November Favourites

HAPPY DECEMBER bitchezzzz. Soz but I just can't hide my excitement. Despite the fact I didn't even get an advent calendar *eye roll*. So I'm gonna attempt BLOGMAS this year. Meaning a post every single day. I've planned them on my little excell spreadsheet, but whether or not I get time to actually write and publish one every day is another matter. It's the thought that counts though right?

May Favourites

Eeeee well it's June tomorrow. How did that happen? Summer is well and truly upon us now isn't it?! I know I haven't blogged properly in a while, but I've been loving the same products on a daily basis for a good couple of months now.

September Favourites

Hello OCTOBERRRRR!! Well I'm back after what seems like ages (almost a month), but I've totally lost all blogging mojo. I'm determined to get it back and get back into it for Autumn. I bloody love Autumn and have so many post ideas planned, not to mention a ridiculous amount of amazing products to review. Anyway, I always find a favourites post is a great way of getting back into the swing of things, so here's what I've been reaching for most during September...

June Favourites

Hii babesssss. I'm back after what seems like an absolute age. I've just been so busy and have been away to Butlins with the little ones so I've just had no time to do any blogging. Although to be honest I may have got a little bit hooked on The Sims 4. #soznotsoz. Anyway, I thought a favourites post was the best way to get back into the swing of things.... 

Botanics 100% Organic Facial Oil | link 

I had a little spell of not using a facial oil in my routine (I ran out) and boy did my skin know about it. So I picked up an old favourite again and my skin feels and looks so much better. I have a healthy glow back. This one is really thick without being overly greasy and feels so luxurious for the price. (£9.99)

SEVENTEEN Skin Wow Tan Liquid Glow* | link

I'm sure I've spoke about this before, but I've been loving this under my foundation to give a healthy tanned glow. I'm thinking it's pretty similar to Benefit's new Dew The Hoola, but with added shimmer. 

Sleek Cream Contour Kit | link

I wanted to try this bad boy as soon as it was released and I wasn't disappointed. It contains 6 shades from light to dark and they're all so creamy and blendable. I'll probs do a full review with swatches soon.

Maybelline Baby Lips Pop Art Lip Balm in Blueberry Boom* | link

My last post was on the new Baby Lips collections of lip balms and glosses. My favourite of the bunch has got to be the Blueberry Boom lip balm. It's a vibrant purple with a sheer finish. Super moisturising and tastes of blueberry. Yummy!

Victoria's Secret Body Mist in Sheer Love | link

I'd heard so much about these body mists and have seen them all over Instagram, so when I spotted them on offer for £7.50 in Superdrug I thought I'd pick one up. Sheer Love is soft and floral and perfect for summer. I've been spritzing this every day and I love how they stick around. Great as an extra fresh scent.

What have you been loving this month?

p.s. fuming about the weather lately! Errrrm it's July tomorrow, where's the summer?

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May Favourites

Helllooooo June!! This month's favourites feature some fairly new products in my stash that I'm just smitten with...

March Favourites

Cliché alert!!! - Asif it's already April! How and when did this happen? Eeeee. A fresh month means another monthly favourites post...

This month I've been opting for more Spring hues in my makeup, with pink lips & cheeks, dewy skin and allllll the highlight! I've been absolutely loving the YSL Le Teint Touché Eclat Foundation since I bought it last month. It's the dewiest, most beautiful base and I'd recommend it to anyone. Review coming soon! I recently picked up the NYX Highlight & Contour Pro Palette and there's one shade in particular that really stands out to me (it's called sculpt). I've been using it as a contour shade but also doubling it up as an eyeshadow crease shade and it works really well! I love matte browns that are ash toned as opposed to warm, as I don't think warm tones suit me on my eyes. For blush, I've been opting for the most perfect subtle pink in my collection - Benefit Dandelion. It just adds a 'barely there' flush of colour which is ideal for Spring. The highlight I've been reaching for most has got to be MAC Soft & Gentle MSF. By far the most beautiful highlight in my stash (although tbf, I don't own theBalm's Mary Lou - yet!). On the lips, I've been opting for a similar shade, MAC's Creme Cup. It's a classic! A blue toned, pale pink that I suspect will look great on most skin tones. Lastly, I'm pretty lazy when it comes to body care, often forgetting to moisturise daily. The Vaseline Spray & Go Body Moisturisers are great for the lazy girl like me. They're so quick and easy and actually work really well. I've been loving the Cocoa Radiant scent, which smells good enough to eat. I love the formulas of these and need to stock up on some more.

