Christmas at Disneyland Paris

Recently I was lucky enough to head to Disneyland Paris for a few days to experience my first ever Disney Christmas. As a massive Disney fan, I was obviously ridiculously excited from the moment we booked & couldn't wait to experience the magic again.

We really made the most of the time we had in Paris & ran around acting like children all over again. This included meeting as many characters as possible (all in adorable Christmas outfits!), eating a tonne delicious of food & getting a little emotional at the Christmas firework display.. something I'm not at all ashamed of.

If you're a Disney fan, I honestly couldn't recommend visiting at Christmas as it really is the most magical of places!

*warning - very photo heavy post ahead!*

Have you ever visited Disneyland at Christmas?
If so I'd love to hear any stories! 

xx

Beautiful in Vegas - A Day to Night Look*

Since arriving home from my little Christmas break to Paris (watch this space for a post all about that) I can't help but think about my next holiday. One destinations that has made its way onto my wishlist has to be the one & only Las Vegas - in particular the stunningly beautiful Palazzo Hotel - the sister hotel of the world-famous Venetian Hotel.

From spa days to jaw-dropping shows, the Palazzo (& Vegas in general) seems to be a great place to really look your best - however (as something I imagine every beauty-lover knows all to well) getting ready can be pretty time consuming. A great way to avoid this is a simple day-night look. As someone who works full-time, day-night looks are something I often find myself creating as they're so quick. 

To start, I always top up my concealer to cover any pesky dark-marks or blemishes that may be reappearing  & then set everything back in place with my translucent powder. Next comes a quick application of bronzer & some trusty highlighter (I am not blessed with natural cheek-bones, thanks Dad!). I find this helps recreate that flawless base that comes with a fresh-face of makeup. 

The final make-up steps are two that I find really take the look from day-night; Eyeliner & Lipstick. Despite being a beauty lover, a cat-flick simply isn't something I've ever been able to master. However I find a simple black line across the upper lash-line is more than enough to add some definition. This - alongside a layer of lipstick - and the evening make-up is complete. 

To complete the look, a quick spritz of  Dry Shampoo to give my hair some added volume followed by some fresh perfume & I'm ready to head straight out to enjoy whatever the night has in store! 

If - like me - a trip to Vegas is something that takes your fancy, be sure to check out the amazing packages & offers currently available through Vegas.com. 

If you have any tips for taking a look from day-night,
I'd love to know in the comments below.
xxx

Lush Rose Jam Bubbleroon - Review

Bubble bars are some of my favourite products from Lush - beautiful scents, vibrant colours & so many bubbles.. what more can a girl ask for?! So when I spotted the bright pink, glittering flower known as the "Rose Jam Bubbleroon", I knew this was a product I had to try.

After removing from the usual Lush packaging, I crumbled a section of the Bubbleroon under running water & watched as the bath turned bright pink with lots of amazing bubbles. A gorgeous, floral scent quickly filled the room from the combination of Rose, Lemon & Geranium oils.

These oils (which claim to balance, refresh & restore) are used alongside Fair Trade Cocoa & Shea butter (which leaves the skin feeling gorgeously smooth & moisturised). Lush claims that these ingredients are perfect for clearing the mind & making skin beautifully soft - something I definitely agree with after testing for myself.

Another great thing about this product is that it's effectively two bubble bars put together - making it perfect for multiple uses & very cost effective when retailing at £3.95 each.

Overall I'd say that if you're looking for an alternative to the usual Bubblebar's Lush has to offer, I'd definitely recommend picking up the Rose Jam Bubbleroon. The ingredients make it perfect for use after a long stressful day throughout the winter months.

What's your favourite Lush product?
I'm always on the look out for new bath treats to try! 

xxx

Pandora and Disney

It's no secret that I am a huge Disney fan.. Throw cute jewellery into the mix & I am instantly sold. So as soon as I heard that Pandora (another brand that I'm a huge fan of) had collaborated with Disney I knew this was something I needed to invest in. 

Inspired by "Enchanted fairy tales & iconic love stories" the collection is one that I'd challenge any Disney lover not to swoon over. Some of the gorgeous jewellery on offer currently includes; elegant Mickey earrings, a Minnie Mouse ring & even Princess themed charms (click here to see Elsa's).

