2018 MOST READ POSTS

Hello everyone and Happy Monday! Even though we are now almost a week into a new year, i still wanted to give a little recap from the past year on my blog before moving on to this year. This type of post has become a little bit of a tradition on my blog for the past few years, which i tend to split into two separate posts...

my go-to summer lip combinations (wednesday 20th june)

First up throwing things back to Summer, was a post where i shared several of my go-to lip combinations for the current season and of course it was all about the nude shades but let's face it, when isn't it? A lot of these nudes are still some of my everyday go-to products, whether that be a lip liner, liquid lipstick or a gloss.

motivation monday #5: what i ate in a day (monday 30th july)

If you read my previous post talking all things goals for 2019, then you will know that last year i really changed my lifestyle and started eating healthy, as well as exercising. During the summer i shared a few "what i ate in a day" posts, especially as part of my motivation monday series and shared a lot of the foods i had been eating, as well as talking about a routine and calorie counting. 

six must binge-read books (friday 17th august)

For the past few years i have really got back into reading and i have now read, re-read and loved so many different books. I have shared a huge selection of books that have been on my must-read list and also on my want to read. Back in August i shared a selection of books that i had recent read, that were binge-read worthy.

music at the moment: my go-to chill playlist (friday 28th september)

Music is definitely one of my favourite things and i rarely go a day without listening to Spotify, i especially love listening to music whilst getting reading in a morning and also whenever i am working out. I love to know what music other people are listening to, as it is a great way to discover not only new songs but also new artists and that is one of the main reasons i have loved sharing my music at the moment.

h&m picks from the weekend (monday 29th october)

Back in October i shared a different style of fashion related post, by sharing a selection of favourite items that i had spotted over the weekend in H&M. H&M is definitely one of my favourite shops at the moment, as they have so many great pieces for autumn/winter and for an affordable price, both in store and online.

everyday makeup: november edition (monday 5th november)

Finally we have my everyday makeup from the back end of last year, which always seem to be a popular choice. Some months i will change up my everyday makeup routine every month and then sometimes i will keep it the same for two-three months, that being said whenever things change i will always keep things updated.

Catch up on my mid-2018 most read posts: here

xo.

SUMMER FAVOURITES | BEAUTY, LIFESTYLE, STYLE + MORE

Hello everyone! Seeing as autumn is fast approaching us and it is safe to say we have said goodbye to summer for another year, i thought for today's post i would do something a little bit different. The something different being an end of summer favourites type of post, to make up for the fact i haven't posted a "monthly favourites" post in a couple of months now. I have so many favourites from the whole of summer, from beauty products to clothing, accessories, music, movies and books...

1. ps bronze dewy glow face + body butter

Kicking things off with probably one of my favourite beauty finds of the summer, which is crazy as it is a super affordable product. Cream highlighters have been an essential part to my everyday makeup routine this summer, as they are super lightweight on the skin yet they still give you that beautiful/healthy sun-kissed glow. One thing that really made this product a summer favourite (glow aside) was the fact it is coconut scented and what makes a product more summer appropriate than that? 

2. topshop onara lattice white cross body bag

Next up is an accessories favourite of mine from this summer, in the form of this small white cross body bag from Topshop that i picked up for just £10, when they had 25% off a few months ago (not available anymore). This bag has been perfect to pair with so many different summer outfits, especially for going out for a more casual yet still dressy dinners. One of my favourite things about this bag is even though it is super small and compact, you still had a central section to put your money and cards in securely/hidden without needing to pack a purse.

| featured cream highlighter post | featured cross body bag post |

3. nude nails

This next favourite can be an all year round favourite of mine, but even more particularly this summer and that is of course nude nails. I just love how natural they look, they go with every single outfit you are going to wear and i just don't ever get bored of them. That being said i could never narrow it down to just one (even though i do have a top favourite which is included) and i have found myself reaching for a selected few this summer. The nude nail polishes are rimmel 60 seconds let's get nude, barry m gelly hi shine peanut butter, barry m speedy winning streak and of course essie spin the bottle.