What have you been loving in March?

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February Favourites

Ok so I usually try and post monthly favourites on the last day of the month, but it's been manic this past week with Freddie's 1st birthday and whatnot. I just haven't had time to take any photos or get any blogging done, so here we are. Goodbye February, helloooo March. If you wanna see what I've been loving this month, keep on reading...

January Favourites

Soo January is almost over. I'm sure a lot of people will be very happy about this fact. It's such a long month and everyone's always trying to stick to their New Year's Resolutions (no alcochol, fad diets etc). I'm not a massive fan of Jan, although I do like the thought of a fresh year, getting organised and writing out a fresh calendar. It must be the Virgo in me! Anyway, I've been loving a few new things this month so I thought I'd pop them into my first favourites post of 2016.

LUSH THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS REUSABLE BUBBLE BAR

If you read my Lush Christmas & Boxing Day Haul, you'll know that I picked up 3 of these bad boys. I've been using them in my baths and loving the results. I probably get 3 baths out of one wand, and it creates the most amazing bubbles and smells incredibly good. So spicy and inviting. Mmmm!

MAYBELLINE LASH SENSATIONAL MASCARA | link

I finally got my hands on this at Christmas after hearing pretty much everyone go on about how amazing it is. I have a few favourite high street mascaras and now this is one of them. It's got everything you want in a mazza. It gives volume, length, holds curl and the formula isn't too wet. Fab!

H&M VELVET TOUCH CREAM BLUSH in Dusty Rose | link

I spoke about this in my 2015 Best Beauty Discoveries post. H&M's new beauty range is absolute swoon material, and seeing as though I absolutely adore cream blushers, I just had to get my hands on one of theirs. Dusty Rose is such a fab universal shade and so easy to blend onto the apples of the cheeks. It's been living in my everyday makeup bag for a couple of months now!

COLLECTION SPEEDY HIGHLIGHTER in Pearl Sheen 1 | link

Ooooh well I do love a good highlighter. Give me ALLL the glow! I've been loving this one recently as it's just so easy to use. It's creamy, blendable, gives the perfect amount of glow and best of all, it's a bargainous £3.99.

LUSH THE KISS LIP SCRUB | link

Part of the Lush Valentine's 2016 Collection. I adore Lush lip scrubs and I was ready for a new one so it was perfect timing. This limited edition one has little edible hearts in aswell and it tastes delish.

POUNDLAND ALL ABOUT THE POUT COLOUR MOISTURE LIPSTICK in Raspberry Smoothie | link

Yes, you read that right. POUNDLAND lipsticks. I thought I'd give them a go as I'd heard a few people say that their range wasn't bad. I got a couple of lipsticks and I've been reaching for Raspberry Smoothie a lot this month. It's a deep raspberry pink that will probably suit a lot of skintones. The formula is surprisingly good - really creamy and pigmented. Not bad for a quid.

Kate
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2015's Best Beauty Discoveries

Can't believe it's 2016 already blah blah blah... you know how it goes...
I thought I'd put together the beauty discoveries from the past 12 months that have really impressed me. I've probably included all of these in a favourites post at least once during the year, I'll link where applicable if you fancy a trip down kate emma loves' memory lane! #shamelessplug

GARNIER MIRACLE SLEEPING CREAM | featured in: October Favourites | Glamour Beauty Power List
This is hands down the best skincare discovery ever! It's the most amazing texture, which inks in to the skin leaving the skin velvet to touch. I use it every night and it makes my skin look so glowy and fresh the next morning. I honestly notice a massive difference if I don't use it. I'll forever repurchase.

SOAP & GLORY BLUR & BRIGHTEN CONCEALER CRAYON | featured in: Review | July Favourites
I discovered this concealer in June and it rapidly became a holy grail. It's the best brightening concealer I've ever used. Doesn't pack a huge punch against blemishes, but for highlighting/brightening the under eye area it's second to none.

SEVENTEEN DEFINE & CONQUER CONTOUR KIT in Fair | featured in: SEVENTEEN | Review | May Favourites
I feel like this is my most talked about product of the year. I just love this compact. The bronzer is the most perfect shade, and I love the sleek, black packaging and the generous mirror.

H&M VELVET CREAM BLUSH in Dusty Rose
My newest addition that I didn't get until the beginning of December, but I just had to include it as it's the most amazing blush. It's the perfect pink and an amazing cream to powder formula.