Of course it was essential for me to have something from this collection and - after what felt like hours of searching - I finally decided that the "classic Minnie" was the charm for me. As you can see above, this is a white glass charm with a simple Minnie Mouse inspired print. As soon as I opened the signature white Pandora box I instantly fell in love with this charm. It fits in with my other charms perfectly & shows off my love for Disney without being too "out there".

Unfortunately there is a slight downside to this collection.. At current the Disney Pandora collaboration is not available in the U.K  *sobs quietly*. However I'm almost certain that items can be shipped internationally.

Whilst extra shipping costs & a longer delivery time isn't ideal, I personally believe it's a small price to pay for such a lovely collection - especially if you're a Disney fan. We can all also pray that Pandora will soon catch up & start selling the collection here in the UK. If you liked this post & want to check out more Disney-themed jewellery - click here to view the full collection.

What are your thoughts on the Disney Pandora Collection?

I'd love to know in the comments. 

xxx

Christmas Party - Outfit Wishlist

Whilst it may still be slightly to early to be in full Christmas mode it's never to early to start thinking about festive outfits.. So when the invitation to my office Christmas party arrived last week, I immediately set about to find the perfect party look. After spending a few hours browsing online, I decided to put together a selection of dresses that have caught my eye so far...

1. Lace Maxi Dress - Boo Hoo - £25.00 [x]

2. Velvet Skater Dress - Quiz - £26.99 [x]

3. Black Tulle Dress - New Look - £34.99 [x]

4. Sequin Maxi Dress - Little Black Dress - £87.00 [x]

5. Crystal Stress - Chi Chi London - £69.99 [x]

6. Sequin Maxi Dress - Lipsy/Asos - £75.00 [x]

Each of the above dresses are gorgeous & perfect for impressing at any Christmas Party - whether with friends, family or work colleages. If only I could justifying purchasing them all!

Which dress is your favourite?
xxx

Birchbox October Subscriber Of The Month

If there's one thing I love, it's receiving emails offering an exciting opportunities. So when I was contacted by Birchbox - a brand I feature regularly here on Small & Blonde - asking if I'd be interested in featuring as their "October Subscriber of the Month", I jumped at the chance.

For those who don't know, Birchbox is a subscription box that delivers personalised beauty samples to your door on a monthly basis. Perfect for those who - like me - love trying new products.

As part of the feature, I was asked to answer a selection of beauty-related questions (including my favourite beauty product of all time & the best beauty tip I've ever received) & to also talk a little about why I love Birchbox.

I personally think this is great way for Bircbox to interact with their subscribers & was an opportunity that I loved being involved in. If you'd like to read the full post & see the answers to my questions, click here to head over to the Birchbox Blog.

xxx

Lush Pumpkin Bath Bomb

As one of my favourite Holidays, I had to treat myself to something from this years Lush Halloween collection. With many gorgeous & "spooky" bath treats on offer I'll admit that it took a fair while to decided which product to go for (I'd limited myself to just the one *sob*) and I finally settled for the "Pumpkin" bath bomb.

With a combination of vanilla extract, Pimento berry oil & cinnamon - three gorgeously fragrant ingredients - the Pumpkin bath bomb has a sweet, yet slightly spicy scent. One that Lush describes as "home-baking and home desserts" (how perfect for autumn/winter).

Once I dropped the Pumpkin into my bath it quickly turned the water a bright orange as the bath bomb fizzled & dissolved. The scent also filled the room leaving it smelling gorgeous & autumnal - perfect for relaxing after a long day!

After using - like most Lush products - my skin was left feeling soft & smelling lovely (& don't worry, the bright orange didn't stain). I always love using Lush Bath-bombs but the added Halloween theme definitely added a great extra element of fun making it something I'll be sure to pick up next year!

Have you tried any of the Lush Halloween products?

Which is your favourite?

xxx 

Autumn Date Nights*

Whether with best-friends or loved ones, date nights (or days) are always fun. There really is nothing better than heading out & spending some much deserved quality time together. However deciding what how to spend date night can definitely be challenging. Sure heading to the cinema or for a meal is fun, but sometimes the best memories are made when things are mixed up a little. So I was inspried by Turo* to think of ideas to "shake-up" date night & put together four ideas of different dates that are little out of the ordinary.

