New in Skincare

After my recent holiday to Sweden and Norway (more on that soon); my skin felt sooooo dry, especially around my cheeks and nose.

My normal moisturiser just wasn't cutting it, so I felt I needed to up the game and try out some much loved skincare.

After browsing Look Fantastic trying to find something for my dry dry skin, I was recommended the Embryolisse Lait-creme Concentre and I'm so glad I decided to get it. At only £20 plus a 10% discount voucher it didn't seem overpriced. It has a nice smell and the creme itself is lightweight but really moisturising. I love it!

Next was the Eve Lom Rescue Mask which is a bit of a cult beauty buy and one I'd heard about before. So I was keen to try it out, but at £35 for 50ml it ain't cheap!!
It was different than what I expected and felt more like a clay mask with exfoliating bits, but after leaving it on for 10 mins (and sparingly applying it - that's 70p a ml!!) my skin did feel amazing.

Lastly, was this Avene Eau Thermale Spring Water, as my Caudalie Beauty elixir had run out and I could't justify another. So this sounded a little similar and it's cheaper and you get 5x more! I haven't had the chance to try it out yet, but I'm sure it'll be good.

What new skincare items have you been trying lately? Any recommendations?

A bit different for Easter.. Chocolate bark

This Easter I decided I wanted to make something a bit different to the normal Easter egg (note- I've never made an Easter egg!). I'd seen these chocolate barks or slabs, or whatever they're called, a lot on Pinterest and they looked so pretty.

What I got for Christmas / Birthday

I usually love watching these kind of videos and reading these blog posts. Hopefully noone finds them bragging or vulgar - I think they're fun! I'm sharing just a few beauty and home bits that I got for Christmas and my Birthday as they're only 3 days apart. 

First up, I got the ever so stereotypical 'blogger' candle. But I can't help it - it was copper and smelt nice. All the important things right? This one is from Anthropologie -- Similar here

Next from my lovely friend *STOP READING THIS KIM, I KNOW YOU DO*. I got a copper terrarium. As she knows my love of copper and these are so pretty at the moment. I'm still deciding what to put in it!

I've been wanting Charlotte Tilbury for so many months now and couldn't decide between the lipsticks or eye palettes. In the end this Dolce Vita eye palette won me over.

Lastly, and kind of the star of the show as they were by far the most expensive / extravagant things were these Hakuhodo make up brushes. I got mainly from the J and G ranges.

L-R: G510 M round powder brush, G5544 angled powder brush, G5521 Highlighter brush, B004 eye shadow flat brush, J142 eye shadow brush round, J 162H angled eyeshadow brush.

What did you get for Christmas? What have been your favourite 'What I got for Christmas' videos?

Home and Accessories Christmas gift guide

As promised, following my beauty gift guide, it's my home and accessories guide. I'd love pretty much all these pieces & as you can see there's a bit of a copper / rose gold theme running through!

Beauty addict Christmas gift guide

I've seen lots of gift guides like this at the moment, so I thought I'd a mini series again (think I did one before about 2 years ago!).

This first one is for beauty addicts, next up will be; homeware & accessories then his 'n' hers stocking fillers. Hope you like!

Winter skin essentials

As it properly gets into winter; outside is freezing with blistering winds and inside the central heating comes on. I find my skin (and lips) are worse than ever. And my summer moisturiser just isn't cutting it any more!

Recipes: Pumpkin, Chilli and Coconut soup

Last weekend - when there was an abundance of pumpkins left in the supermarket from Halloween - I decided to use a small pumpkin to make some soup with coconut milk and  chillies. 

New in: Orelia Jewellery

I've long been a fan of Orelia Jewellery, since I first came across the brand in Topshop. And when I was recently asked by Etail Pr if I'd like to feature some pieces on here - of course I said YES

#SaySi with Armani

Last week I was lucky enough to be sent a gift from the Say Si range by Giorgio Armani.

It arrived in a beautiful box and contained three variations of the scent, an Eau de Toilette, and Eau de Parfum and an Intense Parfum.

“For me fragrance is about memory, even more than imagery. It’s a really subtle but important way in which women can express themselves.”
– Cate Blanchett

Say Si to Elegance, say “si” to risk, say “si” to playfullness, say “si’ to be remembered 

 I'm in the same opinion as Cate. I do find scent very evocative when it comes to bringing a memory. These scents have notes from Cassis Nectar, dark fruit and Vanilla, with fresh-cut freesia and rich rose de mai. It is completed by an addictive, melting base of patchouli, creamy amber wood and luminous orcanox. While the Intense Parfum is more sweet, it develops into a deep, heady smell.

Which I definitely agree with! At first smell (of the Intense Parfum), I can't say I was the biggest fan of the scent - it was very sickly sweet. But after an hour of it sitting on my skin, it settled into a subtle, sweet musky smell. I loved it!

Have you tried this scent, or another from Giorgio Armani? Before this, I'd tried Armani Code.

The ultimate hot chocolate

I believe I found the inspiration for this on Pinterest, but I can't remember to be honest! As the Autumn days are getting darker and the air colder: I've been craving hot chocolate more and more.

A rosy Autumn

Everyone always picks berry for Autumn, and it's a gorgeous colour, but I've found myself favouring  rose gold eyes and cheeks.

Autumn wish list

It's official... Autumn is here. While I love summer so much, I do also quite like pumpkin spice lattes and autumn style. :)
These bits below have been on my wishlist for a month or so now - especially the beautiful Zara bag!

First, the Zara bag: it's £89.99 and made of PU and leather mix. I just love the textured front and chain detail. Basically - I need this!

These £68 Topshop boots are just what I've been looking for. They're sleek and black with a low heel and god detailing at the toe - love them.

This blue washed cotton dress from Oasis, is a great work / casual dress that can multi-task! It's £42 and a piece that will work all year round.

I love this DP tan faux suede jacket. I'm usually a black jacket only kinda gal, but I love this 70's vibe from this £52 biker number.

To finish it all off, this £22 navy textured scarf from Topshop with a checked print.


What are your top Autumn picks?