MAC MINERALIZE SKINFINISH in Soft & Gentle | featured in: Review | The Highlighter Edit | What's In My Travel Makeup Bag
I'd been lusting after this product for so long, and I finally got my hands on it back in April. It's the prettiest, most pigmented highlighter I've ever used. Definitely worth the £23 price tag.

MAC PAINT POT in Painterly | featured in: September Favourites
I'd also been wanting to try MAC paint pots for the longest time. In August I finally caved and ended up going for the popular base shade Painterly. It fast became my favourite eyeshadow base and I now use it on a daily basis. Even when I'm not wearing eyeshadow, this just neutralises the lid and gets rid of any redness. Highly recommend.

NAKED SMOKY PALETTE | featured in: Review | September Favourites
It speaks for itself really. Such a beautiful palette. I was surprised with this for my birthday off my Auntie & Uncle and I absolutely adore it.

SEVENTEEN FALSIFEYE HD MASCARA* | featured in: SEVENTEEN | August Favourites
I'd heard about this mascara from Goss Makeup Artist, who claimed it was the mascara that beat them all! When I finally got my hands on it I wasn't disappointed. This mascara has it all; the cheap price tag, it lengthens, it volumises and it separates. Amazing.

FREEDOM BROW POMADE in Soft Brown | featured in: Review
I only got this back in November but I haven't used anything else on my brows since. A fab discovery and at only £5 it's fantastic value. It's supposedly a crackin' dupe for the ABH Dip Brow Pomade but I can't say for sure as I haven't tried it.

BENEFIT HIGH BROW in Linen Pink | featured in: Review | January Favourites
I actually got this last Christmas, but I didn't start using it until around the new year. I love how easy it is to use. It makes the brows look so much more lifted and defined. I don't own anything else like it.

ESSENCE LIP LINERS | featured in: Recent Budget Beauty Find | March Favourites | September Favourites | The Perfect Nude Lip Combo | The £2 Berry Lip
I have raved about these on countless occasions and I cannot speak highly enough for them. Coming in at only £1, they are the creamiest lip liners I've veer tried and they come in some fantastic shades. Definitely ones to try if you haven't already!

MAC LIPSTICKS | I couldn't choose one, so here's my 3 favourites from the year...

Costa Chic | featured in: Review | MAC Lipstick Collection | MAC Lipstick Haul | August Favourites

Peach Blossom | featured in: Review | MAC Lipstick Collection | May Favourites

Syrup | featured in: Review | MAC Lipstick Collection

BURTS BEES LEMON BUTTER CUTICLE CREAM | featured in: The Nail Holy Grail
Back in February I took to the web to find  good cuticle oil or cream, and I found a few reviews claiming this was a fab one to try. I thought I'd give it a go and omg, it's brilliant. It's definitely more of an oily balm than a cream, but I swear it has strengthened my nails as well as softened my cuticles.

What are your best beauty discoveries of 2015?

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Non Beauty Favourites #3

So I came to realise that it had been over a year since I last shared my non-beauty favourites, how naughty of me! I've been obsessing over quite a few things lately, so what better way than to pop them into a post to show you all and get you all hooked too! Martin and I always like to have a few TV shows on the go, and as soon as we get the babies into bed (7.30 ish), we get the kettle on, grab some snacks and run to the TV, ha! So this post is basically just snacks and TV... #sorrynotsorry

The Affair

This show has had me absolutely hooked! We pretty much binge watched the 1st series on Now TV, and they're now showing Series 2 every Wednesday on Sky Atlantic (or Now TV like us if you don't have that channel). It's really strange and can get a little bit confusing but it's so well written and the acting is excellent. Definitely one to try!

Walkers Mix Ups

I only tried these for the first time last night and I know I'm already obsessed. I'm slightly annoyed that I didn't know they existed before now. They're basically my 4 favourite crisps (Wotsits, French Fries, Doritos & Monster Munch) in one big bag! They are available in Spicy and Cheese - and I've got a bag of Cheese sat patiently waiting for me to demolish them tonight.

Puzzler Logic Problems

Yes, I realise I'm not 80 years old, but I do love a good puzzle book. I find them so relaxing and that feeling of accomplishment when you finish one is second to none - LOL. These Logic Problems are my favourite and I've found myself picking up the newest copy every month. Nothing wrong with a bit of brain training! 

Butterkist Sweet Cinema Style Popcorn

I was always a die hard toffee popcorn fan and would never entertain anything else. This was until I tried this offering from Butterkist. I (and basically my whole family) became obsessed and toffee popcorn became a distant memory. So moreish! 

