Face of the day - Christmas shopping

Today I had to use one of my days off to finish some Christmas shopping so I thought this was the perfect excuse to put together a little Christmas look.

As I was just popping into town I didn't want to go too overboard with products and really wanted to keep things pretty simple. Therefore, for the main part of this look, I went for a bright red lipstick.

I feel a bright red lipstick is perfect for the Christmas season as it's so festive... I also feel there's something about such a statement lip that builds confidence.

This may just be me, but going for a bright or bold colour always makes me feel like I'm dressed up and really boosts my confidence levels.

Pose...

Like I said, I really didn't want to go over board with the products today, so below you can see what I used to create my simple, yet festive look.

Apparently this involved a lot of Rimmel products!

On my skin I used the Rimmel Matte BB Cream in shade light. I had never jumped on the BB cream hype, but when I was sent this as a sample I was pleasantly surprised. I find the product sits on  my skin beautifully and saves the hassle of having to add a tonne of concealer after to cover up any dark circles or spots. Plus I'd heard this product, being matte, wasn't the best for anyone with dry skin. Now as a lifetime sufferer of dry skin - especially in the winter - I  was sceptical at first, however I actually found this to be very moisturising and not at all drying.. Yay! 

After applying the BB cream I used my trusty Sleek contouring and Blush Palette. This has been an everyday product of mine for a few months now and I love it. Plus I always find that after applying foundation I tend to look a little washed out/generally unwell - which is not a good look! This palette helps add some definition and a little colour to  my face again. 

The next step was to add some some definition to those eyelashes of mine. For this I used another one of my current staple items; the Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara in shade 003/extreme black. I really feel this lengthens my lashes, but without making them clump together or feel weighed down. Plus it always makes me look that bit more awake early in the morning when - of course - I'm actually struggling to keep my eyes open at all! 

When it came to my brows, I really felt like being pretty lazy today. So I decided to take the easier option of pencilling them in to add some definition and shape (does anyone else feel a little naked without doing their eyebrows now, or is that just me?!). For days like today, I turn to the Rimmel Eyebrow Pencil in the shade 002/Hazel which does the job perfectly. 

Finally, the main product in this look.. the lipstick. This is from Rimmel's Lasting Finish collection and is in the shade 170/Alarm. This is one of my favourite shades as it's so bright and has great staying power. Plus it's very moisturising and doesn't fade in a patchy way like some other lipsticks do (which is great as I hate after an hour or so of wearing a product, ending up looking like I've just eaten a ice-lolly). 

With the exception of the BB cream, I bought each of these products from Superdrug and they're each something I'll reinvesting in when the time comes.

If anyone has any other products they use for a festive look, I'd love to know! Always on the look out for a new product to try

xxx

Birmingham Christmas Market

Each year the Frankfurt Christmas Market comes to Birmingham. During this time the usual grey city is transformed with lights, log cabins and decorations. The market is something I've looked forward to each year since moving to the city as it well and truly means Christmas is on it's way.

The shops, which are set in adorable log cabins, are full of pretty much everything you could want from a Christmas market. They sell lots of items ranging from Christmas decorations, to jewellery to adorable wooden children's toys. 

Even if you're not looking to buy any specific items, who could resist all the amazing foods/drinks on offer?! 

Think traditional German hot-dogs, a huge variety of chocolate/fudge/sweets (I'm dying to try the chocolate covered strawberries/marshmallows) accompanied with a hot chocolate, mulled wine or warm cider. 

As you can see I couldn't resist going for something sweet and chose a chocolate crepe whilst Ollie opted for a tradition of the German market - a huge pint of beer where you get to keep the glass and a burger (which had been demolished by the time the photo was taken)... If you can't treat yourself at Christmas, when can you?!

Visiting the German market has become a tradition each year during December which I love as it makes me feel so festive and is the perfect excuse to wrap up and treat myself. 

If anyone has any traditions that get you in the Christmas spirit I'd love to hear!

xxx

Next Christmas Wishlist

For as long as I can remember, the Next catalogue had a proud place on the coffee table in my house and since my early teens looking through has always been a favourite pass time of mine. 

Flicking through the pages and choosing out different items of clothing, shoes and accessories I liked the most and then seeing what my Mum thought... Even though I've now moved out, and getting my Mum's opinions is something that I unfortunately can't do as often any more, but I still love to have a look at the different items that Next have to offer. 

With Christmas fast approaching, it seems like a perfect time to put together a little wishlist of some of my favourite items that Next currently have to offer. 

1. Next Stand Mixer - £99 [x]

2. Pink Glitter Clutch - £22 [x]

3. White Photo Frame - £25 [x]

4. Moose Print Cushion - £8 [x]

5. Pink Check Scarf - £40 [x]

6. Cut Out Boots - £38 [x]

7. Striped Jumper - £30 [x]

8. Lace Playsuit - £55 [x]

9. Nude T-Bar Shoes - £35 [x]

10. Polka Dot Cat Make-up Bag - £4 [x]

I love each of these items (of course I couldn't leave something cat themed out) and would feel very happy to discover any under my tree on Christmas morning *hint hint*...

xxx