Getting ready for Christmas!

Can you believe that Christmas is TWO days away?! What is this madness?! I swear just the other day I was 10 years old and now in a few weeks, I'll be 21. Crazy. Anyway, I'm finally back home and I'm now ridiculously excited for Christmas. With Christmas comes parties and with parties and gatherings, you're going to want to look your best. So the wonderful guys at Chapstick put together this fabulous kit to help me prep for Christmas - let the festivities begin!

I've raved about these lip balms before. The Chapstick Lipsations Shimmer* - £1.99 are perfect for Christmas. Not only do these add moisture and softness to the lips (which is perfect during the winter months) but they add a bit of gloss and shimmer, making the lips irresistible - perfect incase you find yourself under the mistletoe. My favourite flavour has to be the Berry one, it tastes absolutely beautiful. A definite must-have for me is a tan. I'm a pale gal and the Trilogy Instant Bronzing Gel* - £17.50 is perfect. Many times I've found myself going out last minute and having to wear tights to cover up my snowman legs. But this quick drying bronzing gel delivers instant colour on application that doesn't streak and applies evenly. This means that you can apply, get dressed and not worry about looking like a ghost.

I've not been a fan of nail wraps in the past. I find them a bit of a nightmare and instead of being a fun treat, they're a chore to apply. Despite the fact that the Elle MacPherson Instant Nail Wraps* - £7.49 look gorgeous, I'm afraid I'm going to be giving these ones a miss for now. I just can't get the hang of the things! But if you have any suggestions on how to apply them, please let me know in the comments. The Collection Does It All Mascara Waterproof* - £4.99 has quickly become my mascara of the moment. I'm constantly reaching for it and I think it's down to the multi-bristle brush. It's huge, don't get me wrong, and sometimes I end up with it everywhere but it separates the lashes while added volume and ensuring every lash is coated. The name says it all... this mascara really does do it all.

But if mascara doesn't do it for you then falsies will do. Quick and easy to apply the LASH Eyelashes Volume Edition #21* - £4.19 from Superdrug are perfect. They look natural but add a little something extra to your eyes and really make them pop. No look is complete without hairspray. The Pantene Volume & Body Hairspray* - £3.69 is quite frankly perfect. Not only does it oomph your hair up but it holds it and keeps it in place all night long. That's all I can say. It's wonderful, it's perfect and if you're after a new hairspray, buy this one. Now a tin of STEAMCREAM* - £13.00 is something that I've lusted over for a way. This miracle moisturiser does everything. Using raw materials this tin of wonder moisturises the face and body and is suitable for all skin types. It sinks into the skin quickly and smells delicious.

What are your must-have products to help you prepare for Christmas?
*PR Sample

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Bargain Boots & Holland and Barrett Haul!

Banana Chips coated in chocolate and yoghurt - £2.59

I went into Holland and Barrett as I have a £10 voucher to spend because of their new reward scheme but unfortunately the item that I wanted was out of stock. So instead, I picked up some banana chips which I've just started eating. They're so beautiful and I'm going to have to put them away because if not, they'll all be gone in an hour!

Pantene Pro-V Aqua Light Shampoo - Was £2.69 now £1.81 (free on 3 for 2)

I was in need of a new shampoo and I went to the Boots Advantage Card machine and I received a voucher for 25% off any shampoo/conditioner so I picked up the Pantene Aqua Light shampoo. I've used it before and whenever I smell it, it reminds me of Whitby as this is the shampoo that I used whilst I was there. It's really lightweight and easy to wash out. A great every day shampoo.

17 Va Va Voom Mascara - Was £6.29 now £2.43

All my mascaras are running out and drying up so I decided it was time to get myself a new one. I love trying out new and different mascaras as I am yet to find my perfect one. Once again at the Boots Advantage Card machine I was given a voucher for a half price Va Va Voom mascara and that was an offer I couldn't resist! So I picked one up and I'm excited to try it out.

My Face Concealer - Was £7.99 (free on 3 for 2)

Me and my friend were working on cosmetics today when we noticed that My Face had a 75% off sale. There weren't many items left but what was left was decent enough. So on my break I quickly ran to the My Face counter and chose this concealer. Boots have a 3 for 2 offer on at the moment so this qualified as my free item. I haven't yet tried it but it does seem a bit dark for me so I'm praying for some sun!