4. summer music favourites

This summer i have been loving a lot of music, from the music that i listen to on an everyday basis and then also the music that keeps me motivated during workouts. I always listen to my music on Spotify which is perfect to keep track on what music is new, as well as making your own playlists and also listening to other already made playlists. Some of my favourite playlist's made by Spotify are the this is: playlist's, as well as the release radar playlist which is tailored to suit the style of music that you personally listen to.

| this is: dvsn playlist | this is: majid jordan playlist | are & be playlist |

5. my summer reads

This summer i have read so many books, well like i have been doing for the most of the year as i made it one of my new years resolutions, to read as many books as possible this year. Of course i have some of my ultimate favourite reads from the summer, starting with Driven. I loved every single page of all three books from the Driven series, which i mentioned i wanted to read before the series was released in movie/tv series form on Passionflix. Next up and two books part of a two book series by my favourite author and that is of course Jodi Ellen Malpas and her fantastic Smoke & Mirrors series (The Controversial Princess and His True Queen). 

6. protein world slender blend

I have mentioned how this year i have been super motivated and have been a lot stricter with my diet and my lifestyle. One product that i have been loving reaching for a lot to help with that this summer is the Slender Blend protein powder from Protein World, as it is not only a perfect quick meal especially after a workout but also great for adding into smoothies or even porridge. The Slender Blend is packed full of protein, fibre and is also low in sugar, calories and fat.

| august must-buys post | six books to binge-read this month post |

xo.

MID-2018 MOST READ POSTS

Hello everyone! Now that we are officially in June and half way through the year, i thought i would carry on the tradition that i have done for the past couple of years on my blog and shared with you a summery of the most read/viewed posts from the year so far. This a great way to catch up on any posts that you might have missed first time around and that you might find useful...

mua luxe light lustre liquid highlighter review (friday 5th january)

First up we pretty much kicked off the new year with the first of many first impression/product review posts and one of my personal favourites. Over the past year or so i have become obsessed with liquid/cream highlighters, as well as how much the drugstore brands have been killing the affordable makeup product releases.

early spring clothing + accessories lust list (wednesday 21st february)

A huge favourite always seems to be clothing lust list/must-buy posts and especially this early spring wishlist post, that i shared back in February. I have been sharing my must-buy clothing, accessories and homeware pieces at the beginning of the month and the next instalment is coming up soon, until then catch up on the May edition here.

quick, easy + healthy pinterest breakfast ideas (monday 26th march)

This year i have been loving doing a wide variety of posts rather than just the majority being about beauty related topics, food being one of those things. I get a lot of my inspiration for healthy recipes from Pinterest, so i have been loving sharing a recap of some of my personal tried and tested favourites. Talking of food, i really want to get back into sharing some "what i ate" in a day type of posts again soon.

march favourites: beauty + lifestyle (friday 30th march)

Another style of post that i share every single month at the end of every month, is of course a selection of my favourite beauty/lifestyle items from that particular month. Sometimes i will share the two types of favourites separately or sometimes i will combine the two, just like i did in a popular favourites post this past March.

books i want to read in 2018 part two (wednesday 25th april)

I have done a handful of these posts through out the years on my blog now and they also seem to be a hit, probably with the fellow romance book readers. A great place to find new book inspo/reads is by downloading the goodreads app, which is completely free and you can add your books into different categories from read, to currently reading and also want to read. 

how-to: update your wardrobe for summer on a budget (wednesday 25th may)

Finally a popular post from just last week and one of many "how-to"/tips and tricks post, that i have posted about on my blog. I am personally all about saving money on anything, whether that be clothing, makeup or even food. As i am like that i always like to share any tricks that i have picked up, knowing it would help others.

 Catch up on my previous post HERE...

xo.

BOOKS I WANT TO READ IN 2018 | PART TWO

Hello everyone! So i have mentioned the fact that last year i made it my mission to read more books and i have actually stuck to it for once, so much so i have constantly got a book on a go from new reads to re-reading old favourites. At the beginning of the year i shared part one to the "books i want to read in 2018" which you can catch up on here and since then the list has just kept on growing, even more so since i downloaded the goodreads app. With that in mind for today's post i thought i was share the next set of books i want to read in 2018...

