it a chance. Full review here.

NARS Douceur Blusher
I finally bought this last month after lusting after it for a ridic amount of time. I figured I would never get a chance to purchase Tarte Exposed anytime soon so I went for a more readily available dupe. This sheer pinky brown colour is so soft & natural looking. I normally apply my blusher right on the apples of my cheeks but I prefer to use this one more like a contouring product. It sculpts your cheeks beautifully whilst still adding a little flush of colour. This + the Louise Young brush are a match made in heaven.

Lush Popcorn Lip Scrub
This super salty tasting lip scrub is such a fab little product. Its perfect for prepping your lips with before applying lipstick. I use this followed by a coating of the NUXE Reve De Miel lip balm to keep my lips feeling soft & looking smooth. I think I heard this was a limited edition Christmas product but they still have it in stock on their website. Hopefully its here to stay because its far too delicious to be without.

MAC Lady Danger Lipstick
I'm officially a bright lipstick convert and this babealicious orangey red colour sits firmly at the top of the chart. I love how it brightens up my complexion and the formula is lovely for a matte finish lipstick. It really boosts my confidence too and makes me feel almost as badass as Walter White. Full review here.

Christmas Presents

Michael Kors 5055 Watch
My main present this year came in the form of this rather blingtastic gold Michael Kors watch. I've wanted one of these for ages & I'm so happy I finally got one. I originally wanted the rose gold one but I decided the gold was more me & I think it goes with more things. I love it so much & couldn't have asked for a better present!

Gear4 Halo2 Alarm Clock
To go with my new iPhone 5 my mum got me this awesome alarm clock. It works as a speaker for your music as well as a radio. The sound quality is really excellent for such a small speaker. Its meant for the iPhone 4 so I had to buy one of those stupid Lightning to 30 pin adaptors. Total rip off at £25 & it makes the phone obscure the clock part but at least I finally have some cool speakers to blast my music on.

Louise Young Brush, Naked Basics Palette & Touch Screen Gloves
I actually only got this brush this morning but on Christmas Eve I won this gorgeous Louise Young LY20 from their Christmas giveaway on Twitter. It's their Super Fan brush and is my first item from Louise Young. Its so soft & will be perfect for applying a loose dusting of setting powder as well as contouring my cheeks. So excited to try it out! Can't tell you how tempted I am to buy some of their eye brushes next. The Urban Decay Naked Basics palette is my Christmas gift to myself. I absolutely love it! The dinky size means it has fast become a fixture in my makeup bag. I've decided to be more experimental with my eye makeup next year & I've really enjoyed playing about with this palette. Its so great for day or night. I also got some touch screen gloves which are a lot cooler than they sound. I love my stripey gloves from Accessorize but its so annoying having to take them off to use my iPhone. With these my hands stay warm & I can play Tiny Tower to my hearts content.

Frankie 2013 Diary
Another present I got for myself is this Frankie diary. I really wanted to buy one last year after seeing it on loads of blogs but it sold out so quickly. This year I decided that I simply must have it and ordered it at the end of November. It only took about 10 days to come from Australia. Its so gorgeous inside & outside and definitely beats using my Filofax. I actually can't wait to start filling it all in! Squee!

Perfume
I got four perfumes for Christmas - Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb La Vie En Rose, a new bottle of Truth Or Dare by Madonna, Viva La Juicy & Viva La Juicy La Fleur. All my other perfumes have pretty much run out so I was really happy to get loads of new ones. My favourite out of these has to be Flowerbomb La Vie En Rose. It's pretty similar to the original Flowerbomb but a bit fresher & fruitier.

Toiletries
I picked up this Soap & Glory hand wash & hand cream set in the Boxing Day sales. Literally couldn't find anything else I wanted but I'm so glad I picked this up. I love Hand Food, its my second favourite hand cream after my Burt's Bees one so its nice having it in the pump bottle. The hand wash smells really good & doesn't strip the moisture from my hands either. Quite a boring purchase but whatevz, I like it. I stupidly bought these two things from Lush before the sale started but oh well. I adore Snow Fairy. Not a year goes by where I don't pick up at least one big bottle of this gorgeous concoction. I'm obsessed with anything salted caramel flavour so I had to try out their new Popcorn lip scrub. Its a bit salty tasting but I do really like it & of course, it leaves your lips feeling amazing.

