NYE Outfit Inspiration

Although one of my favourite nights of the year, I always find there to be a lot of pressure on choosing the right outfit (after all, it's a pretty big night party-wise).. So this year I thought I'd put together a post detailing a few outfits from the high-street that have caught my eye - each perfect for welcoming the new year.

1. Embellished Skater Dress - Lipsy London - £65.00 [x]

2. Plunge Midi Dress - Missguided - £28.00 [x]

3. Floral Skater Dress - AX Paris - £45.00 [x]

4. Abstract Print Skater Dress - New Look - £45.00 [x]

5. Cut Out Skater Dress - Miss Selfridge - £28.00 [x]

6. Lace Panel Dress - Top Shop - £40.00 (reduced from £68.00) [x]

I love each of these dresses & think they're gorgeous - but if I had to pick a favourite it would have to be Lipsy's Embellished skater dress, closely followed by the floral skater dress from AX Paris. Although both slightly on the pricer side, I can't help by imagine them paired with some killer heels & perfectly blow-dried hair for end of year celebrations. 

What do you think of these dresses?

Which is your favourite?
xxx

A Very Merry Christmas

This Sunday's post is just a quick one to share some of my favourite moments throughout the festive period. This includes a trip to London for a work Christmas party, exploring Birmingham's German Market, celebrating our 3 year anniversary with Ollie & of course indulging in lots of yummy food/drink.

I hope you've all had a wonderful Christmas & I'd love to hear how you've celebrated in the comments below. 

xxx

Christmas Party Make-up

Last week I jumped on the train down to London ready to celebrate alongside my colleagues at our annual Christmas Party. Of course, I wanted to look my best so carefully selected my current favourite beauty products to create a festive, party look (as you can see from the list below.. this turned out to be a lot of products!). 

Excuse the slight yellow tint - apparently hotel rooms
aren't the best for photos. 

Foundation - Mac Studio Sculpt [x]
Primer - Benefit "Pore-fessional" [x]

Setting Power - Max Factor Translucent Powder [x]

Bronzer- Sleek Face Contour Kit [x]
Under-eye Concealer - Rimmel Wake Me Up [x]
Blemish Concealer - Collection Lasting Perfection [x]

Highlighter - Benefit "Watts Up" [x]

Mascara - Benefit "They're Real" [x]

Eye-brows - Soap & Glory Archery 2-in-1 Brow Pencil [x]
Setting Spray - MUA Pro Base Fixing Mist [x]

Lipstick - Kate Moss for Rimmel in shade 30 [x]

To start the look I used Benefit's Pore-fessional, which I find perfect for creating a smooth base to the skin. This was followed with Mac's Studio Sculpt Foundation to provide full coverage & ensure my skin was well moisturised throughout the evening. After foundation, I covered any remaining dark circles & blemishes with concealer (Rimmel Wake Me up for Dark Circles & Collection Lasting Perfection for blemishes). This was then all set in place with a layer of Max Factor's Translucent setting powder - which is gorgeously light on the skin.  

Next to create a slight contour (I need all the help I can get when it comes to  giving the effect of cheekbones) I chose the bronzer from Sleek's Contour Kit to sit in the hollows of my cheekbones & a small amount of Benefit's Watt's up to add highlight to the tops of my cheekbones & nose. 

Following this was a mascara.. For this I used a product that I find perfect for adding both length & volume to my lashes - Benefit's "They're Real". This has quickly become one of my favourite products to use for a night out. I then moved onto eyebrows using my trusty Soap & Glory Archery Pencil to add shape & definition.

Next came the product that I really felt pulled this look together - lipstick. I decided to opt for a lipstick form the Kate Moss & Rimmel collaboration in the no.30. This is a deep plum statement shade that tied in perfectly with the deep purple of my dress. 

Last but not least came MUA's fixing mist. I sprizted a layer of this product to ensure the look stayed in place throughout the night.

Have you used any of these products?

What are your thoughts?

xxx

Lipsticks | Winter Favourites

Lipstick is a product that I find myself reaching for on an almost daily basis... so now the colder weather is here & the autumn/winter clothes have been dragged from the back of the wardrobe, I've started to notice a slight pattern in my make-up routine. It seems that I have been repeatedly reaching for a mixture of the same four "autumnal" shades that have quickly become my currently favourite winter lipsticks.

Lipstick from Left to Right: Amethyst Shimmer, Rebel with a cause,
Kate Moss 01, Smitten

Model Co - Smitten

Whilst only a recent addition to my lipstick collection - I was lucky enough to receive Smitten within my December Birchbox - I've found this has quickly become one of my favourites. Not only is this lipstick both moisturising & long lasting, the deep tone of this lipstick offers a great twist to the classic statement red lip.

Rimmel Kate Moss - 01

Rimmel lipsticks will always have a special place in my heart when it comes to high-street beauty -  so I knew instantly that I would love the Kate Moss collection. Shade 01 highly pigmented & moisturising lipstick that works instantly to add a touch of glamour to any look. I personally love to pair this lipstick with a black outfit & other-wise neutral make-up - think Little Black Dress at the Christmas party. 