1. the controversial princess by jodi ellen malpas

I know i mentioned this book in my part one post but seeing as we are almost in May, that means it is almost release date for one of my favourite authors new books. The controversial princess is book one in the new series called Smoke and Mirrors, which i believe is going to be a duology. The story line to this book is that she is the daughter of the King and he is a Hollywood actor, she doesn't usually bow down to anyone...until she meets him.

2. love in lingerie by alessandra torre

Ever since falling in love with the Hollywood Dirt movie on Passionflix i have fallen in love with a couple of books from Alessandra Torre, the author who wrote Hollywood Dirt. With that in mind the book from her that i want to read next isn't so much a new release but one i haven't read as of yet, called Love In Lingerie. The store line of the books is about two people who go from being hired for work, to best friends, tp falling in love and risking everything by breaking the rules.

3. driven by k bromberg

As i mentioned before how i had fallen in love with the Hollywood Dirt book turned movie on Passionflix, well the next movie to be filmed and released by Passionflix is a book called Driven. I am that person who likes to read the book before watching the movie, hence why this book has made its way onto the want to read list. The story line to this book is about two people who wouldn't of usually met, she hates him but wants him at the same time.

4. hitched by kendall ryan

Personally i am yet to read a book by the author Kendall Ryan, but ever since downloading the Good Reads app i have seen a large amount of her books pop up in the romance section. When i was talking all things books to one of my friends, ironically they mentioned this series to me called Hitched. The story line to this book series is that two people get married in a business arranged manor but then are faced with the challenge to get pregnant, the only catch is she can't stand him but he isn't walking away easily.

5. london affair series by rhyannon byrd

This book series also always seems to pop up in popular reads on both Amazon and Good Reads, both having a large amount of great reviews. The series is said to become a favourite of yours if you are fan of books by Jodi Ellen Malpas, Sylvia Day or J Kenner and i am a huge fan of all three authors, as i have read so many books by them all. The story line to this series is that of a typical girls lands her dream job but then meets someone (good if you love a billionaire romance). I tend to love this type of book series, so i am sure i will love as many people have!

6. dirty billionaire series by meghan march

Finally we have a book that i actually downloaded on my Kindle a little while ago, as i wanted to give it a read and thought i would download it at the time as it was on promotion. I actually think this is going to be the next book i pick up, as i am super intrigued after seeing a fair few people read this so recently considering it isn't even a new release. The story line to this book is also pretty much about a billionaire man with a huge ego, all until he meets her and everything gradually changes. Who doesn't look this type of read?

Catch up on my previous post HERE...

xo.

EARLY SPRING CLOTHING + ACCESSORIES LUST LIST

Hello everyone! I know Spring might seem a long way off, especially seeing as we are currently still shivering in the cold. That being said this past weekend whilst out shopping, i spotted a handful of new-in clothes/accessories on the high street that i instantly fell in love with and even more so because they are perfect for spring. With that in mind for today's post i thought i would share with you a selection of the pieces that i have my eye on...

1. river island tie up block heel sandals | yellow | £42 |

So River Island is somewhere i haven't found anything i really liked for a while now, yet whilst visiting two different stores in town with my sister the other day i actually found so many items that i am completely in love with. First of all i am actually obsessed with anything this shade of yellow recently, i think it is stunning just like these block heel sandals are and i think they would be a really great wardrobe staple for spring/summer this year.

2. topshop pretty trim bardot top | coral | £22 |

When i first walked into Topshop this is actually the first thing that caught my eye, as it is not only beautiful but this style of top is what i love for spring/summer time and it is so great for throwing on with a pair of black jeans (or white in the summer).

3. silkfred san diego shirt | leopard | £37 |

This item is actually a recently online discovery from Silkfred and this blouse/shirt immediately caught my eye, because of the beautiful style of leopard print. I think this item is something you can easily dress up with a leather skirt or trousers, then down with a pair of black ripped jeans. I also have my eye on a black and white spotty blouse, which i would probably style in the exact same way as this print. 

4. topshop olive gem embellished cross body bag | pink | £29 |

Back to Topshop and this is bag one of two i love from there at the moment, in fact every single time i head into a Topshop i find myself looking at the bags and i always like multiple styles each time. I must say cross-body chain bags are always a favourite of mine, as they are easy to carry and perfect for both day and night.