Side note: Cinema style is not to be confused with the regular sweet popcorn - that's grim.

Chocolate Orange Popping Candy

OK so I've always loved Chocolate Oranges, think I'd go as far to say they're my favourite chocolate ever, and I do love them all, but my fave has to be the Popping Candy version. Every time they're £1 anyway I tend to pick up a few. Dunno how I haven't turned into one yet tbh.

The Returned (The French (original) Version)

Another programme we've been hooked on recently. Martin had been asking me to watch the first series for about a year as he said it was so good, but I don't usually like anything creepy so I was saying no for ages. When I eventually gave in I became hooked and we're now upto the second series which is currently being shown on More 4 (it's also on Netflix and there's an American version on there too). It's not too creepy and it's really well done and you get used to the subtitles pretty much straight away so it's not an issue.

What have you been loving lately?

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October Favourites

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!! Yep, it's that time again! I'm not usually one for Halloween, but I'm off to a Halloween party tonight so I'm feeling it this year! Anyway, the last day of the month also means it's monthly favourites tiiime! Here's what I've been loving throughout October...

THE BODY SHOP FROSTED PLUM SHOWER GEL* | link
Part of their new Christmas collection. Not sure if it's officially launched yet but honestly, it's not one to miss. It's such a warm, christmassy scent that lingers on the skin for hours afterwards. I've used nothing else since getting this earlier in the month. 

No7 YOUTHFUL REPLENISHING FACIAL OIL* | link
If you're a regular reader of my blog, you'll know how much of a massive fan of facial oils I am. The latest one to my skincare stash is this one from No7, which I received as a gift when I went to their Middlesbrough event at the beginning of the month. It's one of the best ones I've used and I've truly noticed a difference in my skin since using it.

GARNIER MIRACLE SLEEPING CREAM | link
The sole reason I bought the Latest In Beauty Glamour Power List Box, and I'm so glad I did. I've been putting this on every night at bed time and just absolutely love it. It's a thick, bouncy texture, and it aims to regenerate and hydrate your skin while you sleep, leaving you with plumper, firmer looking skin in the morning. I've definitely noticed a difference and I wouldn't be without it at bedtime now.

SEVENTEEN SKIN WOW 3 WAY HIGHLIGHTER* | link
I've mentioned this before a few times, but I've been loving this, not as a highlighter but as an overall glow giver. I've been mixing a tiny bit in with my foundation and it turns any foundation into a more glowy one without looking like a shiny glitterball. Love it!

No7 POP & GLOW BLUSH STICK in WATERMELON* | link
Another gift I received at the No7 Blogger's event. I actually had one of these in the shade Classic Rose, which I ended up giving to my Mam as I rarely used it, but since getting this one it's reignited my love for blush sticks. This shade is especially nice for Autumn as it's a deep pink and gives a lovely healthy glow to the cheeks. 

MAC BRAVE LIPSTICK | link
Ahhhh Brave. Pretty much the perfect Autumn everyday nude shade. So easy to just slap on and the satin formula means it's fairly long lasting but not as drying as matte. 

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September Favourites

It's S e p t e m b e r  Favourites Tiiime! Monthly favourites time always seems to come around so quickly. I was actually in 2 minds as to whether I was gonna do one this month, as halfway through the month I switched up my makeup bag to include more Autumnal makeup - which, FYI, you should know if you're an avid reader, ha! I had a look through at everything I've been using and realised, even with the switch up, there's still a few standout products of the month. So here they are!

INSTANATURAL AGE DEFYING SKIN CLEARING SERUM*
I've been using this serum from InstaNatural for about 3 weeks now (morning & night) and I'm loving how it's keeping my skin clear and smooth. I don't really suffer from many breakouts anyway, but it's definitely improved the surface texture and hydration of my skin. I like to use a serum after cleansing to add some extra hydration before my moisturiser, and after trying a few different ones from InstaNatural in the past, I've found this to be the best yet.

BENEFIT BENETINT

I rediscovered this little beauty when I got it in the Primping With The Stars Gift Set for my birthday last month. I've been using it as my blush of choice as I like to opt for a darker rosy blush when Autumn arrives & I really love it. It leaves the most healthy, flushed glow and lasts literally all day long!

MAC PAINT POT in PAINTERLY

Basically the perfect eyeshadow base for my skintone. I got this when I was in Liverpool in August and it's made it's way into my permanent stash. It's such a great non-creasing base for any eyeshadow and even worn alone it just neutralises the lid and makes me look a whole lot more awake. Something which I've certainly needed recently - babies, who'd av 'em?