Make up Revolution - Rebel with a cause

For those of you who don't know, I love the lipsticks from Make-up Revolution. Not only are they extremely budget friendly (retailing at only £1) they're also amazing quality. "Rebel with a cause" is a deep purple shade that is perfect if - like me - you love to experiment with a slightly darker/vampy look throughout the winter. *Bonus* The little colour pot secured to the end of the product pops off to become a perfectly matching lip-liner.

Rimmel - Amethyst Shimmer

Unlike the previous products mentioned in this post, Amethyst Shimmer is the perfect alternative to a statement lip. With subtle pink/purple undertones & a gorgeous sheen, this lipstick offers a slight "your lips but better" & works perfectly a dramatic or smokey-eye. I personally love to wear this as an every-day lipstick to add a touch of glamour to my look. 

Of course there are many lipsticks within my collection that I love, - *unashamed lipstick addict over here* -  but these are the four I've found myself using most regularly. If you've tried any of the above products - or have any favourite winter lipsticks of your own - please let me know in the comments! 

xxx

Max Factor Haul & First Impressions

I know, I know - more beauty items.. but how's a girl to resist?! Max Factor isn't actually a brand I tend to pick up on a regular basic (I'm a loyal Rimmel London girl) but after spotting the Star Wars collaboration sneak peaks a few months back, I knew it was something I needed for myself.

So when Boots released their "The Force Awakens" range this weekend I quickly placed my favourite lipstick into my shopping cart whilst feeling content with my treat. However - it was at this point that I made the ever fatal mistake of "just having a quick browse" at the other products available..which - of course - resulted in my picking up a range of products & somehow entering my payment details *oops*.

Colour Elixir Lipstick in the shade "Scarlet Ghost" - £7.99

Glossfinity Nail Varnish in shade "Just Cheerful" - £5.99 

Translucent Loose Powder - £7.99
Masterpiece Colour Precision Eye-shadow in the shade "Night Sky" - £6.99

Star Wars Lipstick in shade "Dark Berry" - £7.99 

False Lash Effect Mascara - £10.99

As I've just recently picked these items up, I haven't had chance to fully test each out yet. However from as far as first impression go it's safe to say that I'm very happy. Of course my favourite finds have to be both lipsticks as the shades are stunning.. but I'm also very excited to test out the mascara & loose powder (let's see how they match up to my current favourites!).

Have you tried any of these products?

What are your thoughts?

xxx

December's "It's Time To Shine" Birchbox

As someone who loves all things beauty, the idea of receiving monthly treats is something that has been tempting me for some time now. Whilst there are many beauty subscription services currently available, after a few hours of research (aka reading different blog posts) it became clear that Birchbox  (currently retailing at £10 per month  + £2.95 pp) is up there with the most popular. So as a little Christmas treat to myself - I decided to order December's "It's time to shine" box. 

Contents: 

Benefit "They're real" push up liner [x]
Ciate Nail Varnish in shade "Dangerous affair" [x]

Rituals "T'ai Chi" Foaming Shower Gel [x]

Benefit's "Puff off" [x]

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish with muslin cloth [x]
Model Co Lipstick in shade "Smitten" [x]

Clutch Bag [x]

(Although not the same, I've linked the closets bag I can find)

This month's box includes an impressive selection of luxury samples. This includes popular products that I am yet to try for myself - such as the Ciate polish & both Benefit samples - & others already hold a place within my every-day favourites (I'm looking at you Liz Earle). I also love the addition of a clutch bag instead of the usual box itself. In my opinion this adds the perfect touch of glamour for the Christmas period.

It's safe to say that I was in no way disappointed with the treats featured inside this months box & I can't wait to try them all out for myself. If you're interested in any of the products featured in this months box, I've linked the full size version of each above.

Have you ever tried Birchbox?

What are your thoughts?

xxx

Winter Skincare Routine

Any beauty-lover knows the importance of a good skincare routine. So for today's post, I thought I'd share the combination of products that I find perfect for leaving my skin feeling clean & healthy - especially in the winter months.

Step 1: Remove Make-up 

As much as I love wearing make-up there's something so satisfying about taking it all off at the end of the day. So to ensure the bulk of make-up is removed I use Simple's Micellar Water. I love that Simple is designed for sensitive skin & I personally find this product is perfect for gentle, yet effective make-up removal. Simple's Micellar water retails for around the £4.50 mark for 200ml. 

Step 2: Cleanse

After removing my make-up I like to ensure my skin is fully clean with any remaining traces of dirt/make-up washed away. To do this I gently massage the Liz Earle Hot Cloth Cleanse and Polish into damp skin before wiping off with a cotton round. Although slightly on the pricier side (a 100ml pump costs around £14.00), I honestly think this is a product that is worth every penny. In fact it removes even the most stubborn of mascaras *I'm looking at you Benefit's Their Real*. 