5. river island black gold tone double ring belt | black | £12 |

There are actually a few different brands stocking "gucci belt" dupes such as Primark and H&M but i have to say this River Island one has to be my favourite, not to mention the one that is in-expensive but really good quality. I really love the way this looks with an all black outfit paired with a belt like this, i think this belt with black jeans, tee and the yellow block sandals would go great together.

6. topshop "peachy" motif t-shirt | black | £14 |

Whilst on the subject of black tee's, a t-shirt that caught my eye in Topshop is this black cropped tee with a sweet as a peach motif on it. I am such a sucker for anything peach designed for some reason, it just gives me serious spring/summer vibes. I would pair this super casual with some high-wasted jeans or leggings.

7. h&m polarised sunglasses | beige | £34.99 | 

Earlier this month i shared a pair of sunnies in my "february must-buys" post but since then i actually came across this luxuary h&m like premium brand sunnies, which i actually prefer. I like how they are still the style/design i would go for and what suits me best, but this pair is lighter in colour and i think they would make more of a statement paired with certain outfits.

8. silkfred faux suede jacket | blush | £45 |

Another item that happened to catch my eye whilst i was browsing on the Silkfred site, this time this faux suede jacket in this beautiful blush shade. I think this style of jacket is perfect for spring to just throw on when it is still too cold not to wear a jacket or something, this blush shade also fits in perfectly with a lot of my clothes already in my wardrobe therefor making it the perfect spring staple piece.

9. topshop seline cross body bag | yellow | £25 |

Finally we have the second bag of the bunch that i have my eye on from Topshop, this time in this beautiful yellow colour again. They actually have a similar style in River Island also, but if i am being honest i prefer this one as it has the beautiful gold detailing on the front and the River Island one is just plain. I also like how this is half "leather" half suede unlike the River Island one which is all suede effect, i just feel like the Topshop version would be a lot more practical and stay in a better condition longer.

Catch up on my recent "february must-buys" post HERE...

xo.

BOOKS I WANT TO READ IN 2018 | PART ONE

Hello everyone! So last year one of my main goals was to read more books and i was so impressed with myself at how many books i managed to read and i loved every minute of it, as well as how many books i ended up really enjoying (including a couple that left me with character withdrawal). That being said my goal again for this year is to continue to read more books again, as i find it is so good for me personally and i have found it great way to just simply take a break. If you didn't catch last years "books i want to read" posts, i will link them at the end of this post and just like those posts i will be doing this years in two parts also.

1. with this man by jodi ellen malpas

If you have read any of my previous book related posts, then you will probably already know that Jodi Ellen Malpas is one of my favourite authors and i have loved every single book of hers, especially the This Man series. That being said i literally squealed with joy when i saw that there was going to be a book #4 in the series, this time from the pov of Jesse and literally can't wait to read it once released this March as i have been suffering from a Jesse hangover ever since i finished the All I Am novella.

2. hidden seams by alessandra torre

So i have never read any books by Alessandra Torre before but a friend told me that her books are must reads, especially the now made into a movie book called Hollywood Dirt. That being said when i popped the authors name into google, this new release for a book called Hidden Seams came up and it sounds like the kind of book that i would love. This book was released on January 18th and Hollywood Dirt was released back in 2015.

3. the controversial princess by jodi ellen malpas

Another exciting recent announcement by my favourite author which is being released in May this year and a new set of characters and book series called the Smoke and Mirrors series, with The Controversial Princess being book number one. I am not 100% sure if this is going to be available in a paperback version or not, but i know it will be available on Kindle and iBooks.   

4. the man in the black suit by sylvain reynard
Last summer i read the Gabriel trilogy by Sylvain Reynard and i loved every single page of each book, so much so i didn't want it to end. If you want to know my full thoughts of that trilogy you can do so here, they are a must read. Keeping that in mind i really want to read the latest novel release called The Man In The Black Suit, as it sounds equally as passionate and dramatic. This book was released in December of last year.

5. the bridge series by meredith wild

Back in November i did a post all about the books i wanted to read this winter, which you can catch up on here and in that post i mentioned how i wanted to read this particular series by Meredith Wild as i had read her Hacker Series and loved that. That being said i never got around to reading all of the books in the post, as November/December just ended up being super busy and i never got the chance. Talking of the Hacker Series, i think i might re-read them at some stage this year, as they were a favourite book series of mine.