NAKED SMOKY PALETTE
It was my birthday at the end of August, and I got this little beauty as a gift from my Auntie. How amazing? It's the most beautiful palette to look at, and as with all Urban Decay palettes, their pigmentation is spot on! The shade range is awesome aswell, meaning it's perfect for both daytime and evening wear. | Review

SEVENTEEN INSTANT GLOW SHIMMER BRICK*

Aswell as Naked Smoky, for the latter part of September I've also been using this as an eyeshadow palette. It's such a great little multitasker and perfect for Autumn. I did a post on Sunday about it if you wanna pop over and have a read - here.

ESSENCE IN THE NUDE LIP LINER

If you read my last post, you'll know I've been raving about the Essence Lip Liners as a whole, but especially the shade In The Nude. I was wearing it on it's own as a daily nude lip before I found it went perfectly with my MAC Peach Blossom Lipstick - my perfect nude lip combo was born! If you haven't tried the Essence Lip Liners yet, pop yourself into Wilko, they're only £1 and so so good!

What have you been loving during September?

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August Favourites 2015

Saying goodbye to August always gets me a little bit sad, just because it's my birthday month (yes, I know I'm not 10 anymore) and it pretty much signals the end of Summer (even though I actually like Autumn, theres just no pleasing some people). There's a few stand out products I've been reaching for this month, so I thought I'd pop them into a post to show you. 

The first is a product that I feel I can never be without in my stash; Batiste Dry Shampoo. Having fine hair, it really is a god send. It means I can train my hair to go longer between washes instead of having to wash it every other day. I've tried most of them and I recently picked up the Ella Henderson edition and have been loving it's sweet, fresh scent. A must-have! Next up is a brush I wasn't overly impressed with at first; The Real Techniques Cheek Brush (from the Nic's Picks Collection). Obviously, designed to be used for blusher, I didn't really think much of it as I found it a bit too dense for powder blush, however, recently I've been using it to apply foundation and it works like a dream. Being slightly fluffier than the Buffing Brush, it gives a lighter finish and I've really been loving it. The only thing I've been reaching for on my cheeks this month is the Makeup Revolution All About Cream Blush Palette (review here). With 8 beautifully buttery shades in a mix of pinks, reds, and corals, there's one for everyone & at £6 it won't break the bank. On the lashes, it has had to be the SEVENTEEN Falsifeye HD Mascara*. Fastly becoming my Holy Grail, this mascara is simply amazing at lengthening and separating the lashes to give that fluttery look. For £6.99 I think this'll be a forever repurchase. (FYI, Seventeen products are currently on 2 for £8 in Boots). Last but certainly not least is one of the newest lipsticks in my collection. If Summer was a lipstick, it would be MAC's Costa Chic. Being a frost formula I was afraid it would look a bit #90sglitterball, but it really doesn't. The subtle shimmer just adds to this beautiful coral pink. It stands out so much, especially when a bit tanned. My favourite Summer time lipstick for sure, I'll be sad to put it away during Autumn/Winter.

What have you been reaching for most this month?

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Current Body Care Favourites

The one and only thing that annoys me about Summer is that you've got to take extra care of the body! Ha, how lazy and disgusting does that sound? But I just mean you've gotta shave more often and plan your outfits about how spiky your legs are. Highly annoying if I'm honest. Therefore, I've recently got a few products on the go in my little body care routine that I thought I'd share. Firstly when I'm gonna shave I like to make sure I've fully exfoliated, as exfoliating helps to bring any ingrown hairs back to the surface and also gets rid of any dead skin cells ready for shaving. For this I've been loving the Scrub of Your Life from Soap & Glory. It's more like a body polish than a harsh scrub, which is why I like it before shaving. It's gentle and it really leaves my skin ultra shiny and smooth. Now usually I would use shower gel or Dove soap to shave with, but I was recently sent the SASS Intimate Soothe & Smooth Shave Gel* and now I can't imagine using anything else. I can't believe the difference it makes to my skin. I mean, I've used shave gels before (you know the ones that turn into foam) but this is different. It's a clear gel that feels thick, luxurious and a pleasure to shave with. It's so gentle and soothing, that at £10 I think it's completely worth it. To shave with, I absolutely always use Venus from Gilette, dunno why, I just always have done. I recently picked up the new Venus Snap Razor, which is a travel version that uses the same cartridges as the full size version. It comes in a cute little plastic case which is really handy for travel. Once I'm shaved and out of the shower, obviously I like to moisturise, which I'll be honest I don't always do, but I try and make sure I do when I've shaved. Recently I've been absolutely loving The Body Shop's Virgin Mojito Body Butter*. Now we all know how popular their body butters are, and this one smells exactly like Twister Lollies. What's not to love? Last but certainly not least is deodorant. I've been using the Sure Women Maximum Protection Cream Deodorants since last summer and I haven't looked back. Hands down the BEST deodorant I've ever tried. They're the kind of deodorant that you keep getting whiffs of throughout the day and keep you bone dry even after the most active of days. On the odd time I'd ran out and had to use a run of the mill spray deodorant, I certainly noticed a difference and swiftly ran to Boots to purchase another. They do a few different scents in the range and I've tried them all and they're all fab. I can't really believe I'm raving about a deodorant on my blog, but it deserves it, truly it does.