Step 3: Moisturise 

The final step in my routine is one that is especially important in the winter - moisturising. As someone who suffers with dry skin, I find Superdrug's coconut oil perfect for use as a daily moisturiser. To use, I melt a small amount of  between my hands & then gently massage it into my skin. Superdrug's Coconut oil retails at £2.49 for 125ml. To read a full review on this product click here.  

I love having a little nose at posts like this & find it a great way to discover new products. I hope you enjoyed a little insight into my current winter skin-care routine. Let me know you're current favourite skincare products in the comments. 

xxx

The Christmas Tag

I've found myself feeling particularly festive recently.. So when I spotted The Christmas Tag popping up around the blogging world, I knew it was something I needed to try for myself here on Small and Blonde... After all, who doesn't love a Festive post?!

1.- What are your favourite Christmas movies?

Oh my gosh.. there are so many! Elf, Home Alone, Love Actually, The Holiday, The Grinch, A Muppet's Christmas Carol, Arthur Christmas, Disney's A Christmas Carol, The Snowman, The Santa Clause.. and many, many more. A month really isn't long enough to try & squeeze them all in. 

2.- Do you open your presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?

Always Christmas morning.. I know some families open one present on Christmas Eve but this was just never something we've ever done. In fact - even at 16 & 23 years old - the presents for my sister & I don't get put under the tree until after we're asleep - always keeping the magic alive. 

3.- Do you have a favourite Christmas memory?

I have so many amazing Christmas memories, but my favourite(s) probably have to be watching my sisters get so excited when they walk into the living room on Christmas morning & realise that Father Christmas has been.

4.- Favourite festive food?

If I had to pick one it would probably be pigs in blankets (little sausages wrapped in bacon for any who don't know). Traditionally these are only served on Christmas Day which makes them even more special.

5.- Favourite Christmas scent?

Living in Birmingham, I love the mixture of smells that come from the Christmas German Market each year. Nuts, mulled wine, sausages, cinnamon, Christmas trees... perfect. 

6.- What tops your tree?

I technically have two trees. One in my flat & one at my mum's house. In the flat we have a star on top of our tree that was kindly gifted to us & at my mum's we have a angel. The best of both worlds.  

7.- As a child, what was the one extravagant gift you always asked for but never received?

I'm going to sound really boring now.. but I honestly don't remember ever asking for any overly extravagant as a child. 

8.- What is the best thing about Christmas for you?

The best thing about Christmas for me is spending time with family. This is especially true now that I live an hour away from my parents & siblings, so it's always nice to be reunited. 

I hope you enjoyed this tag - let me know what you love most about Christmas in the comments.
xxx

Stocking Fillers | For Him

Dads, brother & boyfriends - as much as we love them, it's well known that they are extremely difficult to shop for at Christmas. Especially when it comes to the little extras.. the stocking fillers. So - with Christmas Day on the horizon - I've spent some time trailing the internet to put together a stocking filler gift guide for Him.

1. Star Wars Decal Stickers - Top Man - £5.00 [x]

2. Top Trump Drunks - New Look - £5.00 [x]
3. Homer Simpson Egg Cup & Toast Cutter - I Want One Of Those - £7.99 [x]

4. "Great Beard" Mug - Not On The High-street - £12.50 [x]

5.  "Christmas Dinner in a Matchbox" sweets - Not On The High-street - £5.99 [x]

6. Los Pollos Travel Cup - Top Man - £8.00 [x]

With something to suit a range of tastes (think foodie to technology lover to Tv/Film buff) I personally think these gifts are an affordable & creative way to add a little extra fun on Christmas morning.  In fact, I'd be happy to receive a few of these in my stocking.. Who wouldn't want to eat Christmas Dinner flavoured sweets whilst giggling at tipsy people?!

Click here to ready my Stocking Fillers for her gift guide.

xxx

Ickle Baby Bot | Lush Review

Whilst browsing my local Lush store recently, my eyes settled on a product I'd never noticed before... The Ickle Baby Bot bath bomb. Unsurprisingly I fell in love with this adorable baby blue robot almost instantly & knew it was something I needed to try for myself.

Not only is this bath bomb super cute to look at, it's also perfect for helping to relax before bed. The product is made of a combination of Lavender, Sandalwood & Chamomile Blue oil - each commonly used within aromatherapy to provide calming effect.. Ideal after a long day in the office. However if this wasn't enough - Lush also claims that the Lavender oil is perfect for soothing irritated skin - something many people (myself included) suffer from during the winter months.

After popping this in my bath, the water quickly turned baby blue with a gorgeous scent filling the air *sorry I was too excited & forgot a photo.. oops*. Once dissolved I found that skin was left feeling lovely & soft without feeling at all greasy.

It's safe to say the Ickle Baby Both bath bomb has secured a place within my ever growing list of Lush favourites. Plus - at only £1.95 each - this is the perfect affordable bath-time treat!