Hope you all had a lovely Christmas & got some nice goodies too :)

June Favourites

Carmex Moisture Plus Pink
I do love a bit of Carmex and this month I've been addicted to this sheer lip tint. Like the original Carmex formula its brilliant at keeping my lips hydrated. The lovely hint of pink it imparts on my lips is great for daytime wear and it applies really well. I prefer this stick packaging to the pot or tube because its even easier to use.

Jemma Kidd I-Glamour Volume Mascara
I picked this up as freebie in Red magazine. I wasn't sure what to expect really considering it was free but Jemma Kidd products tend to have a good rep so I figured I'd check it out. It is actually a fantastic mascara. The way it separates your lashes makes them look really pretty and its so good at holding a curl. One coat alone makes my lashes look nicely thick and black without being clumpy. I'm really impressed with this mascara and if you can still track down a copy of last month's Red, you should definitely buy one.

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer
I first tried this about 6 years ago and absolutely loved it. I can't fathom why I haven't bothered to repurchase it until now (umm the price?!) but I'm so glad that I did. Theres loads of different formulas of this primer so theres bound to be one to suit you but I opted for the original again as my skin isn't particularly oily or anything. Its such a nice primer to use, the smell is really lovely and you only need a small blob to do your whole face. I apply this after moisturiser but you can use it right after cleansing. It doesn't make my face feel really soft like Philosophy's The Present or completely hide my pores like Benefit's The Porefessional but it does make my foundation apply super smoothly and gives it the longest staying power out of any other primer.

Lush Ro's Argan Body Conditioner
If I have a shower at night I've been using my gorgeous new pistachio scented Laura Mercier products to moisturise with but if I have one in the morning, I don't really have much time to faff about with moisturising properly. Thats where this body conditioner comes into play. Its like a hair conditioner but for your body in that you use it after washing yourself with shower gel. You just apply it all over your body, wash it off and dry yourself as normal. It eliminates the need to moisturise afterwards, saving time & effort. Its filled with loads of great ingredients such as argan oil, cocoa butter, almond oil & shea butter so you can imagine how moisturising this product is. The best thing about it is the smell. It leaves your body smelling like fresh roses, in a nice non-grannyish way. I've not been excited about anything from Lush in a long time but this product is just awesome.

Illamasqua Translucent Loose Powder
It's happened. I think I've finally fallen out of love with my MAC MSF Natural as a setting powder. Its still great to use dusted over my whole face with some concealer if I'm in a rush but if I want something just to set my makeup with I've been reaching for this wonderful Illamasqua powder. I was tempted to buy the Laura Mercier translucent powder but I saw Tanya Burr using this in one of her videos and figured I'd give it a go. Plus its a good £10 cheaper than the Laura Mercier one for a bit more product. I have never tried a powder as soft and as silky as this one is. It completely disappears into the skin leaving the area matte and set in place all day long. This product is a godsend if you use a thick concealer like the Bobbi Brown ones. I no longer get any under eye creasing or racooning from my mascara. I also run a small amount over my T-zone to keep shine at bay. I'm just so in love with the finish this powder gives. It comes with a large powder puff but I use this with my Real Techniques Setting Brush which is perfect for precision powdering.