6. wicked torture by j kenner

Finally another book from that same post, which i never got around to reading yet i still really want to as i loved the other two in the series even though they were stand alone stories in the wicked series. The thing i have loved about these books so far is they are different stories, yet are still linked within the same world of "characters" from J Kenner's Stark Series of novels which were also favourites of mine.

Catch up on my books i want to read related posts here...

| books i want to read in 2017 #1 | books i want to read in 2017 #2 | kindle books i have been reading in june/july | books i want to read this winter |

xo.

NEUTRAL NAILS | THE NAIL POLISHES I COULDN'T BE WITHOUT

Hello everyone! The title of this post probably will not come as a surprise to some, especially if you already know how obsessed i am with nude/neutral shades, whether that be neutral clothing, nude lipsticks and of course nail polishes. We all having those moments i am sure when we either think about it or are asked what products we couldn't be without, if everything was to go except for a select few. With that in mind for today's post i thought i would share with you the nail polishes i couldn't be without, which are basically my go-to polishes.

barrym gelly hi-shine nail paint in the shade peanut butter

I am a huge fan of Barry M nail polishes in general and i have an overly obsessive amount in my collection, but of course it is the nudes that are my favourites. This is actually the shade i have been wearing on my nails recently and it is the most beautiful caramel/peachy-y nude shade perfectly named Peanut Butter, this is a shade i mentioned in a limited edition products i wish were permanent post as this polish is almost identical to the shade i mentioned i love called Beachy Keen, also by Barry M in collaboration with Boots. 

barrym coconut infusion nail paint in the shade surfboard

Another ultimate favourite of mine from Barry M is one from their coconut infusion finish collection, this time in the shade surfboard (which always makes me want to sing drunk in love by beyoncé). Surfboard is more on the light pink side rather than a true neutral shade but it is still a very wearable shade. What i love about this particular formula is that it is super hydrating/nourishing on your nails, as it is infused with a mixture of coconut water and coconut oil, with a gel-like glossy finish.

essie nail colour in the shade spin the bottle

Ok, so this is probably the nail polish i have re-purchased the most over the years, as it is such a classic/staple nude or neutral polish to have in your collection. Spin The Bottle is the most perfect pale creamy-beige nude and is one i always reach for, if i am lacking inspiration or can't decide on a colour. The thing i love the most about Essie, is that they are the polishes that probably last the longest on my nails without chipping.

essie nail colour in the shade ballet slippers

Talking of classic nail polish shades this particular shade is another classic, in fact so much so it is the Queen's polish of choice (how cool is that?). Ballet Slippers is more on the sheer side when it comes to the finish of the polish, but it can be built up to be the most beautiful super pale pink shade and just like the shade Spin The Bottle is super long-wearing on my nails. If you are looking for the perfect bridal/wedding nail colour, i would highly recommend opting for a shade like this one.

rimmel rita ora 60 seconds super shine nail polish in the shade too cool
Finally i have two nail polishes from Rimmel and both are perfect for achieving that super quick manicure, as they dry in 60 seconds (per coat). The first shade is from the Rita Ora collection, named Too Cool and it is the most gorgeous pale creamy baby blue shade. What makes me love this shade so much, is how amazing it looks with a tan and it is always handy to keep some quick dry polishes for the times you need to paint them in a rush.

rimmel 60 seconds nail polish in the shade let's get nude
Another dry in 60 seconds polish from Rimmel but this time just like the Spin The Bottle polish by Essie, we have another true nude shade and one that would be perfect for any occasion. The only difference between the two polishes is that this one is a slightly paler nude, but still has a warm undertone to it. Rimmel nail polishes are such a steal for the quality, as they retail for only £2.99 and more often than not, Superdrug/Boots have them on a "buy one, get one half off" or "3 for 2" offer.

xo.

