What I Got For Christmas 2013

So it maybe January and the decs may have already been taken down, but it hasn't stopped me from clinging on to whats left of the festivities (ie still consuming one too many chocolates and watching Home Alone for the millionth time). So with that in mind, today I have decided to show you lovely lot a selection of the goodies I received from Santa this year. As with all posts like this, I would just like to add a small disclaimer, and just put it out there, that I am in no means trying to brag (its a bit of a marmite like post). Being a nosey parker I love reading these types of posts, and thought you may too!! 

Michael Kors and Estee Lauder Makeup Set

Being the makeup fanatic that I am, its hardly suprising that I received some pretty new beauty treats. Aside from the essentials ie, the customary bottle of Philosophy's Purity Cleanser and festive polishes, I was also gifted some gorgeous beauty sets. Tim sneakily picked up this Estee Lauder and Michael Kors set during our recent trip to Bicester.

Ted Baker Hat Box Gift Set

Tims Mum treated me to this fabulous Ted Baker Set, after hearing me rave about it several weeks ago. I seriously cant get enough of the vibrant hat box, who could resist neon pink stripes and floral patterns.

Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy

Knowing im a sucker for a good Juicy Couture scent, Tim treated me to not one but two Viva La Juicy and Viva La Juicy Noir Sets.

Included in one of the sets was a bright pink makeup bag, double ended polishes (expect a review soon), a mini rollerball, lipgloss and Juicy Charm. 

Jewellery | McQueen Wrap Bracelet, Kate Spade Bangles, Pandora Charm & Tory Burch Earrings

One thing I love more than beauty is a good bit of bling, most specifically arm candy. I really must have been on Santa's good list this Christmas as I received a beautiful Alexander McQueen Double Wrap Skull Bracelet, Tory Burch Earrings, and Kate Spade bangle from Tim (I really do have an amazing boyfriend). I also received a beautiful blue Pandora Charm from my Mum and Dad. 

Kate Spade Cable Tidy 

Forever leaving a trail of tangled wires behind me, the boy though that these Cable Tidy's from Kate Spade would be ideal. 

how beautiful!!

Michael Kors Ugg Boots

My main present from my parents this year was these gorgeous Michael Kors Ugg Boots. Love them or hate them, there's no denying that these will keep my tootsies warm and snuggly during this horrendous weather. 

Alexander McQueen Skull Scarf

Each Christmas I set aside a little money from my December pay check to go a little crazy over the Christmas Eve sales (hello Mulberry and Harrods). Sadly a spanner was thrown into the works this year as I was sadly a victim of fraud. Card-less over Christmas, I compensated (with a little help from Christmas money) by indulging in this beautiful Alexander McQueen skull scarf. 

So thats what I got for Christmas this year (technically last year, oh my). I really am one lucky girl, and am truly grateful for the thoughtful gifts I received. I also received several other bits and pieces including a snuggly snood and jamis (did I also mention that im the proud owner of Karl Pilkingtons The Moaning Of Life? haha). What did you get for Christmas? If you've done a similar post I would love to see it!! 

Best of 2013 | Makeup

Its crazy how much tastes change within a year. When I wrote my 'Best of 2012' post way back in January, my go to products included EOS Lip Balms, a Jack Wills Lipstick and the infamous Nars Orgasm. Fast forward 12 months and the sea of bright pinks have been replaced with daring reds and blushers have been pushed aside for bronzers (hello Tarte's Park Avenue Princess). With this being the case it will come as no suprise that only one product from last years post has made the cut. 

YSL Shocking Mascara (review here)

2013 saw me purchase a fair few mascaras (what can I say Im anything but loyal to them). Yet I find myself going back to YSLs Shocking Mascara time and time again (typical its the most expensive eh). This luxurious, long lasting, lengthening mascara may not be 'the one' but it comes pretty darn close.

Runner Up: Wet n Wild Mega Length Mascara 

Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquers (review here)

Hailed as dupes for several high end lip products during its release, its hardly suprising that the Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquers went down a storm with beauty addicts. Apocalyptic a pigmented bright pink shade has regularly made its way into my day to day makeup routine since I purchased it back in January.                                      Runner Up: Chanel Jalousie 

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua (review here)

Iv'e said it before and Il say it again, no matter how many times I stray away from Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua (DoubleWear is the usual suspect), I always find myself coming back to it. I cant rave enough about this light weight and long wearing gem. 

Runner Up: Estee Lauder DoubleWear 

Barry M Nail Art Pens (review here)

In the summer I went gaga over Barry M's Nail Art Pens (these are ideal for nail art novices). These fuss free pens will help to create quite simply the perfect manicure. Here's hoping they release more shades in the New Year.

Viva La Juicy La Fleur (review here)

Viva La Juicy La Fleur has been my go to scent this year. Each time I spritz this on my wrist im instantly transported back to my week in Paris with Tim. This beautiful feminine fragrance is the perfect floral yet fruity scent suitable for both day and night. 