Mirai Nikki
When I was about 13 I used to be totally into anime. Infact my first foray into web design was when I used to create Pokemon & Sailor Moon fansites on Geocities. My love for Japanese cartoons has been reignited ever since I found some awesome anime streaming sites. I've watched through several series in just the past few weeks. My favourite new discovery is a show called Mirai Nikki which means Future Diary. Its in the same kinda vein as Death Note but with a hint of Battle Royale/The Hunger Games in that its a fight to the death. There are 12 competitors and the last one left alive will be crowned as the new God. Each person has a mobile phone which has a future diary on it so that they can see whats going to happen to them next & if they will be the next to die. Its up to them to change what is written in their diaries in order to survive. The main character is a middle school student called Yukiteru who soon becomes the favourite to win the game & the main target of the other competitors. The pink haired girl called Yuno is quite possibly the most psychotic anime character ever created. She falls in love with Yukiteru and will do whatever it takes to make sure that he wins. The twists are really unexpected and the OST is fab too. Its definitely a show I'm going to rewatch because the story is brilliant. I totally recommend watching it if you like anime.

October/November Favourites

Clarisonic Mia
Back in October I decided to get myself a very early Christmas present in the form of the pink Clarisonic Mia. I don't generally get many proper spots anymore but I do get some bumps under the skin on my cheeks and forehead which make me look spotty even though I'm not. After reading some reviews I wanted to give the Clarisonic a try in an attempt to get rid of these bumps. I've been using it for less than two months now and my skin already looks a thousand times better. All the cleansers, toners, exfoliants and face masks in the world haven't done as much for my skin as this one tool has. Theres so much to say about this so I'm gonna post a full review later.

Moroccanoil
I got this bottle of Moroccanoil free in my Cosmo Blog Awards goodie bag. I'd previously tried a mini sample bottle and really liked it then but felt I had to use it very sparingly because the bottle was so tiny. Plus it didn't have a pump so I pretty much ended up pouring out most of the bottle every time I used it. The full sized bottle does come with a pump so I can get the amount I want out. This stuff just makes your hair look so shiny, its a really incredible product. I'm willing to use anything on my hair in an attempt to avoid cutting it and this seems to be doing the trick nicely. I want to give the Moroccanoil shampoo and conditioner a go next.

Lush Snow Fairy Shower Gel
Everyone's favourite shower gel is finally back in the shops! I'm a bit Snow Fairy mad and buy any Lush product which smells even vaguely similar. I've bought two of the big bottles and think I'm gonna go back for a third because I can't bear to be without this product. Pink, sickly sweet & sparkly, what more could you want in a shower gel?

Frédéric Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Cream
Another really fabulous hair product is the Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Cream. I apply this to my hair just before I blow dry it to add extra shine & fight frizz. It does a similar job to Moroccanoil but in some ways I actually prefer this product. Because its a cream its a lot heavier so it does a better job at smoothing everything down. It really helps your hair keep its shape once blow dried. The secret ingredient in this is olive oil which forms part of the 'Encapsulated Shine-Release Complex'. I can really tell the difference when I use this because it makes my hair properly glossy and lustrous, not just shiny. The only things you have to be careful about is how much you use and where you apply it. If you use it anywhere near your roots it'll make your freshly washed hair greasy again. Same goes for if you use too much of it. Its an expensive product so I guess its a good thing that you only have to use a tiny amount to reap the benefits of it.

Nailene Ultra Adhesive Tabs
I normally use Nailene's Ultra Quick Dry nail glue to apply my falsies but when they would eventually fall off I hated the glue residue that remained on my nails. Charlotte posted about these nail tabs as a way of sticking on falsies without damaging your own nails. These are such a great way of applying nails. As well as not damaging your nails, they feel very strong and you don't have to deal with the inevitable mess of getting nail glue all over your fingers. Thats the worst feeling ever, makes me shudder thinking about it haha. They cost the same as the Ultra Quick Dry nail glue and will last about the same amount of time so I'm always gonna use these from now on.



The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword
If you know me at all, you'll know that I absolutely love video games. I have been waiting for ages for this game to come out. I'm a big fan of the Zelda games even though the only one I've ever managed to complete is Phantom Hourglass. I've been spending almost every night playing this since it came out last week and its such a blast. I got the 25th anniversary limited edition pack which comes with an awesome gold Wii motion plus remote and a CD with some of the classic Zelda songs on it. The motion controls are a nice touch. Its so much fun being able to slash away with your remote and watch Link do the same on screen with his sword. If you have a Wii, you need this game in your life!