Crackers Christmas Presents 2016!

Happy 2017 everyone! I would like to say a big thank you to all of you who follow the blog, and although it has been a bit quiet lately in terms of posts, 2017 is going to be a good year and I will be pushing myself to write more and more content for you guys. To start the year off I thought I'd do a quick round-up of some of the amazing prezzies I received over the Christmas period, most of which will be having a follow-up review post, so keep your eyes peeled if you are interested in a specific product!

Benefit's 12 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar is always a good'n, my Mum has bought it for me for the past two years, and it never disappoints. This year's Girl O'clock Rock had some amazing products (and one very annoying tune every time you opened the box!), all of which were minis, perfect for travel and keeping in your handbag. The POREfessional, They're Real! Mascara, Benetint, Posietint, They're Real! Remover, It's Potent! Eye Cream, Lollibalm, Hoola, Dandelion, BADgal Lash, High Beam and Lollitint, all amazing products that make a regular appearance in my makeup bag. 

For my graduation last June I received this Crosley Record Player, an item that I knew I could keep and cherish for years to come, as well as building a collection of some ultimate vinyl classics. Pulp Fiction is a pretty awesome film, but I have always said that it's the music that brings it to life. I was lucky enough to receive the motion picture soundtrack, and I've been playing it non-stop since! 

I have been in desperate need of some new makeup brushes for a while and after being given an Amazon voucher for Chrimbo I set out to find the best brushes available. I looked at several reviews claiming that these ABODY brushes are as good as MAC or Sephora, and were only a fraction of the price! They are also a very cute baby blue colour which makes a difference to my standard black and silver. I've been using them for the past week and can honestly say that the foundation, angled powder, and straight powder brushes work like a dream, I can't wait to try out all the rest and keep you guys updated. 

• This Dainty Edge Hollow Oval Ring from Wolf & Badger hasn't come off my finger since I was given it! I may have given a few hints, but who can blame a girl! I am absolutely smitten with this gift and won't be taking it off any time soon.
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Last but not least is Charlotte Tilbury's Full Fat Lashes, given to me by my sister. I have previously tried the likes of Benefit, Lancome, Clinique, Rimmel, Dior, and Maybelline, and this has to be up there with my top two; BADgal and Clinique. It is a light mascara that builds with each layer, yet never clumps or gives your eyes that horrible sticky look. This is a definite keeper which I will be buying again. 

I hope you have enjoyed seeing some of my Christmas Goodies. Happy New Year all! 

Love,

K.

Summer Bronzers 101

So this post may be slightly pre-emeted, but I just can't wait for Summer 2016! So let's get those summer vibes going with my top 6 Bronzers to give yourself that sun kissed glow...

Benefit

£23.50

Just turned 15! Hoola is benefit's world-wide loved matte bronzer. I can't get enough of it, I use it all-year-round! It's great for stroking over your cheeks to wake up your skin, I also use it when contouring for nights out.

Too Faced

£25.00

This is another beaut! Slightly dimmer than benefit's hole but suits all complexions, giving a chocolatey layer that can be used all over your face to help give you a more chic than bright-and-cheap look.

Rimmel

£5.99

This just has to be one of the best bronzers, as well as one of the cheapest, this is a definite steal! whether your 12 and buying your first bronzer or a 22 year old off to work, this is great for day-to-day wear. 

the Balm

£15.00

Now unfortunately I have not had the pleasure of trying the Balm's Bahama Mama, so this feature should alternatively be on the I WANT list. I have only heard great reviews, suggesting its on par with the likes of Benefit. So when I get my hands on this one you guys will be the first to know!

Bourjois

£6.39

This was probably my second love, after Rimmel, a timeless classic that will be there for me through and through. Whenever times are hard and i'm low on cash this is the best bronzer to give me my daily need.

Bobbi Brown

£33.00

This one is slightly cheeky of me, as Its not actually a frequent member of my own makeup bag, it's always in my mums! I can't help sneaking it into my clutch for a night out when i'm in a shimmer bronzer mood, rather than my usual matte (sorry mum!).

K.

Splurge Vs Steal

I've been wanting to do a Splurge Vs Steal post for a while, but because of being so busy with uni work have fallen behind with blog posts! So here it is, my very own Splurge Vs Steal, although my splurge may not be as upmarket as some peoples as I am a university student on a budget...

