Christmas stocking fillers: Burt's Bees Honey Pot Collection

Hands up, who hasn't finished their Christmas shopping yet? I finished mine on Saturday, which is surprisingly late for me as usually it's complete by November. I haven't done any Christmas gift guides this year purely because I don't want my house to be inundated with PR samples, I don't want to buy things I'm not going to use and I don't want to show things that I've bought for others in case they read it. But for those who are still in search of a gift, this one is absolutely perfect. 

I bought the Burt's Bees Honey Pot Collection last week while having a bit of a splurge in Marks and Spencer's beauty hall. I've had my eye on it for a while because it's been doing the rounds on blogs, and as a lover of honey I knew I had to make it mine. First of all the jar is beautiful. It's a glass honey pot and it's currently housing my most-used make up brushes. It also comes to with brand's beeswax lip balm, honey lip balm and mini hand salve - must-haves for winter.

The idea behind the gift is great, the packaging is beautiful and reusable and it's affordable. It retails for £8 normally, but Marks and Spencer currently have it on offer for £5.60 - not half bad at all.

What's been your favourite stocking filler this year? _________________________________________________________________________________ Twitter|Facebook|BlogLovin|Instagram

Top five Christmas nail polishes

The Christmas party season is just around the corner, so it's time to don a figure-flattering dress, a smoky eye, a red lip and of course, a festive nail polish. I scoured through my collection and found five different nail polishes that I think are perfect for your talons at this time of year. A couple of them are sparkly (so a bit annoying to remove) but they're that stunning I think it can be overlooked.

From left to right:

Models Own Diamond Luxe in Carat Coral* - £5.00: a beautiful deep glossy coral

Models Own Hed Kandi! in Bora Bora* - £5.00: Packed full of golden shimmer

Models Own Disco Pants in Studio 54* - £5.00: A metallic bright pink

Rimmel London Space Dust Nail Polish in Aurora - £3.99: A glittery rose gold shade

KIKO Cosmetics Satin Nail Lacquer in 447* - £5.90: A deep burgundy colour

What's your favourite festive nail polish shade?
*PR Sample

_________________________________________________________________________________

Twitter|Facebook|BlogLovin|Instagram

Get a FREE personal training session here

BATH | LUSH Santa's Grotto gift set

Seeing as you can no longer buy this beautiful gift set, this post is way overdue. I usually hate blogging about things you can no longer get a hold of but it's too pretty not too! And I know that many of you went crazy in the LUSH sales so a few of you may have this gift set already. Plus, there's nothing wrong with admiring beauty, hey?!

I received this delicious gift set off of my mum for Christmas. I could already smell it through the wrapping paper before I opened it much to her dismay - damn me and my LUSH searching nose. The Santa's Grotto gift set retailed for £18.95 meaning that in the sale, it was an absolute bargain. I know it was on the sale page for a couple of days too so I do apologise for not getting this post up quicker - I blame Christmas.

Anyway, wrapped inside this gorgeous scarf were four festive bath ballistics: Cinders (one of my all-time favourites), Father Christmas (filled with refreshing mandarin oil), Secret Santa (with energising lime oil and a miniature Santa bomb inside) and Snowman (with is ridiculously nourishing). 

So far, I've used up Cinders and Snowman (which I've already reviewed here and here) however I've held off using the other two. The reason for this is that 1. I spent a lot of money in the LUSH sale so have many bath bombs to go through and 2. I'm unsure whether or not to photograph them and blog about them separately. I want to show off how pretty they look in the bath but I don't see the point if I'm honest as it's only going to make you all miss the delicious Christmas goodies LUSH had on offer this year. So let me know in the comments if you'd like me to review them separately and I will do. My camera is ready.

Did you receive any LUSH for Christmas?

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Twitter|Facebook|BlogLovin|Instagram

Do you have a few spare pennies? Check out my Blog Sale here

MAKE UP | Soap & Glory Powder Trip

L-R Glow All Out Luminizing Face Powder, Love at First Blush Blushing Powder, Solar Powder Bronzer

I wanted to get this review up ASAP not only because it's something that I've fallen head over heels in love with, but it's also still available to buy on the Boots website. And seeing as it's so fabulous, I'd love for you all to get your mitts on it. I had my eye on the Soap & Glory Powder Trip Gift Set the moment I saw it however, at £20 I just couldn't bring myself to part with my money - especially when I should've been spending money on gifts for others. Needless to say, when I saw this gift set in my local Boots on Boxing Day, I quickly snapped it up and it's quickly become one of my favourite palettes ever.

Included in this palette is the Love At First Blush Blushing Powder which leaves the skin looking beautifully luminous. With a rosy glow this blush instantly perks up the complexion. The Solar Powder Bronzer comes with two different shades - a lighter bronzing with flecks of shimmer and a deeper matte bronzer - which can be used individually or together. And finally, the Glow All Out Luminizing Face Powder lifts cheekbones and looks beautiful when the light catches it. You also get a brush which isn't bad at all. 