Have you tried Lush's Ickle Baby Bot?

What are your thoughts?
xxx

A Benefit Mini Haul

It seems that I may have accidentally purchased some new beauty items.. again *oops*. But who can simply browse make-up counters without picking up at least something.. This little trip resulted in me being drawn to Benefit's counter & treating myself to a few more beauty products to add to my collection.

1. They're Real Mascara - £19.50 [x]
2. The Pore-fessional Pro Balm/Primer - £24.50 [x]
3. Watt's Up Highlighter - £24.50 [x]
(The mascara & highlighter shown are miniatures, however I've linked the full size products as I couldn't find the miniatures online) 

The first product I picked up is one that has received high amounts of praise within the blogging world & something I've had my eye one for a while now."They're Real" boasts to create "bigger, bolder & sexier lashes".. what girl doesn't crave that?!

Next is Benefit's "watt's up" highlighter. This is a gorgeous champagne coloured cream highlighter that claims to offer a luminous glow for all complexions. The little light-bulbs on the packaging also make this ridiculously cute.

Last but not least, is the Pore-fessional Pro Balm/Primer. This claims to be a lightweight balm to minimize the appearance of pores & keep make-up in place throughout the day. Whilst I don't really have a problem with my pores, I have been looking for a new primer for a while now - hopefully it'll live up to my expectations!

Since picking these products up I've found that I've have been very impressed *yay*. Watch this space for a full review.

Have you tried any of these products?
What are your thoughts?
xxx

Yankee Candle | Current Favourites

When it comes to candles, Yankee is a favourite brand amongst the blogging community. With a variety of gorgeous scents & sizes to fit all budgets, it's easy to see why. So after recently adding a few new candles to my collection, I thought this the perfect opportunity to share a few scents that I have been loving recently.

1. Fireside Treats - [x]

2. Pain Au Raisin [x]

3. Candy Cane Lane [x]

The first of my recent favourites is Yankee's Fireside Treats. At first I was a little worried that this may be overpoweringly sweet. However the scent of marshmallows mixed with a smoky camp-fire fragrance make this a perfect autumnal scent... This roasting marshmallows around a camp-fire.

Next on my list is another sweet fragrance - Pain Au Raisin. I picked this up not long after returning from Disneyland Paris (if you're interested in having a nose at part of the trip, click here). With notes of vanilla & cinnamon this reminded me instantly of the sugary sweet smell of Main Street USA. Perfect if - like me - you're a lover of all things sweet (or Disney of course). 

Last but not least, I couldn't resist including a Christmas candle - it is nearly December after all. With notes of vanilla, sweet cookies & most noticeably peppermint this is the ultimate Christmas scent. I can't wait to light this on a cold December evening whilst binge watching Christmas films/wrapping presents. 

Now that we're well and truly into the winter months, there really is nothing better than lighting a few candles & snuggling down a good film. I already know this is going to be a favourite past time of mine for the remainder of 2015. 

Which is your current favourite Yankee Candle?
xxx

Stocking Fillers | For Her

Each year I love picking up little stocking fillers for family & friends - there's nothing better than the feeling of excitement knowing you've picked up the perfect little gift. In fact - in my house it's tradition to all sit around & open our stocking's first thing on Christmas morning & enjoy the little things we've been lucky enough to each receive...*thanks Santa!*

There are so many lovely stocking fillers on the high-street this year - so I couldn't resist putting together a post showing some of the items that have caught my eye so far.. 

1. Ciate Paint Pot Pair - Boots - £10.00 [x]

2. Unicorn Screen Cleaner - New Look - £4.99 [x]

3. Sweet Orange & Mint Cleanser 50ml set - Liz Earle - £9.75 [x]

4. 3D Cat Mug - Topshop - £10.00 [x]

5. Strawberry Christmas Cracker - The Body Shop - £5.00 [x]

6. Christmas Jumper Slab - Hotel Chocolat - £5.00 [x]

7. Dashing Santa Bath Bomb - Lush - £2.95 [x]

8.  Minnie Mouse Tsum Tsum - Disney Store - £3.00 [x]

9. Mini Lipstick Charms - Charlotte Tilbury - £29.00 [x]

I personally love the above items & think they're the perfect little treat for any beauty, Disney or even technology lover. In fact.. I'm tempted to pick a couple of these up for myself.. an early Christmas treat is allowed.. right?

xxx

Christmas Party Outfit Ideas

With the annual Christmas party getting closer, the stress of finding the perfect outfit is steadily growing *or is that only me?!*. So this year I thought I'd put together a few dresses that have recently caught my eye - each perfect for a night out with friends & colleagues alike.