Round 1: Liquid Blusher

Benefit (£24.50)

 

This Lolli tint liquid blusher is one of my favourites, its a candy coloured cheek stain that leaves my cheeks looking great! It lasts a few hours and is perfect for adding a hint of colour.

Rimmel (£4.49)

This is the closest rival to the benefit Lolli tint! Rommel's Stay Blushes leaves your cheeks looking a sun-kissed pink, but unfortunately last for little over than an hour 

Winner: Benefit! 

Round 2: Make-up Remover 

Orico (£16)

Orico's Orange Micellar make-up remover not only smells amazing as it's infused with a citrus smell, but takes a few wipes to get your makeup off. What I really loves about this product was that it doesn't sting my face as I have really sensitive skin. It also has anti-inflammatory calendula flower extract, which soothed my eyes before heading to bed. The only downside to this product is the price! 

Soap and Glory (£6)

Drama Clean make-up remover is my current micellar water, its lush! The cucumber juice and peach fruit leaves your skin smelling sweet, feeling soft, and left soothed. It wipes your makeup off instantly, a no fuss remover for before bed! 

Garnier (£3.33)

There's no doubt that this is my ultimate make-up remover winner. It's the best value for money and removes dirt and purifies your skin within seconds. The only downside is that is doesn't have a fruity smell, but some people prefer it that way!

Winner: Garnier!

Round 3: Concealer

Rimmel (£3.49)

This concealer is great for simple every-day makeup to throw under your eyes and on your pimples as soon as you wake up in the mornings. Its a smooth quick-fix but doesn't last all day, so you'll need to touch up. 

Benefit (£17.50)

This is the best concealer for blemishes and spots, lasts for hours and a must-have for a night out as there's no chance of it melting off. Not one to pop under the eyes as it's not a smooth as some concealers and does tend to crumble when applied in large amounts.

Winner: Undecided

Round 4: Hand Cream 

Bodyshop (£4)

Honestly, the only positive I can say about this product is the smell as i love Bodyshop's coconut smelling products. I suffer from dry skin in-between my fingers during the winter and this product did not help at all, unfortunately it soothed my skin for minutes, before getting dry and continuing to itch hours later. 

Palmers (£1.99)

Not much I can say about this product, never disappoints, keeping my hands smooth all the way through the bitter weather.

Winner: Palmers!

Hope you enjoyed reading my first ever Splurge vs Steal!

K.

Big Payday Haul

Okay so I love pay day! And I love pay day even more when it involves a trip to Space NK. And maybe boots. And Bentalls. As you can see I definitely hit them all up this past weekend and I have some fantastic new things to share - especially a little gem hiding in this picture that I have saved for the end. 

So firstly I had to get some staple repurchases out of the way. Benefit's The Big Easy is my second round and that is because this is a really easy product to throw on when you don't want to think about your face too much. The Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal mask is a massive must have for me when I'm feeling a bit spotty or grubby. Finally Kiehl's ultra facial cream is my go-to moisturiser, it is so good under makeup or for a light night cream (maybe over a serum or if you are blessed with hydrated skin). The other reason this cream is fantastic is because one of the first ingredients listed is Squalane - I wont go too deep into it but basically: 

The body’s squalane levels start naturally declining when we’re in our 20s. Applying nourishing squalane can help you achieve a softer texture and smoother appearance without dreaded greasiness. It has antibacterial properties and can be effective in treating the symptoms of eczema. Acne sufferers can reduce excess oil production by using it as a spot treatment. Over time, using squalane can reduce wrinkles, eliminate scars, reverse UV damage, lighten freckles and erase skin pigmentation while fighting free radicals. - Basically fantastic.

I also picked up some Emma Hardie Cleansing cloths because I think they are so lovely to use and only £10 for 3. They come with 2 sides - one which is muslin and the other a super soft and plushy towel-y side. 

The YSL sales lady definitely saw me coming - I went to purchase the YSL Youth Liberator foundation as I have heard good things and am planning to do a review for you guys (very impressed so far). Ended up leaving with a Touche Eclat as well. Typical.