Each of these three products retail alone for £11.00 so for the gift set to be just £10 is an absolute steal . You can buy this bargainous gift set here.

Have you tried these Soap & Glory products before? Will you be buying this gift set?

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Twitter|Facebook|BlogLovin|Instagram

Do you have a few spare pennies? Check out my Blog Sale here

WIWT | The day after Boxing Day

Top: New Look (Christmas present from my mum)

Skirt: Internacionale

Blazer: Primark (very old)

Scarf: Christmas present from my sister

Lens mug: Christmas present from my dad and stepmum

Leggings: F&F at Tesco

When it comes to taking outfit posts, we all know that I'm an absolute mess. In all honesty, I have no idea what I'm doing and I shy away from the camera. Regardless of this, the day after Boxing Day, I went to Meadowhall with my dad and stepmum which was absolutely hectic! I loved my "day after Boxing Day" outfit so much that I thought; "to hell with it!" and here you have a very badly photographed WIWT. As soon as I opened this top from my mum, I knew I was going to get so much wear out of it. Not only are the colour and fit beautiful, but I'm a huge owl fan too. The scarf from my sister is definitely "me" and since opening it, I haven't taken it off - no literally, I was wearing it on Christmas Day in my pyjamas. As for the lens mug... HOW AMAZING IS IT?! It was also filled with sachets of hot chocolate. I adore it so much. But anyway, now I have my new camera, I promise I will try and get better at these things now. I am attending an SLR course in March so hopefully I'll be able to say, "forget the landscapes, teach me how to take OOTD posts." Then again, maybe not...

What did you wear around Christmas time?

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Twitter|Facebook|BlogLovin|Instagram
Do you have a few spare pennies? Check out my Blog Sale here

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

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Twitter|Facebook|BlogLovin|Instagram
Do you have a few spare pennies? Check out my Blog Sale here

BATH | LUSH So White Bath Ballistic

Earlier in the week, my sister, our friend and I popped into town and ventured into LUSH. Again. I managed to persuade my darling sister to buy me a bath bomb and I decided to choose So White. With a delicate apple fragrance, this bath bomb is truly stunning. What looks like the most boring bath bomb in the world soon turns into a gorgeous treat when it hits the water. Turning the bath a rose colour and filling the room with the most delicious fragrance, this is definitely one that can't be missed. This bath bomb was also still fizzing away once the bath was filled - it's absolutely huge and next time, I'd break it into two. Delicious, delicate and juicy, this is one of LUSH's offerings that I'd definitely have a look at the next time you're in store.

You can buy So White here for £3.25. Thanks sibling! What's your favourite LUSH product?

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Twitter|Facebook|BlogLovin|Instagram
Do you have a few spare pennies? Check out my Blog Sale here

BATH | LUSH Snowman Bath Ballistic

When I walked into LUSH, I couldn't resist this little guy. Isn't he just adorable?! But what really persuaded me was Miss Budget Beauty's post as she said that this bath ballistic leaves your skin feeling silky soft - something that I adore. This bath bomb is scented with the same vanilla fragrance as Butterball (one that I've never tried) and the smell is incredibly soft and pleasant. The bomb has been loaded with skin-softening cocoa butter which leaves the bath feeling nice and creamy. Once I stepped out of the bath it was almost unreal how soft and nourished my skin felt - it was wonderful! And I will definitely be picking up many of these in the sale and I'll be using Butterball all year round. A win on my behalf!

Have you tried Snowman before?

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Twitter|Facebook|BlogLovin|Instagram
Do you have a few spare pennies? Check out my Blog Sale here

CHRISTMAS | Last minute gifts

Sadly, I haven't mentioned Christmas that much on Bamboozle Beauty this year. It's not because I'm not excited (I really am - I was dancing around my house this morning to Christmas songs) but it's because I've been rushed off of my feet with university deadlines. However yesterday, I handed in my final assignment of this semester so after a day filled with taking blog photos, I have a couple of beautiful gift sets to show you.

TIGI Bed Head Sugar Rush* - £19.95

When it comes to haircare, I absolutely adore TIGI as a brand. Not only do their products look fantastic and smell delicious, they perform well and are affordable too. This gift set includes the Bed Head Candy Fixations Sugar Dust which when sprinkled into the roots, absorbs oil and gives you volume in an instant. I'm a massive fan of these texturising dusts and this one is without a doubt my favourite - it leaves behind no residue whatsoever. You also get the Bed Head Headrush Shine Spray which is a fine mist that leaves the hair looking sleek and shiny. I usually steer clear of shine sprays as I have oily hair but this one is incredibly lightweight and it doesn't weigh the hair down or leave it looking greasy. This gift set is worth £27 and it's a must-have for those hair care fanatics.