What are your current body care faves? Are you in love with a deodorant as much as I am?

  

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July 2015 Favourites

Heeelllooooo August! My favourite month of the year is here (mainly because it's my birthday this month but also because it's Summer and there's always lots going on). Anyway, I didn't do a favourites post last month as I was still using pretty much the same things as the month before, but throughout July I've been using some summery products that I've found myself reaching for pretty much every day. 

The first product I've recently reignited my love for is the Bourjois Bronzing Primer. I'd forgot how much I love this product. It's like a smooth mousse that looks scary and dark when first applied, but once blended into the skin it leaves the most beautiful, natural looking sunkissed glow, and leaves the skin feeling velvety soft. The next product to go alongside the bronzing primer is the MAC Prep+Prime BB Beauty Balm Compact. I recently wrote a review on this (here), and I've been loving it this month as it's perfect for the Summer when you just want something a bit more sheer in coverage and it leaves a healthy, dewy glow. Next up is a product that has become somewhat of a holy grail in my makeup bag. I've used the Soap & Glory Kick Ass Blur & Brighten Concealer Crayon every single day since I got it (review here). Words can't describe how much I love this concealer. The texture is just so unbelievably creamy and blends like a dream, which is perfect for my dry skin. It's so brightening and I can't imagine not using it any time soon. For the brows, I've actually been using the Maybelline Color Tattoo in the shade Permanent Taupe. I know it's meant to be an eyeshadow, but honestly it's fab as a cream brow product. It does run very ashy (verging on grey) but that's great for me as it compliments my blonde hair perfectly. I've been using this with my beloved Real Techniques Eyeliner Brush from the Nic's Picks Collection to gently line the brows and add very light hair like strokes to fill in any sparse areas. Last but not least is the Benefit They're Real Mascara. I'll be honest I was never blown away by this mascara when I'd tried samples in the past, and I definitely preferred their Roller Lash. But when my Mam gave me the full size a few weeks ago I thought I'd give it a second chance and to my surprise I absolutely loved it. I love how this separates and lengthens my lashes without clumping. Sorry I ever doubted you Benefit!

What have you been loving this month?

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New Haircare Favourites

Since going back blonde and getting my cut into a bob again and getting a full fringe, I've had to completely switch up my haircare routine, and I've found a few that I'm really loving lately. The first is a Shampoo & Conditioner I was very kindly sent and absolutely fell in love with from the first use. Specially formulated for coloured hair, Maria Nila's Luminous Colour Shampoo* & Conditioner* is absolutely perfect for my hair. It leaves my blonde looking brighter with each wash, smells incredible and make my hair so soft & smooth. Because I have a bob, I like to have some grit and texture in my hair, and I've been loving the new John Frieda Beach Blonde Sea Waves Sea Salt Spray. It gives my hair the messy, lived in look without being crunchy. When I use it on my fringe before blow drying it really adds thickness and stops it going wispy. Plus it smells like a holiday - bonus! Something I've always needed a little helping hand with is adding volume into my hair. I always used to back comb around the crown to give some volume at the roots, but it's really not good on the hair. An amazing alternative to back combing is the Charles Worthington Volume & Bounce Root Lift Backcomb Powder. I've never used a root powder before and oh my! The volume it gives is absolutely incredible and it really stays put. You only need the tiniest sprinkle at the roots so this small pot should last me a while. In terms of styling tools, for the past year or so I've stayed loyal to my beloved Wet Brush, and to add to my collection I was sent the Wet Brush Squirt* - a mini, pocket version of the Wet Brush (the absolute BEST brush I've tried). I absolutely love this mini version, it detangles just as well as the full size and I find it perfect for my new short hair and great to keep in the bottom of my bag.