MAKEUP BRUSH COLLECTION | DE-CLUTTER + NEW BRUSHES | PART ONE

Hello everyone! If you read one of my recent posts talking about my january must-buys, then you will probably know that i talked a little bit about being inspired to have a good makeup brush de-clutter after picking up a new brush set in the sales and receiving one for Christmas also. With that in mind i thought why not document and share with you all of the new brushes i have to replace old brushes (which lets face it, who hasn't held onto/hoarded too many brushes?) and also the brushes i still wanted to keep in my collection. As i do still have quite a large amount of brushes, i thought i would split this post into two parts starting with face brushes.

ps...insta girl perfecting powder brush 
For the longest time i have used the Real Techniques blush brush as a powder brush, but i decided as it was well overdue being thrown in the bin, why not just try a different one out. I picked this one up in Primark for £6 recently and i was so amazed, as the bristles are super soft and it is really well made as it feels weighty rather than plastic-y. I definitely want to pick some more up soon.

real techniques fresh faced favourites set
So this is the brush set that i received for Christmas from one of my sisters, which was perfect timing because some of the brushes inside this set i already owned and they were also ready for being replaced. This set contains a bb/cc brush, contour brush (one of my faves), a detailer brush and some of the exclusive set wedge sponges all for £19.99 from Superdrug in selected stores and online.

real techniques filtered face set
This was the particular brush set i was talking about that i picked up in the sales for £40 instead of £80, which is such a bargain for what you get inside of the set and a lot of the brushes are everyday favourites of mine. This set contains the following face brushes, buffing brush, contour brush, setting brush (which i now own three of but it is probably my all time favourite brush from the brand) and a stippling brush.

real techniques bold metals 301 flat contour brush
So the final Real Techniques brush of the bunch (can you tell by now that they are my favourite?) and the most expensive brush i own now, but probably one of my top favourites to apply and blend cream contour out with. As the bristles on this brush are quite dense you can be a lot more precise with the product you are apply and to where, especially when it comes to contouring your jaw or nose. If you were to buy this brush individually it would set you back £22, although Boots currently have a Bold Metals set available containing six brushes and two sponges for £50 (half price).

freedom ff104 powder and bronzer brush 
If i am ever asked on what really affordable but great quality brushes to try out, i always recommend Freedom brushes and more specifically their face brushes. I first tried these particular brushes out last year for the first time and i was/still am honestly shook on how great in quality they are for under £2 each, i love using one for applying bronzer and the other for blush.

freedom ff103 stippling brush
Another freedom face brush that i probably couldn't be without now actually, is the stippling brush. A lot of people tend to use a stippling brush for applying foundations/bb-creams, but i actually love using mine to apply highlighter with as it applies the right amount of product and blends it out flawlessly. To do this i don't pick up the product head on, i use the side of the brush to apply and blend out on an angle. This brush is also under £2.

mua f11 highlighting brush
Fun fact when i first started out with experimenting with makeup MUA is actually the brand of brushes i first owned and i loved them, obviously over time i have replaced them until recently when i picked up a few new ones to try again. The brushes i particularly picked up were highlighting brushes, the f11 (ABH highlighting brush dupe), f7 small fan brush and the f8 fan brush. Just like Freedom brushes, MUA brushes are also perfect if you are on a budget but still want a great quality product. 

shop the brushes sold separately...
| ps...insta girl perfecting powder brush (in-store only) | real techniques setting brush | real techniques stippling brush | real techniques flawless base makeup brush set (contour + buffing brush) | mua f7 brush | mua f8 brush | freedom ff104 brush | freedom ff103 brush |

xo.

MUA LUXE LIGHT LUSTRE LIQUID HIGHLIGHT

Hello everyone! In general i am definitely a self-diagnosed highlighter addict/hoarder, just as i am with any nude lip product. That being said for the past year or so i have become obsessed with using highlighter in liquid form, just as much as a powder finish and i have put a fair few to the test. Recently MUA launched a range of new liquid highlighters as part of their Luxe collection, which i have tried and loved so many products from before and therefor of course i just couldn't refuse giving this new launch a go.

If you saw my previous post talking about my 2017 beauty favourites then you will have probably read how last year was the year of the liquid highlighter for me (like i mentioned at the beginning of the post) and also how before then i had a fear of reaching for liquid highlighters, oh how things have changed and now i just can't put them down. I just love how a liquid highlighter can transform your face from looking matte/flat to looking naturally glowing and slightly dewy, it also couldn't be simpler to achieve by applying a small amount to the needed areas and blended out with a damp beauty blender/sponge. Liquid highlighters can also be used in several different ways other than straight to the area, such as mixed in with your foundation or applied before as a base and i tend to switch between these different methods.  

