The Winter Highlights

Winter is the season I reach for the highlighters the most. There's something about a product being able to take you from dull looking skin to a Winter's morning glow. Topshop's Highlighter in Sunbeam is my latest purchase. I've really been enjoying it lately - I wrote in full about it HERE. One product I loved last Winter that I have recently rediscovered is Seventeen's Skin Wow Highlighter. I adore this product so much because of it's multi uses. It can also be used as a primer or added to your foundation for a dewy finish. Not bad for one of the cheapest out there on the market. Recently I got my hands on a mini sized Benefit High Beam and it was like love at first sight. I love the finish it gives to the skin and tend to use it along the cheekbones to enhance them. More than likely I will be repurchasing the full size. Bourjois' Java Rice Powder isn't exactly your typical highlighter but it does have a shimmer to it. This gives a lovely radiance to the skin.

What's your favourite highlighter?

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

Christmas Gift Guide: Stocking Fillers

Day two of 'Blogmas' brings my first Christmas gift guide of the year. By some miracle I have held off this long before talking about the C word when in reality I have been excited since September. Warning: a little beauty heavy and I've gone mad in terms of beauty novelty products. Oops.

Yankee Candle Gift Set (£7.99) - We all know someone who is a crazy candle lady (or man). This set contains five classic scents for the festive season.

No7 Cracker (£8) - Novelty? Check. Rose gold packaging? Check. A lovely little treat containing a kohl eye liner pencil and mascara. 

Simple Gift Set (£7.50) - For the skincare shy I'd recommend this set. The moisturiser included is one of my favourites. Don't forget the cute cosmetics bag too.

Soap & Glory Bauble Gift (£6) - More novelty but so so so cute. Who doesn't love one of the adorable gift sets Soap & Glory have on offer?

Benefit Stocking (£15 in store only) - This is possibly the best gift idea I've ever seen. You mix and match four mini products from Benefit and pop them into this cute stocking. 

Have you got any Christmas gift ideas?

March's Birchbox

When I knew Birchbox were teaming up with Lulu Guinness for this months box I knew I had a reason to be over excited. Cute packaging inspired by Lulu's latest SS collection, a life lesson book included with tips and quotes. Don't forget a Benefit favourite of hers is amongst the goods too.

• Benefit Stay Don't Stray (£20.50)
• Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner (£39)
• Korres Citrus Body Milk (£9.50)
• Molton Brown Rhubarb & Rose Replenishing Hand Cream (£10)
• English Laundry No. 7 For Her (£47)
• Candy Rock (inspired by Lulu Guinness)

Out of all the sample sized products I received this month I am most excited for the Dr. Brandt number! Even though I think Birchbox are still miles ahead in the beauty box game I wish they would mix it up a little more with the brands. It seems to be the same ones as I've had before this month. Still excited nonetheless! 

Have you tried Birchbox yet?

January's Birchbox

Another month and it's another beauty box instalment from my favourites Birchbox. I missed out posting December's box but no doubt some of the products included will pop up on here soon! I've got to say with every Birchbox that gets delivered I'm more and more impressed each time. The theme for this box was 'Tiny Tweaks' - all about making small changes in the new year. Plenty of new products to try. 

I thought this little quote was really lovely and a little reminder for everyone. Saying that I enjoy having a little read of the almost mini magazine Birchbox supply with their beauty box offering.

I told you it was a good one this month! When I popped on to the website a noticed there was going to be a Benefit sample I may have let out a little squeal. 

• Tommy Guns Fig, Plum & Marshmallow Conditioner (£5.50) - I think 250ml is a pretty good sample size and did leave me wondering why this month's box was a little on the heavy side.
• Benefit The POREfessional (£24.50) - Oh I am so excited for this one. I've been wanting to try this out for ages but with high end products I hate to splash the cash without a sample to trial first.
• Noble Isle Willow Song Bath & Shower Gel (£20) - This product supposedly resembles the smell of British Countryside, so an early morning shower might be the time to try this.
• Vasanti Detox Nutrient-Rich Purifying Facial Cleanser (£18) - I've been wanting to shake up my skincare routine so a new cleanser is always welcomed with open arms.
• Premae Anatomy Nutrients Instant Renewal Body Oil (£9.50) - It claims to rehydrate and nourish the body so I shall put this to use after a gym session or a long hard day at work.
• Itsu Miso Soup (£2.25) - I love how Birchbox include lifestyle samples in their boxes, especially as you know they are always good for you - bonus. 

You can subscribe to Birchbox HERE for £10 (£2.95 P+P) a month. Choose your beauty profile so the right products get sent to you as well.

Last Minute Gift Set Bargains

If you're like me then you might of got the majority of Christmas presents but there might be one or two things might make someones gifts that little bit better. At the same time though we seem to be too busy treating everyone else and forgetting about yourself. There's so many gift set bargains out there, a lot are going on sale already too. There's so many products out there I'd like to get my hands on and now I'm doing the "Do you still not know what to get me for Christmas?" to people. If only I'd done my research on all these fab sets doing the rounds in the beauty blogging world to let people know what I'd quite like.

• bareMinerals The Beach Collection (RRP £39 - Now £31.20)
• Philip Kingsley Happy Hair Days Kit (£19.99)
• Clinique Party Favours (RRP £55 - Now £49.50)
• Soap & Glory Good, Butter, Best (£8)
• Liz Earle Limited Edition Cleanse & Polish (£19.75)
• Nails Inc Snowflake Collection (RRP £15 - Now £13.50)
• Bumble and Bumble The Tousled Two Step (£27)
• Benefit Limited Edition How To Look The Best At Everything (RRP £25.50 - Now £15)
• Burt's Bees Essentials Kit (£11.69)
• Too Faced Poolside Primping (RRP £32 - Now £22)

Is there any gift sets you're lusting after?