What are your haircare must-haves?

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April 2015 Favourites

So another month has been and gone and we're now into May! May is such a wonderful month as we're slowly heading towards the days where we can leave house without wondering if we need a cardigan, a coat or full on hat, scarf and gloves. Funny old weather we have in England but I wouldn't have it any other way (ok maybe I'd make it a bit warmer in the Summer, ha). Anyhow, here's what I've been reaching for during the month of April...

I'm obsessed with dewy skin and am constantly on the hunt for products that are gonna make me look like the girls on Made in Chelsea (highly doubtful, I know), and I've really been loving the L'Oreal Lumi Magique Primer. I actually prefer to mix a bit of this into my foundation as opposed to applying it all over as a base. It turns any foundation into a luminous one and just gives the skin a lovely glow. Next is a hydrating concealer that's unlike any other I own and I can't get enough of it. Benefit Fake Up is a strange consistency, almost like a balm with a sheer pigment in the centre. It's so hydrating which is great for my dry skin. As it's sheer it's not great for blemishes but it's fantastic under the eyes to cover dark circles and make me look like I've had a good night's sleep and not been up and down to a 9 week old! (See my review here). Next up is an eyebrow pencil to rival all others of this kind: Eye of Horus Brow Define*. It's very rare that I find a brow product in which I love both the formula and the shade. I often find that medium browns are far too warm for me, but not this bad boy (review here). Next up is 2 lovely everyday lip products. MAC's Creme Cup was my first ever MAC lipstick and a huge favourite among beauty bloggers. I've been reaching for this pretty much every day this month as it's a lovely spring shade and so easy to wear. When I've fancied something a little bit more girly and glossy I've been loving the Maybelline Colorsensational Elixir in the shade Blush Essence. It's such a nice non-sticky formula and so easy to apply. I actually won this little beauty in the lovely Beth Dean's Spring Giveaway and it's the first one of these I've tried. Got my eye on the orange one next!! The fragrance I've been reaching for since it dropped through my door is the newest addition to the Britney Spears Fantasy Range - Rocker Femme Fantasy*. The Original Britney Spears Fantasy perfume is one of my favourites of all time and this one is a sweeter, more creamy twist on the original. A perfect fragrance for the season.

What have you been loving this month?

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* = Press Sample

March 2015 Favourites

It's that time again. I feel like I haven't done a favourites post for a while, and there's a fair few new products in my stash that I've been loving all month.

The first, and possibly my favourite of them all is Badedas Original Bath Gelee. Badedas is renowned for being a new Mum's favourite, but I'm not entirely sure why, as it's not marketed as pregnancy/birth related. It's been said to be great for healing after giving birth, and I know loads of Mums swear by it for this. I love it mainly because of the memories now. When I had George (who's now 2.5yrs), I got a bottle of this and absolutely loved it. It was so gentle and felt like it soothed my stitches (sorry tmi, lol). It's so luxurious and thick. The tiniest bit creates a massive amount of bubbles and the smell is amazing, like nothing else I've ever used. I used up the bottle and I never got any more until recently. Before I had Freddie I treat myself to a big bottle ready for when I came home as I wasn't sure if I was going to need stitches again (turned out I didn't). Anyway, I've been using nothing else in my bath for the past 4 weeks and I really don't want it to end. Sorry Lush, you've taken a back seat for now.

For my skin, I've been loving the Tisserand Aromatherapy Rosehip Beauty Oil (review here). I know it says it's for mature skin, but I swear it's cleared up my hormonal skin freakout and has really helped with the dehydration. My skin looks and feels so much happier since using this daily.

I recently spoke about an amazing budget beauty find in the form of essence Lip Liners (post here). At £1 each they're absolutely fantastic and there's some seriously amazing shades. I've been using the shade Satin Mauve on it's own pretty much all month and loving the Kylie Jenner effect it gives. If you haven't tried these already, you need to do so (found in Wilkos).

I'm sure you're all sick of seeing this little sample of Benefit's Roller Lash Mascara popping up on every blog, but it's a seriously amazing mascara and I'll be very tempted to splurge on the full size when this runs out. I've been using it since I got it last month and am really impressed. It's the best mascara I've tried in a long time, it gives fantastic lift and curl and separates the lashes to give a fanned out effect. Fab!