1. Embellished skater dress - Asos - £55.00 [x]

2. Chiffon Maxi Dress - AX Paris - £40.00 [x]

3. Cross Back Dress - New Look - £22.99 [x]

4. Leafy Maxi Dress - Miss Selfridge - £108.00 [x]

5. Sequin Skater Dress - Boohoo - £35.00 [x]

6. Satin Skater Dress - Pretty Little Thing - £30.00 [x]

Each of these dresses are gorgeous & perfect for festive parties. My favourites include; Pretty Little Thing's red skater dress & Boohoo's sequin skater dress *nothing screams Christmas fashion quite like sequins!*. I also love the style of Miss Selfridge's' "leafy maxi dress". Although a little on the pricier side, it's perfect for those struggling to decide between a long or short dress. 

Which dress is your favourites?

xxx

Mini Beauty Haul

It seems that I no matter how hard I try, I simply cannot wander into a Superdrug or Boots without purchasing a new product or two (or three in this instance.. oops). So - as usual - I decided to put together a little haul post to help banish any lingering feelings of guilt.. See bank account.. I clearly needed these items for my blog.

Rimmel & Kate Moss Lipstick - Shade 01 - £5.49 [x]

Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Nail Varnish - Shade "Sparkling Amethyst" - £3.99 [x]

Rimmel & Kate Moss Lipstick - Shade 30 - £5.49 [x]

Rimmel is my go to high-street brand for lipsticks as I find them gorgeously pigmented & not at all drying. I decided on two similar shades, one of which has red undertones (shade 01) and one which has purple (shade 30). Neither are too bright & are perfect for a day-to-night look *think drinks after work*. 

I also accidentally purchased one of Barry M's Gelly Hi Shine nail varnishes. After staring at the counter for what felt like hours, I finally decided on the shade "Sparkling Amethyst". This is a deep purple shade with tiny flecks of glitter throughout. Perfect for the Christmas parties that are drawing closer & closer. 

If you're looking for a little beauty treat that wont break the bank then I'd definitely recommend one of the above.

What are your current go to lipsticks and/or nail varnishes?

I'm always on the look out for new favourites (sorry bank account)!

xxx

Advent Calendar Wishlist

With the demand for beauty themed calendars growing larger each year, more & more brands are now releasing their own versions onto the market. However whilst having an increased selection is obviously great (Christmas and beauty combined.. What's not to love?!) it does make the whole decision making process a little trickier.

So, if like me you're currently struggling to chose which calender to invest in this year - or if you're looking for ideas ready to treat a loved one - I've put together a wishlist of  advent calendars that I'm currently lusting after.

*warning - some spoilers ahead* 

1. Topshop's "Advent Tree" - £28.00 [x]

If make-up/beauty products aren't your cup of tea, then a great alternative to your typical beauty calendar is Topshop's jewellery "Advent Tree". Offering a collection of earrings, necklaces and bracelets this is perfect for those looking to extend their collection (you can never had enough jewellery, right?)..  Plus the tree design is adorable! 

2. Ciate "Mini Mani Month" - £49.00 [x]
Ciate calendars are a favourite throughout the blogging community - & it's easy to see why! Not only does this calendar offer a mixture of miniature polishes & manicure toppers (plus a surprise full size polish) it's all packaged in a beautifully simple case -  London in the winter? - yes please!

3. Make-up Revolution's "Beauty Chest" - £85.00 (reduced from £100) [x]

Make-up Revolution is one of my favourite budget beauty brands. So it's safe to say I was very excited to discover they're offering an advent calendar this year. Although on the pricier side, with 25 full size products (including nail varnishes, lipsticks & even an eye-shadow pallet) this is the perfect treat for make-up lovers everywhere. 

4. Benefits "Party Poppers" Calendar - £34.50 [x]

"Party Poppers" offers a slightly different take on the usual advent calendar theme.. This calendar includes 12 miniature products for the 12 days of Christmas (or as Benefit puts it; the 12 days of gorgeous). Products include; a They're real! mini mascara, a Rockateur mini bronzer & a Watt's up! mini highlighter. Whilst containing fewer products than most beauty calendars on the market, I still think this is a great buy for the price - especially for those wishing to test out some of Benefit's items without committing the the full product.  

5. The Body Shop's "Beauty Calendar" - £60.00 [x]
Another cult classic within the blogging world has to be the Body Shop's Advent Calender. As a Body Shop lover, I've had my eye in this item for a few years & 2015 is no different. Not only is it cruelty free but it also contains a mixture skin-care, beauty & bath products for the build up to Christmas. In my opinion this is perfect any beauty lover who's also looking for a little variety. 

6. Yankee Candle "Advent Calendar in the Snow" - £27.99 [x]

If you're looking for something a little different to the traditional chocolate calendar - but beauty and/or jewellery isn't your thing - then "Advent Calendar in the Snow" from Yankee Candle is a great alternative. For £27.99 each window houses a Yankee tea light with a special treat on Christmas Eve. Plus this is the perfect way to test out candle scents before picking up a full size. 

I personally adore each of these calendars & think they're the perfect way to celebrate the build up to Christmas.. plus who doesn't love waking up to a little present each morning?!