My Face My Mix Foundation - Was £12.99 now £2.84

I'm still in shock at the price of this foundation. I haven't tried it but when I was first getting into make up, I had my eye on it. I'm not sure of the coverage yet but I'm considering doing a full FOTD using these products and letting you know how I get on. I'm not sure if it's just my Boots store that has 75% off because it's not online. But it's definitely worth checking!

My Face R&B Rouge Blusher in Medium Lady Monaco - Was £9.99 now £2.18

I also decided to pick up a blush. This is a very bright Barbie pink that is highly pigmented. I've included a swatch below of this product and to do that swatch, I literally touched the blush in the slightest. I need to have a light hand when using this!

Trevor Sorbie Tease Comb - Was £2.99 now £2.62

It's 3 for 2 at the moment on make up, hair care and accessories so I need one more item in order to qualify for 3 for 2 on my Pantene and 17 products. I decided it was time that I bought myself a teasing comb as my hair is useless when it comes to volume. I saw this one and I couldn't believe the price. It's really sturdy and I'm excited to try it. 

I've included the picture above to show you just how much I saved! This is a picture of my receipt when I bought the My Face cosmetics (I picked up the other stuff later on). So you can see that I saved a massive total of £26.95! Three My Face items came to £5.02 instead of £30.97! I'm still in complete shock about this. I do get staff discount but I mostly get discount on items from looking around the store, seeing what's on offer and using vouchers from the Boots Advantage Card machines. So next time you go into Boots, definitely check those machines as there are some great offers lurking on there.

Swatch of the My Face blusher - very pigmented!

What have you been buying recently?

xxx

What I Use On.. My Hair

For my giveaway, I asked you all what you'd like to see more of and someone mentioned that they'd like to see more hair posts. So seeing as I'm having my hair cut soon (Thursday to be exact) I thought I'd show you how I style my hair now. And then after my hair's been cut, I'll show you how I style it afterwards.

TRESemme Split Remedy Shampoo* & TRESemme Split Remedy Conditioner* - I really cannot live without this shampoo and conditioner. In fact, I can't live without the entire Split Remedy range. It's very good and reduces the appearance of split ends very quickly. It also doesn't weigh the hair down, leave a nasty residue or make my hair appear greasy. I highly, highly recommend it and if you'd like to find out more, you can read my full review here.

Percy & Reed Finishing Polish - I mentioned Percy & Reed products a while ago as right now, they're free when you purchase Glamour magazine. I received the Finishing Polish yesterday as I'm a subscriber and I was very excited to try it out. So far, I've used it on my sister who has dry, short hair and myself who has oily, long hair and it works fabulously on both hair types. It helps to hold the style naturally and also smooth the cuticle which stops frizz. The main reason I love this product is because it controls unruly hair which in this horrible UK weather we're having is wonderful. I love this finishing polish and I can see myself buying it again and again.

VO5 Miracle Concentrate - My favourite hair oil! I use it before blow drying to reduce drying time and to leave my hair feeling smooth and looking silky and shiny. I really cannot get enough of this hair oil and it doesn't even make my oily hair more greasy. It's very lightweight and also smells gorgeous!

TIGI Bed Head Totally Baked Volumizing & Hair Prepping Meringue* - I don't mousse very often but when I do, this is my one of choice. It adds volume and smells beautiful - just like lemon meringue and luckily, the scent lingers on the hair.

Pantene Pro V Heat Defence Gloss Spray - I've really been loving this heat defence recently. Yes it's like the usual heat defences as it protects your hair but it also adds a lovely sheen to the hair without weighing it down. Once I've used this, I find that my hair isn't as frizzy as it would be without it. It also smells beautiful - very clean and fresh.

So this is my hair right after it's been blow dried. In these pictures, I've used the products above and only blow dried my hair - it hasn't been straightened. As you can see, my hair is filled with volume and there's hardly any frizz. It also looks really glossy and healthy. I'd highly recommend all of these products!

What products do you use on your hair?

xxx

*PR Sample

January Favourites

My first monthly favourites post of this year! I didn't really stick to my monthly favourites last year and sometimes they just randomly appeared but I'm going to try my hardest to do these monthly this year. So keep an eye out for them!

Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

I really adore this palette. It's very versatile and perfect for creating a nude smokey eye that is suitable for both day time and night time. You can view my full review and swatches here.