Xen-Tan Gradual Perfection Gift Set* - £34.99

I'm most definitely a fake tan addict. Being as pale as a snowman means that during the winter, I'm constantly bringing out the fake tan to ensure I look golden and glowing. Xen-Tan is one of my favourite brands and I've been addicted to their Body Scrub since using it on holiday this year. It removes dead skin cells, tan build up and it smells delicious and minty. Also in this gift set is the Transform Luxe which gradually builds up a beautiful looking tan that illuminates the skin and leaves it feeling soft and smooth. This tan is incredibly fool proof and I've had no problems with streaks and patchy areas once it's used after the Body Scrub. And of course, no fake tanning kit is complete without a mitt - the Xen-Tan Mitt is one of my favourites and unlike cheaper versions, it feels luxurious to use. This gift set is worth £44 and whether you know a fake tanning professional or a newbie, this gift set is one you should look into.

And there you have it! My last minute Christmas gift recommendations. A few other gifts I'd recommend for Christmas: KIKO Ultra Glossy Stylo Lipstick Set, Hearst Magazine Subscriptions, Too Faced Joy To The Girls Gift Set, KIKO Satin Nail Lacquer Set, Baylis & Harding Beauticology Master Chocolatier.

What are you favourite gifts that are out there this Christmas?

*PR Sample

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Twitter|Facebook|BlogLovin|Instagram
Do you have a few spare pennies? Check out my Blog Sale here

BATH | LUSH Bombardino Bath Ballistic

I have a ridiculous amount of LUSH blog posts to get through before the Christmas stock sadly leave. I've kinda been addicted to the place recently. If you ever lose me and you're wondering where I am, follow the smell of LUSH and I'll be there stressing out over which lovely treat to buy next. Remember how I said that Cinders was my favourite LUSH Christmas product? Yeah, I kinda take it back.

Bombardino has without a doubt taken its place. Granted, it still makes the bath look like wee but oh my, it smells delicious. I'm a huge fan of lemon scents and I'm an even bigger fan of lemon meringue so you can imagine my delight when I had a little whiff of this beauty. It's practically lemon meringue in a little - cuteish - bath ballistic. I most definitely need to stock up in the Christmas sale.

I have two more LUSH posts to get up before Christmas and a further two more after Christmas. So my favourites might change. Especially because I currently have So White waiting to be used...

You can buy Bombardino here where it retails for £2.50.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Twitter|Facebook|BlogLovin|Instagram
Do you have a few spare pennies? Check out my Blog Sale here

LIFESTYLE | Things I love about Christmas

Photo credit: Ninacoco via Flickr

My cat absolutely loves Christmas... doesn't he look thrilled?!

I haven't mentioned Christmas much this year mainly because I'm in my final year at university and deadlines are looming. I've been incredibly stressed out and I thought it'd be nice to sit down, relax and talk a little bit about my favourite time of year. These are my top five things I'm looking forward to this Christmas.

• Food. Who doesn't love food?! And Christmas food is the best. It's a well known fact that when Christmas arrives, calories don't count. They go out of the window and you're free to eat whatever you want for a few days. Also, my favourite meal is the carvery so a Christmas dinner is without a doubt something I'm ridiculously excited for. Turkey, roast potatoes, roast parsnips, brussell sprouts -  oh my mouth is watering already.

• Music. As many of you probably already know, I'm a huge Britney Spears and Justin Bieber fan. And this is the only time of year where it's acceptable to listen to My Only Wish This Year and Under The Mistletoe.

• Presents. I know many people say that Christmas isn't about the presents but I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy them. Not only receiving them but giving them too. There's nothing more satisfying than seeing a loved ones face light up at a gift that you've bought them. I bought all of my Christmas presents back in October - I know, super prepared - and I received my main present (Nikon SLR, woooo) earlier this year too. But I'm still incredibly excited.

• Family. I'm a big family person and being at university means that I don't get to spend as much time with mine as I'd like to. Going home is definitely the thing I look forward to the most at Christmas. As I work on Sunday's, I won't be venturing home until the 23rd this year and even then it's only for a few days. But I'll without a doubt be treasuring every single moment I get to spend back home.

• Snow. Despite the fact that I'm not the biggest snow fan as I can't drive in the snow, I'm most certainly wishing for a white Christmas this year. It looks pretty and it makes you feel a lot more festive. We've had many weather warnings about the chances of Snow in the UK this year yet none of the warnings have seemed to have come true where I live. According to this nifty little tool called "Will I Get A White Christmas," there's a 25% chance of snow on Christmas Day in Lincoln where I am. I'll take that!

And there you have it! The things I'm looking forward to this Christmas.What are you looking forward to this Christmas?

*collaborative post

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Twitter|Facebook|BlogLovin|Instagram
Do you have a few spare pennies? Check out my Blog Sale here