Which advent calendar have you got your eye on this year?
xxx

Autumnal Style Changes*

If you've read any of my recent posts, you'll know how excited I am for Autumn this year. So whilst thinking of content for my usual mid-week blog post - I realised the perfect way to celebrate this was to write about my favourite style changes for the autumn/winter months. 

Not style related - but what's more autumnal than a cute Starbucks cup?! 

It seemed only right to start this post with documenting my most recent change. As we're approaching the chillier months, I decided to opt for darker roots & an overall soft ombre look. Whilst nothing to drastic - my hair is definitely still blonde - this seemed like the perfect subtle change for autumn/winter. 

Next on my list is autumn/winter favourite amongst beauty bloggers - the beloved dark lipstick. Now don't get me wrong, I love bright red, pink & choral shades.. but there's just something about a dark lip that screams "autumn's here"! Plus - in my opinion - a dark lip is a quick & simple way to add a little glamour to any outfit. 

Last but not least is something I have been obsessing over recently - the colour burgundy. Whether it be a new dress, shade of nail varnish or lipstick, burgundy seems to be everywhere on the high-street this season. In my opinion this is a perfect autumn shade & is therefore something I simply can't seem to resist (much to my bank accounts dismay.. oops!).

If you're looking to change up your style for the autumn months, be sure to check out the Hair Colour Quiz set up by Madison Reed*. For those of you who don't know, Madison Reed is a company that specialises in offering high performance hair colour at home. The quiz consists of 8 simple questions to suggest which shades would work best for your hair. Perfect if want to make a change but need a little extra helping help making a decision. 

 How do you change your style for the autumn months?

I'm always on the look out for new ideas! 

xxx

Disneyland Paris Trip | Part One

If you follow my social media or ready my Disneyland Essentials post, then you'll that in September I spent a few days in Disneyland Paris with my boyfriend.

To say I love all things Disney would be a huge understatement - so I could barely contain my excitement at finally having the chance to return to my favourite place. We spent the most magical three days in Disney so of course I couldn't resist the opportunity to create a blog post around the mini adventure.

Some of my favourite posts to read are from fellow bloggers trips to Disney, so I hope you enjoyed a little view into one my ultimate favourite holidays.

As these are only a few snapshots from our trip - I got a little photo-happy & ended up taking over 200 photos.. oops! - I'll be sure to upload a "Part two" if this post goes down well..

Have you ever been to Disneyland?
I'd love to hear your memories!
xxx

October Monthly Favourites

Whilst scrolling through my recent blog posts, I realised that I haven't put together a "monthly favourites" in nearly five months *oops!*.. so - as it's now nearing the end of October - I thought it was time to be a good blogger again & put together a little list of the items I've been loving this month.

1. Soap & Glory's Archery

Since picking up Soap & Glory's Archery I honestly wonder how I managed to apply my eye-brow make-up without it. The small & "super skinny" pencil is perfect to creating defined eye-brows with a natural yet "full" look. If you want to read a full review on the product, click here.

2. Peanut Butter Chocolate

Although not the healthiest - Tesco's Peanut Butter Chocolate has been my favourite "go to" treat recently. For any lovers of peanut butter & chocolate you need to get your hands on this - plus at only 75p it's a bargain (warning: this may will cause you to pick up multiple bars!).

3. The Walking Dead

After waiting for months & months, I honestly can't even begin to explain how excited I am that The Walking Dead is finally back on our screens! I'd definitely recommend this if you're looking for a new series to binge-watch. I wont post any spoilers, but I have to say that so far season six has not disappointed. 

4. Touch of Silver Shampoo

Since recently having my hair re-brightened (sorry bank account!) I've been using Touch of Silver Purple Shampoo at least once a week to help ensure any brassy tones are kept at bay. As many fellow blondes will probably agree - this product is honestly a hair lifesaver! 

5. My Fitness Pal

Although I've been attempting to lead a healthier lifestyle for a few months now, one of the thing I've really struggled with is knowing how good/bad food really is for me. That is until I discovered the My Fitness Pal app. For anyone who doesn't know, the app allows you to enter your fitness goal (e.g. losing 5lbs) & then calculates the recommend calories you should consume to achieve this. You then log your food, drink & exercise throughout the day. The app calculates and informs when you're close to reaching your daily calorie (or even sugar/carb/fat) intake. For someone who really didn't have a clue what was in my food, I've found this the perfect helping hand for making healthier choices.

6. Coconut Oil

If you've read my recent review post, you'll know how much I've been loving Coconut Oil since recently discovering it (I know, I know - I'm very late to jump on this bandwagon). As the colder weather has now made an appearance, this has been the perfect life saver for any dry/sensitive skin. 

Have you tried any of these products?
What have been your favourites throughout October?
xxx 

Girls Night - Autumn OOTD

A night out with the girls is a perfect excuse to purchase a new outfit (well.. if you need an excuse at all). So with a night out fast approaching I couldn't resist having a shop around for something new to wear.