Moving onto my first impressions/review for the new MUA luxe light lustre liquid highlighters, which are available in three different shades and i have been putting two of them to the test between Christmas and New Year. When i first saw the packaging i was so shocked how beautifully chic and high quality it is for the price point, as they retail at £5 for 30ml of product (currently £4 at Superdrug saving £1). Just like a lot of liquid highlighters this particular one also comes with a pipette applicator, which was a winner for me as this one actually works perfectly unlike some i have tried previously. I love the combination of frosted glass bottle with the chic black font and gold accent on the pipette lid, which makes the product look like a £30+ more high-end type of product rather than drugstore/affordable. Beautiful packaging aside the product inside itself is simply just as beautiful, as the formula is highly pigmented yet lightweight feeling on the skin that blends out effortlessly and flawlessly. Unlike the usual powder highlight the finish of a liquid highlighter is more of a healthy glow, that looks natural and skin-like rather than overly shimmery and sometimes more obvious.

shop the shades:

| mua luxe light lustre in the shade marvel (rose gold) | mua store | superdrug |

| mua luxe light lustre in the shade sublime (gold) | mua store | superdrug |

| mua luxe light lustre in the shade opulence (pearl) | mua store | superdrug |

xo.

MY JANUARY MUST-BUYS | CLOTHING, ACCESSORIES + BEAUTY

Hello everyone! Now that we are in January things tend to go either way when it comes to that "after Christmas spending" period, some do no-spend January and some save their money for January, more specifically for the new-in items or sale items. With that in mind for today's post i thought i would share with you a selection of things that are my personal favourite must-buy items this January, which is a mixture of things i have already bought and some that i still want to pick up. *some items linked are similar or limited stock on the sale items*

1. | missguided tan roll neck knitted jumper | £20 |

Now that it is January and we are well into winter, something warm, cosy and that is great for layering is going to be your best friend. This particular missguided number is perfect for doing just that, as it is such a neutral colour it will go with a so many different items all depending how you want to style it.

2. | dkny bryant park leather purse | was £90 now £60 |

If you are looking into investing or picking up a more "designer branded" purse then January is definitely the time to do so, as the majority of the department stores always have sales on. I was super lucky with mine as it was the last one in stock and i can't find it anywhere online now, but they have similar styles available.

3. | real techniques filtered face set | was £80 now £40 |

Just like i mentioned with the purses, the same applies with makeup brushes (which lets face it they can have a hefty price tag). Earlier this week i picked up this bargain half price real techniques set for just £40 instead of £80, which is such a good deal as it includes three different sponges (usually £5+ each), a brush holder and eight brushes (usually around £6+ each). I also received a different set also by Real Techniques for Christmas, which really inspired me to have a good clear out/brush replacement session.

4. | shein detail flap chain bag (chanel boy dupe) | £20.37 |

I have seen so many people talk about a site called Shein for a few months now and a fair few people have done hauls from the brand, so i decided to take a look for myself and i picked up this Chanel Boy bag dupe in the beginning of December. This particular bag is probably the closest dupe to the ever so expensive bag i have seen and to begin with before it arrived i wasn't too sure what the quality was going to be like, but i was proven wrong and now it is my go-to everyday bag at the moment. 

5. | st.tropez self tan luxe dry oil | £19.50 |

Seeing as we are in winter and we have all virtually lost our summer glow, more often than non we have to fake it and that can become a chore as all you want to do in the evenings is snuggle up in your cosy pyjamas in bed. That being said i love to stay tanned all year round, as it just makes me feel better within myself and this particular self tan dry oil is perfect for not only giving your that bronzed skin but also super hydrated skin.

6. | dorothy perkins mink apurla heeled boots | was £45 now £12 |

These particular boots are my most recent purchase and i am still waiting for them to arrive, but i am living for how stunning they are with the detailing on the block heel and not to mention how much of a bargain they were for just £12. I ordered mine from the Dorothy Perkins site which is now out of stock, but they still might be available in-store or on other Dorothy Perkins stocked sites. I can't wait to wear them already!

