Music Monday: Gig Make-up

If you've ever been to a gig that can get a little lively then you'll know you can kiss goodbye to your make-up lasting. However after several attempts I think I've nailed down a make-up routine that's actually 'gig-proof' - I even put it to the test at Kasabian last week and there was a lot of jumping around involved there. 

• Garnier Perfect Blur Primer
• L'Oreal True Match Foundation
• Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer
• Seventeen Skin Wow Highlighter
• Benefit Benetint
• Avon Eye Primer
• Bourjois Smoky Eyes Trio in Gris Dandy
• Elf Precision Liquid Eyeliner
• Rimmel Scandaleyes Retro Glam Mascara
• Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in Nude-ist

First Impressions: Smashbox

Smashbox is a brand I've wanted to try out for a long long time but have just never got round to it. So when I popped into Boots on that dreaded Black Friday morning to see what they had on offer I was overly excited to see this little treat on the shelves. It's Smashbox's All For Eyes Kit in a 'try-me size'. The product I've been enjoying the most is the Photo Finish Under Eye Hydrating Primer - hellllllo flawless under eye concealer application. I've heard good things about the Full Exposure Mascara but I found it just didn't match to expectations for me. It gives a nice length to the lashes but not so much on the volume side I found. However, I've liked using this as a bottom lash mascara instead. Finally in this kit was a Photo Op Eye Shadow Trio in Screen Shot which has amazing pigmentation that lasts all day. The shades wouldn't be my usual first choice but made a nice change to my everyday make-up routine. Now I've had a little taste of what Smashbox has to offer I'm definitely eager to explore more of their range - especially their primers.

Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet In Nude-ist

I've fallen again for a hyped up product but what a product to fall for. Everyone is talking about this from Bourjois, including me. Lately it has become a bit of an every day essential for me.

The packaging is slick and a nice size for travel purposes too. It has the basic wand applicator and these create a pretty bold lip so you have to be very careful with application. I'm most impressed with the staying power of this product. It literally lasts until the moment you take it off at the end of the day.

The formula applies like your typical lip gloss but dries to a matte form. Usually I'm not the biggest fan of matte formula's but this one has been a hit with me. I'm particularly loving this shade in Nude-ist for the current festive period as bright reds don't suit me at all. This is somewhere bang in the middle of red and pink shades with a hint of brown tones to give it the name Nude-ist.

Have you tried Bourjois' Rouge Edition Velvets?

Topshop Wishlist: Partywear

I've been hunting high and low for different outfits for over the festive period as it is party season. Topshop have been winning the race - no surprises there. I'm stuck between something simple with glittery accessories or vice versa (look out for my accessories wish list too)! Here's my top picks from Topshop..

• Beaded Shell Top (£38)
• A-Line Box Pleat Dress (£48)
• Glitter Leaf Wrap Jumpsuit (£38)
• Silk A-Line Dress (£60)
• Sparkle Velvet Playsuit (£35)

What pieces are you loving from Topshop at the moment?

Current Haircare Essentials

Today's Blogmas post brings you my current favourite hair essentials. Some are golden oldies that I've stuck with for years then we have the new products that have made a pathway into my collection.

• Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor Conditioner (£4.99) - Since this appeared in my life I'm yet to find a conditioner that matches up to this one. Every time I use this I feel a difference and the effect just doesn't seem to fade. Deep conditioners are a favourite of mine as I have thick, long hair.
• VO5 Smoothly Does It Straightening Lotion (£6.25) - I'm quite prone to the dreaded frizz and to keep my locks straight and sleek I use this. It lasts up to three washes and acts as a heat defence. This product saves me time and also gives me a lovely shine which I find hard to achieve with having blonde hair. 
• Shockwaves Ultra Strong Power Hold Hairspray (£2.75) - This is the one hair product I never even have to think twice about repurchasing. It's never let me down when styled hair needs a good all day lasting hold. It's incredibly strong without leaving the hair sticky (or looking like I've stuck my head in a tub of hair product). 
• Aussie Miracle Hair Insurance Leave-in Conditioner (£4.49) - Not only does this work amazingly at protecting the hair with the extra conditioning but also works equally as well at de-tangling hair. I always use this product after washing my hair before blow-drying. Multi use products always sit well with me. 
• Colab Dry Shampoo in London (£3.50) -  This is the latest product in my hair care collection and an instant favourite. I love the dogtooth packing of this 'London' scent for starters. It gives me volume to flat hair as well as working as your typical dry shampoo. I'll definitely be trying out the different scents.

What hair products are you currently loving?