After searching around online & in the shops on the high-street I put together the below outfit, which - in my opinion - is great for a meal with the girls & has the perfect autumnal feel.

What I'm Wearing: 

Dress: Boohoo - £10.00 [x]
Tights - M&S - £4.00 [x]
 Heels - New Look - £24.99 [x]
(Although you can't really see them in this photo - click
here to view them in a recent haul post)

Retailing at only £10.00 you really can't go wrong with this dress. Not only is  the skater style flattering for most body-types, it can also easily be dressed up or down for any occasion. Think heels and a clutch for a night out, or Chelsea boots and faux leather jacket for day-to-day wear. 

I think skater dresses are going to become a staple in my autumn/winter wardrobe so I'm very tempted to head back over to the Boohoo website & pick up some more colours! 

Do you have any autumn fashion staples?
xxx

Autumnal Homeware Wishlist

With the nights getting darker & the leaves turning brown, it's safe to say that autumn is in full swing here in the UK. Besides making the seasonal changes to my fashion/make-up choices, I can't help but get the feeling that my flat needs a little autumnal make-over too.

Due to this I've recently found myself lusting over all autumnal home-ware items whilst happily imagining where they'd fit in my little home. So in an attempt to satisfy my shopping craving (& to hopefully save a few pennies!) I decided to put together a wishlist of a few bits I currently have my eye on. 

1. Copper Lantern - Asda -£10.00 [x]

2. Autumn Typographic Art - Not On The High-street - £28.00 [x] 

3. Stag Print Cushion - Tesco - £10.00 [x]

4. Pumpkin Spice Coffee Mug - Etsy - £8.63 [x]

5. Animal Print Candles - Asda - £6.00 [x]

6. Navy & Red Tartan Throw - Primark - £5.00 [x] 

7. Animal Print Duvet Cover - Tesco - From £5.00 [x]

8. Copper Alarm Clock - Asda - £8.00 [x]

9. Tree Print Lampshade - Not On The High-street - £40.00 [x]

In my opinion these are items are an adorable way to transfer the home from summery to autumn/winter themed.. I can already picture myself snuggled under the tartan blanket, with the animal print candles lit & a yummy hot drink in the Pumpkin Spice mug. What more could you want on a chilly autumn evening?!

xxx

Coconut Oil by Superdrug - Review

Unless you've been hiding with away no contact to the outside world for the last year or so, I'm sure you're more than familiar with the holy grail product that is Coconut Oil. This is a product that is currently everywhere & can - apparently - be used to combat an array of beauty related problems.

However - despite seeing so many positive reviews - coconut oil wasn't something I tried for myself until very recently. Whilst shopping in my local Superdrug I noticed they had a pot of own brand coconut oil retailing at only £2.29. Seeing the bargain price tag I couldn't resist picking up a pot for myself & finally jump on the coconut oil bandwagon.

Coconut oil can be used as a moisturiser for skin or as a treatment to soften & nourish hair. Personally I haven't tested this as a hair product yet, but I've been using it daily as a moisturiser for around 3 weeks now.

As this product comes in a solid form, to use I simply scoop out a small amount - trust me when I say a little goes a long way - & rub it between my hands until it melts into an oily consistency. Once melted I either rub a small layer onto my face after cleansing, or I apply it directly onto any problem areas.

If your aim to use this product to combat any stubborn dry areas (e.g. heels or elbows) then I would recommend applying this product twice a day opposed to once before bed. As someone who suffers with very dry skin, I've found applying the oil twice helps speed up the repair process & also helps maintain soft skin in these areas.

As a moisturiser I really can't fault this product. It soaks in quickly leaving little residue & doesn't leave my skin feeling at all greasy/oily. It also has a gorgeous coconut scent that instantly reminds me of holidays & all things summer *dreams wistfully of beaches & cocktails*.

This product has now become a staple in my evening skincare routine & sits proudly on my bedside table. I'll definitely be heading back to Superdrug to re-purchase once this runs out.

Have you tried Superdrug's Coconut Oil?

What are your thoughts?
xxx

Your Eye's Enhanced | Real Techniques

As much as I love make-up, I hadn't got around to investing in many brushes until very recently. This was mainly due to the fact that I simply didn't know where to start. With so many brushes to chose from - & not wanting to feel like I'd ultimately wasted money - I couldn't decided which would be the best for me.

So after doing many hours of research & review reading, I finally decided to treat myself to the Real Techniques "Your Eye's Enhanced" starter set... which - since mentioning in my recent haul post - I couldn't wait to write a review on.

Currently retailing at £21.99 the set contains 5 brushes (which roughly works out at around £4 each). This includes; a Brow Brush for easily defining eye-brows, a Deluxe Crease Brush which is oversized for simple contouring, a Fine Liner Brush for applying cream or liquid eye-liner, an Accent Brush for adding detail/highlighting & a Base Shadow Brush which is used for easily applying a base layer of shadow. 