7. | boohoo natasha teddy fur biker style jacket | £45 |

I have been looking for a teddy styled jacket or coat for quite a while now and i noticed that Boohoo have quite a few different styles, new-in on their site and this particular one is definitely my favourite. I just love how cosy and warm, yet still stylish and versatile they are to just throw on and head out of the door. 

8. | topshop rio floral embellished cross body bag | £30 |

I am living for the different embellished cross body chained bags on Topshop at the moment, especially this particular style as it would go great with nude/neutral coloured outfits and also black outfits. Having a detailed bag in your collection is great to add a little something different, to an otherwise plain looking outfit.

9. | asos pimkie chunky cardigan | £39.99 |

During the winter months i love me a chunky knit cardigan, as they are just cosy and comfortable, as well as adding something to a plain pair of jeans and top. I really love this particular grey chunky knit cardigan, which is super similar to one i picked up last month in Primark along side a couple of others for just £13 each.

10. | anastasia beverly hills liquid lipstick set | £26 |

If you read my 2017 most read posts post, then you will have seen my review on finally being able to get Anastasia Beverly Hills lip products in the UK, either from their UK site, BeautyBay or Cult Beauty. That being said this particular set of mini liquid lipsticks (dazed, bittersweet and hudson) are great if you simply want to give a couple of shades a try, before picking up a full size or even if you have a friend's birthday coming up this month and are stuck on what to get them.

Catch up on my previous post HERE...

xo.

2017 BEAUTY FAVOURITES

Hello everyone! This past year i have tried so many different products, some i have loved and some i have not loved so much, with that in mind and now that we are into a new year i thought it would be the perfect time to share a selection of my favourite beauty products from the whole of 2017.

mac pro longwear lip pencil in the shade oh honey!

I have used this lip liner so much ever since i first picked it up earlier in the year, so much so it is pretty much a tiny stump now ha ha. It is one of those nude lip liners that will go with pretty much any other nude that you pair it with. I also love this pro longwear formula even more than the original formula, as it is so much more creamy in texture and obviously lasts longer on the lips.

bareMinerals gen nude buttercream lip gloss in the shade far out

Just like the lip liner this is pretty much my most used lip gloss for the same reason as the lip liner, as it is one of those toppers that goes with any nude. These gen nude lip glosses from bareMinerals come in such a wide range of different nudes but this one by far is my favourite, as it is the most perfect pink/beige nude with golden shimmer through-out it.

dose of colors bake browns eyeshadow palette

When it comes down to eyeshadows and palettes i always opt for the warm neutral brown-ish shades, which won't come as a shock (just like a nude lip it is my thing/go-to) and out of all the eyeshadows and palettes i have bought and used this year, this palette by far is my favourite. I use two particular shades on a daily basis (deserted and outdoorsy), i even did a full first impression and review post all about this palette which you can catch up on here if you haven't done so already.

nuxe huile prodigieuse multi-usage dry oil

This particular product from NUXE has been one of those that i have wanted to try for the longest time, but never got around to and then a few months a go i finally did. Ever since then i have never looked back, in fact it has ended up being my favourite skincare product from the whole year. This particular oil is another product that i have a full first impressions/review post on, which you can catch up on here.

zoeva the basic moment blush palette

I have mentioned these little travel friendly blush palettes by Zoeva on so many occasions, as they are some of my favourite palettes and this particular one is my new favourite from 2017. The bronzer/contour shade is the perfect tone as it is not too cool or too warm, the blush is a subtle light pink shade but the show stopper of the palette is the fine-milled golden shimmery highlighter and is one i reach for on a regular basis.

bareMinerals invisible bronze medium bronzing powder 

Sticking with the something i reach for on a regular basis, in fact i think i have used this bronzer every day since i finally got my hands on one. I had wanted the medium shade for so long and it was always out of stock, but it was well worth the wait and doesn't disappoint. The bronzer applies flawlessly and lasts all day long. 

barry m liquid chrome highlighter

2017 for me was the year that i really got into trying/using liquid highlighters, as before then i was too scared (along side liquid or cream bronzers). That being said ever since getting over that initial fear, i became obsessed and out of all of the ones i have tried this one from barryM has to be my favourite and you can find out why in my full review/first impression post here.

Happy New Year Everyone!

xo.