Nars also had its counter time - I repurchased the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard as I use it every day and was running out and approaching panic mode. While I was waiting for my shade to be found, I convinced myself to buy a Matte Multiple. Now this is technically a repurchase as I have bought one once before but managed to lose it before I got home. I resisted spending more money on another for a long time but finally caved and kept this one firmly in my grasp the whole day.

And now time for the much loved and much discussed Oskia Renaissance Gel Cleanser. I have not used this before - I know, shocker. However, I have been massively put off by the word Gel in the title. I will do a full review but just to let you know, I really wish I had bought this sooner. It is so gorgeous. 

Lastly but definitely not least - Aurelia Cell Repair Night Oil. Oh My God. This is my top find in the past 12 months. I have included a picture of the ingredients list below because it actually has to be seen to be believed. Not one iffy ingredient. NOT ONE. This is so loving for your face and only £45 for 50ml - massive bargain. This can be found in Space NK and I recommend everyone reading to run to your closest shop right now and buy it. Seriously. Go. 

S.

K's Christmas Bundle

Hey Guys! We're so sorry that we haven't posted in a while, but i've been completely overloaded with university work and S has been busy getting promoted!! So here's a short but sweet post to keep you up-to-date on a few of my favourite Christmas presents...

So my presents started a little before Christmas day when my parents decided to surprise me with Ice Skating tickets to the Somerset House Skate Rink ! It was amazing, and as it was sponsored by Fortnum & Mason the nibbles and hot chocolate were amazing!

Here's one I got in my santa sack: Benefit's How to Look Good at Everything! It's great and allows you to achieve that flawless complexion everyone's dying for. It includes Pore Professional, Hello Flawles, Boi-ing and 'I Love Me' Ivory

Here are another two for the makeup bag! Benefit's Stay Flawless Primer (and when it says 15-hour is means it!) and my much awaited concealer brush from Mac

As many of you may remember I worked for House of Holland over the Summer and here are some of their adorable Christmas nails which I styled out for the festive period.

Last but not least is my Olivia Burton watch. I've been looking at these for a few months now and was ecstatic when I opened up the box to find i'd been gifted my favourite model! 

Hope you guys liked my Christmas Bundle! I'll be sure to not leave it quite so long before writing a new post.

K. 

K's Christmas Wishlist

Christmas is only 5 weeks away! And along with this celebration of festivities comes the dread of christmas gift buying. I luckily have just started my gift purchasing with only a few more presents left to buy. But for anyone wondering what I would like this Christmas here's a few ideas..... 

1. Boi-ing by Benefit- I'm itching to try this flawless concealer 

2. eos - These lip balms are a great stocking filler

3. I'm dying for a pineapple phone case! These can be found on Asos or Etsy

4. Barbarells by Nars- This lipstick is a beautiful peach/nude shade

5. A winter Coat- My favourites are currently from Asos, Warehouse and Topshop

6. Simple Makeup Bag- This is currently going for £10 on Asos!

7. New Balance trainers- Whilst all the other fashion bloggers had a pair of these babies in August, I still haven't managed to buy a pair for myself !

So there's a few of my must-haves for this Christmas :) 

K.

Halloween Makeup Tutorial : Scarecrow

It's almost Halloween! So here the first of my spooky makeup tutorials....

 My First look is the Scarecrow, not a traditional halloween costume but a great last minute costume if you haven't got a pair of fangs or a broomstick! 

Step 1.

Simply using liquid eyeliner draw a curved line either side of your mouth. Then draw 5 small lines vertically along these lines giving them a T shaped edge.

Step 2. 

Again, using the liquid eyeliner, make a egg shape on your nose, them fill this with orange face paint.

Step 3.

Make stitch marks around the egg shaped patch.

Step 4. 

Using the orange face paint, draw a circle on each cheek.

Step 5.

Using white face paint and a thin makeup brush, draw a white mark on each orange spot.

Step 6.

Choose your selection of orange/coral lipstick

Step 7.

Using the liquid eyeliner, draw two thick lines below each eye.

Step 8.

Finally, add in black lines below your eye to create a stitched/ drawn on effect. 

Step 9.

Add your choice of costume and you're ready to go! 

Here are the products that I used to create my look...

K.