Runner Up: Viva La Juicy Noir 

Maybelline Baby Lips (review here)

The hype over Maybelline Baby Lips may have died down, but personally I still cant get enough of these super moisturising and buttery soft balms. I wont ramble much more about these as I may have gone just a little overboard when they were finally released back in July. 

Runner Up: Fresh Sugar Lip Balms 

Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette (review here)

December saw every blogger and their friend adding the Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette to they're Christmas Wishlist's (myself included). This Palette really is perfect from the sleek rose gold packaging down to the seriously pigmented shades. This beauty may be a newcomer but considering it was love at first swatch, it well and truly deserves a spot in my 2013 faves. 

Runner Up: Nars & God Created Woman Palette

What were your favourite beauty products of 2013?

All I Want For Christmas Is...

...Several high end beauty products 

Christmas; a time for giving, spending time with family, attending endless party's with friends, consuming one too many mince pies, and lusting after the many limited edition gift sets Selfridges, Space NK and Boots have to offer (just me?) Seeing as though I've been oh so good this year (il just keep telling myself that) I've put together a list of luxurious Christmas presents, I would be thrilled to see under my tree. So without further ado, here's my dream Christmas Wishlist. 

Lets face it this YSL case is the creme de la creme of beauty gift sets, the ultimate present for any nail polish obsessives even if it does come with a whopping price tag. Theres no harm in dreaming though, right?

When it comes to perfume I am a Juicy Couture girl through and through. So its no suprise that I find myself swooning over the limited edition Viva La Juicy Luxe Parfum (just look at that bottle), however that being said I would be one happy bunny if a bottle of Jo Malone's Pomegranate Noir in its iconic cream and black box somehow found its way into my stocking on Christmas morning. 

How fabulous is this Charlotte Tilbury Future Vintage, Collectors Edition Set containing a Luxury Eyeshadow Palette, the sought after Bar Of Gold, Mini Charlotte's Magic Cream, Filmstar Bronze & Glow, Lip Lustre in Bardot beige, K.I.S.S.I.N.G lipstick in Penelope Pink and Lip Cheat Lip Liner in Pillowtalk ... and breath. Now does anyone have a spare £250 floating around? 

Finally, I cant help but lust over the Ombres Matelassees De Chanel Eyeshadow Palette (what can I say im a neutral eye gal through and through), and the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette.  

What would you love to see in your stocking Christmas morning?!

The joys of Duty Free

Lets face it, sitting in the departure lounge can be a gruelling wait, especially when you know that your a mere flight away from holiday bliss. Luckily as a beauty addict there is the joyous world of duty free to help pass the time. With my birthday fast approaching (am I really going to be 22 tomorrow?!) I decided to treat myself to a few bits and pieces I had, had my eye on for a while!! 

Chanel Les Beiges no30

I have been eager to try the Healthy Glow Sheer Powder since it was released a few months back! But with the prospect of Duty Free on the horizon I waited patiently for my trip to Paris to seal the deal, whilst also getting it for a little cheaper. 

The MUA advised me to go for a shade deeper than I am in Vitalumiere to help add a natural glow, and im so glad she did. Unlike most powders Chanel Les Beiges is completely lightweight and leaves my skin with the natural, matte finish I desire. 

Diorskin Nude Tan BB Cream 

After hearing so many rave reviews I couldn't wait to get my mitts on the Dior Nude Tan BB Cream. This new release from Dior claims to enhance an existing tan, whilst still having all the benefits of a conventional BB Cream. I haven't used this yet, so have no opinion, but expect a review uber soon. 

Very YSL Travel Palette, Guerlian Meteorites Travel Pearls, Juicy Couture Perfume Minis 

I then fell into the 'duty free exclusives' trap and walked away with the Guerlian Meteorites Travel pearls, a set which includes two mini pots of the infamous meteorites aswell as a ridiculously cute brush. Juicy Couture Perfume Minis and a YSL Travel Palette. Personally I think the photos do the talking in terms of the palette, and like all YSL products the packaging is divine. I wouldn't normally opt for purples and pinks but something about the shades screamed out to me (my inner teenage self was ridiculously pleased with this purchase haha) 

So there we have it, a sneak peek at my Duty Free purchases!! 

Have you picked anything up from Duty Free recently?!

Viva La Juicy La Fleur..

 Whilst perusing the displays in Debenhams, I couldn't help but stop and admire Juicy Couture's latest offering in the form of Viva la Juicy la Fleur. With a dresser brimming with perfumes, I could not justify purchasing a full bottle. Instead I opted for the roller-ball and lipgloss duo for the grand total of £9.99. Simple, yet convenient this duo is the perfect size to throw into my new handbag. 