The whole month I've been wearing pretty much nothing but the new Hugo Woman* by Hugo Boss. It's my perfect perfume. It's fruity and floral which I love, but it's not overly sweet. It has a sophistication about it that you don't normally get with fruity fragrances as it has a slight musky undertone. I know musky doesn't sound great in a woman's perfume, but this really works to create a wonderful warm scent I've been wearing daily.

What have you been loving in March?

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* = Press Sample

January Favourites 2015

Happy Sunday Everyoneeee! Well, it's February! Which means the worst month of the year is officially over and I can now get on the major baby countdown, 25 days to goooo! Anyway, I feel as though I haven't done a monthly favourites post for ages. Some months I just think I haven't got anything new to talk about so I just skip them and do them now and again when I've got a few new products that I'm loving. With Christmas and everything else going on, I've discovered a few beauty finds recently...

First up is The Body Shop's Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter. I raved about this in my review (here), and I'm slightly gutted I'm coming to the end of this now. It removes my makeup like nothing else I've tried and feels so gentle on the skin. A definite repurchase for me, but first I've gotta try the Cleansing Oil from the same range. Another repurchase for me has been the Yes to Grapfruit Brightening Face Wipes, that I've been loving for most of the month. I know face wipes are frowned upon, and I don't use them to remove makeup, but these are exfoliating wipes that I use on a morning as a sort of cleanse/tone/wake me up. They're so refreshing and I feel as though they really brighten my dull morning skin up. 

Onto makeup, a great find recently has been the Makeup Revolution Ultra Blush Palettes. I got two for Christmas and wrote a post about them here. I found I've been reaching for the Sugar & Spice palette most this month and I can't rave about them enough. They're highly pigmented, the packaging is sleek and they have a great range of shades. Another Christmas present that I've been absolutely loving this month has been the Benefit High Brow Pencil. It's amazing for lifting and illuminating the brows and really finishes off the eyebrows. Review coming soon for this bad boy.  Last but not least has been one of the amazing crayon balms from Revlon. I've raved about a couple of the matte ones in the past, but this time it's one of their Lacquer Balms in the shade Whimsical. It's the most amazing deep pinky purple with shimmer. The shimmer looks scary in the product but it just gives the balm a super high gloss finish. It's a lot easier to wear than it looks. The Revlon Lacquer Balms are so comfortable to wear and easy to apply, gotta love the minty taste too. Definitely need to try more of these.

What have you been loving this month?

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Non-Beauty Favourites #2

It's that time again! Time to post about my favourite fatty foods and TV programmes! Hah! Here's the non-beauty related things I've been loving lately...

TV

The Great British Bake Off - Ohhhh I'm hooked! I never watched the last series but when I heard the hype I knew I had to get involved this time around! Absolutely love the show and actually look forward to it every week. My faves at the moment are Martha and Richard, but that could all change! I always need snacks when I watch it though, as a hunger-maker!

Food/Snacks

Butterkist Toffee Popcorn - I think my Hubby might just be a little bit sick of me going on about these now. HOW NICE are they though?! I have the excuse I'm pregnant, but it's not a craving I don't think, as I've always loved them haha. They're so moreish it's dangerous haha! 

Drumsticks Squashies - Definitely the best out of the 'Squashies' family! These badboys are unreal and everytime I go into Home Bargains I grab a couple of bags! It's an illness! lol

Techno Techno

Canon eos 600d - Ok, so technically I've only had this 4 days, as I got it for my Birthday on Wednesday, but I'm already obsessed. So much so that I was having mixed up dreams last night about different lenses! Freaky lol. I'm an absolute beginner when it comes to DSLR's, but I'm trying to practice in Manual Mode as much as I can. I went out to the park yesterday with Martin and George to have a little practice...

George found a big stick (probs covered in dog saliva lol). Probably not the best photo, but not bad for a first attempt? Tips and Tricks welcome!

YouTube

Hannah Maggs

I'm subscribed to many YouTube channels, which I love watching when I've got a bit of free time, but there are a few YouTubers who upload regular weekly videos that I actually look forward to. Hannah Maggs is my absolute favourite! Hannah and her Husband Stefan do weekly vlogs every Sunday where they document their life in London with their ADORABLE 6 month old son Grayson. They are the cutest family ever, and I feel I can really relate to Hannah as she became a first time mum at 25 like I did, and she's really honest about the hard times which I find really refreshing. Hannah and Stefan's relationship is hilarious and Stefan works SO hard on editing the vlogs and making them so wonderful to watch. I even have my Mam involved and she texts me saying... "Hannah's new video is up". LOVE LOVE LOVE!

What/who have you been loving recently?

 
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