As with most new products, I try not to get my hopes up too high before testing them out as there's nothing worse than being left disappointed. Luckily this wasn't the case here & I'm happy to say that as soon as I tested these brushes I was instantly impressed.

The gorgeous metallic purple looks gorgeous sat on my dressing table, the bristles feel beautifully soft against the skin & - most importantly - they make applying/blending eye-make up effortlessly simple. What more could you ask for from a brush set?!

For anyone who's a little stuck trying to decide which brushes to invest in, I personally couldn't recommend this set enough.

Have you tried the "Your Eye's Enchanted" Set?
What are your thoughts?
xxx

Halloween Wishlist

It's safe to say that Halloween is a time of year that I love. It offers the perfect excuse to experiment with different styles, indulge in treats & binge watch spooky shows on Netflix.

Whilst it may not be acceptable to wander around covered in fake blood & crazy back-combed hair in the lead up to Halloween, I do love how many shops start to release spooky-themed items. So I couldn't resist putting together a little wishlist of products that I currently have my eye on...

1. Ghost Earrings - Clarie's Accessories - £3.50  [x]
2. Cat Ballet Pumps - Asos - £25.00 - [x]
3. Ghost T-shirt  - New Look - £7.99 [x]

4. "No Rest For The Wicked" Crop T-shirt - Missguided - £12.00 [x]

5. "Tiddly Vampires" Chocolates - Hotel Chocolat - £5.50 [x]
6. Nightmare Before Christmas Mug - Disney Store - £10.00 [x]

7. "Candy Corn" Mini Candle - Yankee Candle - £1.80 [x]

8. Heebie Jeebie Bat- Lush - £9.95 [x]

9. Diamanté Cat Ears - Boo Hoo - £4.00 [x]

If - like me - you have to at least pretend to be a responsible adult, then the Ghost earrings & Cat Ballet Pumps are the perfect way of injecting some Halloween fun into a day-day outfit. Plus, who in the office could resits tucking in "Tiddly Vampire" chocolates?!

Or if you'd rather celebrate in the comfort of your own home - what could be more relaxing that a pamper evening filled with Lush's Heebie Jeebie Bat & hot chocolate in a Jack Skeleton themed mug? All whilst a Candy Corn candle burns in the background. 

I personally love these each of items as they're the perfect balance of adorable & spooky rolled into one.

Have you spotted any fun Halloween themed products?
xxx

Wooden Handled Foundation Brush* | Born Pretty

As much as I love trying out new make-up brushes, they can be a little on the pricey-side. So when Born Pretty contacted me to ask if I'd be interested in sampling their budget friendly range, I jumped at the chance.

After browsing the collection for at least an hour - there were so many brushes to chose from! - I finally made the decision to try out the Wooden Handled Foundation Brush* which currently retails for £2.60.

As someone who's never tried any budget friendly brushes before, I'll admit that I wasn't too sure what to expect. However I'm happy to say that as soon as I tested this brush I was pleasantly surprised. I've found that this is perfect for applying both foundation & concealer as both the soft bristles & tapered end make it perfect for those harder to reach areas including around the nose and under the eye.

If you're on the look out for some new make-up brushes - but are looking for more budget friendly option - I'd definitely recommend checking out Born Pretty.

Plus any of my lovely readers that feel like treating themselves can also get an extra 10% off any full priced item by using the code SMMH10. Either click the link above or use the banner in the side bar!

Have you every used any budget friendly brushes? 

What are your thoughts? 

xxx

A Little Haul

The majority of my shopping sprees tend to begin with the silly decision to wander into a shop just for "a quick look".. Of course then before I know it I've added a number items to my basket & my bank account is letting out a cry of sorrow.

I've accidentally wandered into a few shops recently so thought this would be the perfect excuse to put together a little haul post.. (see bank account, I obviously needed these items for my blog..).

Chelsea Boots -  Dorothy Perkins - £25.00 [x]

Real Techniques Eye Make-up Brush Kit - £20.99 [x]
(currently on offer for £14.99)

Block Heels - New Look - £24.99 [x]

VO5 Ultimate Hold Hair Spray - £3.49 [x]

With the excuse that I needed some new "winter shoes", I picked the chunky heels from New Look (perfect for chillier nights out where peep toes just won't do) & burgundy Chelsea boots from Dorothy Perkins. I can't wait to wear both pairs with a cute autumn outfit.. something along the lines of a skater dress, super-cosy tights and a faux fur jacket. 

Next - although not a winter purchase - I've had my eye these Real Techniques eye brushes for a while now. So when Superdrug had them on sale for £14.99 I couldn't resist picking them up. 

My final purchase was a bottle of VO5's Ultimate Hold hair spray.. I find this perfect for holding my hair in place throughout they day without any dry/stickyness that can come with other hair sprays. 

Have you tried any of these items?

If so, what are your thoughts?

xxx