The perfume

There's something truly special about perfume, with just one spritz, you can be transported back to many a happy memory, and the playful scent of Viva la Fleur does just that. The fresh smell reminds me of new beginnings and in particular makes me relive my first few weeks in University, when I first got with my boyfriend. Viva la Fleur truly is a beautiful feminine fragrance, with a blend of Mandarin, Berries, Waterlily, along with Honeysuckle, Gardenia Petals and Jasmine. In all honesty im very much a scent novice, so cannot specifically identify these individual notes, however what I can say is that it is floral yet fruity, fresh yet still sweet. In terms of longevity the scent lasts a reasonable time, but does disappear alot quicker than a lot of other perfumes that I own. 

The Lipgloss

Lets face it the perfume is the show stopper of this duo, so I didn't particularly hold much optimism for the lipgloss, however apart from a little stickiness I was pleasantly surprised. A pigmented medium pink with flecks of glitter running throughout, I actually quite like this shade. As for the scent, imagine delving into a bag of maoms and you would be pretty close, its definitely sweet and yummy.  

Have you tried Viva La Fleur La Juicy?? 

Updated Whats in my Bag

Bag Michael Kors Jet Set tote 

Hello lovelies, I hope your all well. Iv'e been meaning to do an updated whats in my bag for quite some time. With the recent addition to my life in the form of  a gorgeous Michael Kors Jet set tote, I thought now would be the perfect opportunity to do an updated post whilst my bag is clean and free from mountains of receipts and lipsticks (am I the only one that has at least ten lip products in the bottom of my bag?). 

So here it is the clutter free version of what I usually keep in my bag 

The essentials: My house keys (Tesco club-card total essential ha), 

Chanel Jalousie Glossimer perfect for a pop of colour on the go, 

Fresh Sugar Lipbalm (notice the lip related theme already),

Viva la juicy la Fleur roller-ball and lipgloss (I love the concept of this duo, its uber convenient and small enough to throw in any bag).

Bath & Bodywork's Hand Sanitiser

Ipod touch 

coin purse 

passport (for the days I misplace my ID, something that happens quite often oops..)

Victoria's Secret mirror (a total essential) 

Purse (home to loyalty cards & photos of the bf and I)

Diary (something I would be lost without)

What's inside your bag??

If you've done a similar post, please leave the link below, I love a good snoop ;)

Wordless Wednesday..The unnecessarily beautiful

Bichester Village Haul

So on friday the boyfriend and I embarked on a 5 hour road trip to London town (posts to follow). To soften the utter boredom (theres only so much I can take of the same 10 songs being played on repeat ha) I cheekily suggested a detour to the very much hyped about Bichester Village for a bit of retail therapy!!

A gorgeous village set in the heart of the beautiful Oxfordshire Countryside, Bichester truly is a shopaholics paradise (although not the case for the bank balance), home to the likes of Mulberry, UGG, All saints and most importantly the cosmetic company outlet. Although I purchased a fair few bargains I will be honest and suggest that one really needs money and time to make the most of the visit, as although many of the brands are discounted, most are still fairly expensive (boo). 

So what did i pick up??

Of course my main objective for stopping by Bichester Village was to study the shelves of Juicy Couture and The Cosmetic Company Outlet. After walking away from Juicy Couture with a ridiculously cute bag, within it two pairs of earrings (at a bargain price I may add), the next stop was to peruse the aisles of the CCO. 

The boyfriend actually spotted this Michael Kors and Estee Lauder Collaboration, and I will admit to letting out a little squeal at the site of a gold compact containing 6 shadows and a blush, a lipstick, lipgloss, double wear eyeliner, brushes, and the piece de resistance a gorgeous Michael Kors embossed Cosmetic Case, all for the grand total of £38. Yep you read that right £38. In all honesty Im shocked at the fact these are still available in the CCO as I would have thought they would have been snapped up within the click of a finger, but I cannot complain as this set of utter beauty is now mine (Que evil laugh).  

Of all the makeup collections released, the one I have kicked myself for not purchasing an item from was MAC Venomous Villains. This collection was released at a time when I was too scared to stand at a beauty counter for the fear of being pestered (oh how times have changed). So when I saw this gorgeous eyeshadow and lipgloss, I let out yet another squeal of excitement. Recently I have been embracing  the more vampy/ wintry colours and wrongspell and vainglorious fulfilled my needs (aswell as being Disney related, have I mentioned I love Disney?) 

I snapped these both up for around £8/ £9 each  

Finally, on the way back from London, as a pit stop, and another excuse to shop, we visited the Designer Outlet in Swindon, which I will add was a total disappointment, however I did pick up Golden Lariat from the Wonder Woman collection, aswell as Sinister and a different groove,from the Villains and Liberty London Collections, aswell as a few Ojon goodies for my mum, all for the grand total of £40 which wasn't to bad, for what the items would have originally cost!! 

Have you been to Bichester Village or the Swindon Designer Outlet??

if so did you pick up any bargains??