Ardell False Eye Lashes

I've been loving wearing false eye lashes at the moment. They really emphasise the eyes and makes them stand out a lot more. These eye lashes are the easiest to use in my opinion and just look so beautiful on. You can see what they look like on here.

He-Shi Express Liquid Tan *

Fake tan has recently become my best friend and I really can't get enough of this He-Shi one. It's easy to apply, doesn't streak and gives a natural looking tan. You can see my (very old) full review of this here.

No7 Beautiful Skin Foaming Cleanser

I've fallen in love with this cleanser since buying it. A full review will be coming soon but for now I'll just say that it's very refreshing, helps oil, doesn't dry the skin out and also removes all my make up.

Pantene Heat Defence

I wanted to try out a new heat defence and this Pantene one is great because it protects the hair and adds shine at the same time. It also smells beautiful and doesn't weigh the hair down.

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Blush

Dry shampoo is a must have at university as sometimes you're rushed for time. But I also use this one as a sort of hairspray to get volume into my roots. And at the moment, it's half price at Superdrug.

Charlie Body Spray in Essence

I've been loving wearing body spray in the day time and this Charlie one smells so beautiful. It's an 'enchanting creation of zesty fruits, velvety florals and musk.'

Listerine Total Care Zero Mouth Wash

The nicest mouth wash ever! It tastes just like the dentist and oh my, I just can't get enough of it! My favourite mouth wash ever to be honest.

Britney Spears Midnight Fantasy Perfume

My favourite perfume at the moment. It's sweet smelling but also sophisticated. I also love how my friends now recognise this as 'my scent.' You can view my Britney perfume post here.

Avon Colour and Contour in Rose Gold

You can see a swatch of this blusher here. It's so pretty and really brightens up the complexion. The highlight side is also really pretty!

Revlon's Double Twist Mascara

I bought this at the beginning of January as it was on offer for just £5 and I really, really love it. It's very easy to use, grips every eye lash and really extends and volumises. But it doesn't clump up.

Candles

Candles are banned in university hauls but that doesn't stop me! I can't stop using them as they just smell so beautiful. What are your favourite candles?

What products have you been loving this month?

xxx


* PR sample

Recent Purchases & Birthday Presents

Some of the things in this post will be birthday presents and some will be what I've purchased myself. I'm not going to say which is which but yeah, these are all things that I've got recently and I thought I'd show you. I enjoy being nosey so I hope you do too!

Urban Decay's Naked 2 Palette - I was so excited when this arrived today. I'm already in love and I can't wait to experiment some more with it. I've also taken pictures for a full blown review - even though I'm sure you don't need one.

Ardell and Kiss Eyelashes - I think I've actually become obsessed with false eyelashes. They make me feel so much more confident and they can really change a look. I need more!

Eyelure False Eyelash Adhesive - To accommodate for my false lash addiction. It was only £2.55 and the bottle is huge. It will last forever!

Revlon's Double Twist Mascara - I saw this on offer for just £5 in Superdrug and as I as in need of a new mascara, I thought I'd try it out. A bit risky considering I'd never heard anything about it in the blogging world. But I'm loving it so far.

MAC Lipstick in Please Me - I am in love. This lipstick is everything. I'll be dedicating a whole post to this wonderful creation so I won't say too much now.

Coca-Cola Vanilla Lip Balm - You all know I have a lip balm addiction and I just had to have this one. I love it. It's very tasty.

Pantene Heat Defence - I wanted to branch out and try something else instead of my TRESemme Heat Defence. I haven't tried it yet but I will report back.

Britney Spears Hidden Fantasy Perfume - My Britney perfume collection is now complete! I'll be doing a full post on it soon so keep an eye out if you're interested! (Thanks Dad)!

Candles at university are illegal! But I can't help it. The red one is a cinnamon and mulled wine Air Wick candle and the other two are Yankee Candles. One is lemon and the other is strawberry buttercream. I'm obsessed with them at the moment.

I've always wanted a Build-A-Bear bear and my sister bought me one for my birthday! She's so beautiful and lovely to cuddle up to. Her name is Britney of course and she sings Happy Birthday to me too :) She also has a change of clothes for when it's not my birthday..

I hope you enjoyed this post and please let me know if you'd like to see more.

What have you been purchasing recently?

xxx