Pumpkin Picking: 
With Halloween quickly approaching, pumpkin picking seems like a great way to spend a date. Instead of heading to the local supermarket, a quick search on Google brings up local farms with Pumpkin patches - some even offer themed events that are pretty reasonably priced.

Statley Homes: 
Statley Homes aren't something I'd have considered for a date until I visited one myself. Photoed above is the gorgeous Hanbury Hall in Worcestershire. Not only are these Homes usually set in acres of stunning countryside to wander around, some even offer extras such as afternoon teas or spa treatments.Want to really push the boat out? Why not rent a classic or rare car to really impress your date.

Harry Potter Studio Tour:
Whilst slightly on the pricier side (tickets start at £35.00) the Warner Brother Studio Tour is a great way to spend a date. Not only does the tour offer the chance to view the actual props & sets  (who doesn't want to visit Diagon Alley?!), it also allows visitors sneak-peaks at various special effects used. Perfect for any Harry Potter fan.

Sea Life Centre's:
With locations all over the U.K, a Sea Life Centre is one of my favourite places & somewhere I would love to go on a date. Not only does visiting one of these aquariums offer the chance to see many different types of marine wildlife, it also helps support The Sea Life Trust - a charity dedicated to protecting marine wildlife & habitats. Plus - if you fancy paying a little extra - many centres offer VIP experiences such as feeding animals & behind the scene tours - perfect for that extra special date.

Adding a little extra something to a date is a great way to make special memories with friends & loved ones. As I mentioned above, a great way to mix things up is to rent a car. Turo* offers customers the chance to rent cars from a community of local owners. These range from VW camper-vans (for a picture perfect road-trip) to Telsa's (for a little extra luxury). Whatever you're looking for renting a car is a great way to add a little something special to a date night.

What's the best date you've ever been on?

I'd love to know in the comments. 

xxx

October Birchbox - What's Your Sign?

For October, Birchbox have incorporated an astrological theme to their box designs; Earth, Air, Fire & Water which relates to each subscribers star-sign. As my star-sign is Aquarius, I was sent the "Air" box which contains six gorgeous products. *Bonus - the box also glow in the dark!*

Products:
Lord & Berry - Crayon Lipstick in "Intimacy" - £12.00 [x]

Rituals - "Magic Touch" Body Cream - £19.50 [x]
Doux Me - Pure Spring Mist  - £16.00 [x]

Oribe - Dry Texturizing Spay - £19.00 [x]

Number 4 - Restore & Repair Oil - £18.00 [x]

Birchbox - Eyebrow Brush - £1.99 

As someone who bleaches their hair, I'm always on the look out for different products to keep it feeling soft & healthy. So when I spotted the Number 4 "Restore & Repair Oil" I was immediately excited. Not only does this product claim to provide a number of benefits, it also boasts about giving "dull hair a coveted movie star shine". A big claim that I'm excited to put to the test.

Another product that quickly caught my eye was the "Lord & Berry" Lipstick Crayon. As a self-confessed lipstick addict I'm always up for testing a new lip product. Especially a shade as gorgeous as "Intimacy". 

The third & final product that I had to mention here has to be the "Dry Texturizing Spray" from Oribe. After hearing such rave reviews within the blogging community about Oribe - but not being able to justify the splurge - I'm not ashamed to admit that I was very excited to find something from the brand within this months Birchbox. 

With the combination of gorgeous products above, I'd say that Birchbox have easily met their aim of providing a "starry box" that "compliments the month ahead".  

Have you tried any of the above products?

If so, I'd love to know your thoughts. 

xxx 

Autumn Home Wishlist

Although I'm not quite ready to believe how quickly 2016 is going, it''s safe to say that we are well & truly into the autumn months (crazy, I know). As well as over-sized jumpers & berry lipsticks, another autumn favourite of mine has to be homeware.

Heart Tea Light Holder - Tesco - £7.50 [x]
Wifi, Coffee, Bed Mug - New Look - £4.99 [x]
"Stay Home & Snuggle" Cushion - Asda - £8.00 [x]
Faux Fur Blanket - Primark - £25.00 [x]
Pain Au Raisin Candle - Yankee Candle - £1.49 - £21.99 [x]
Copper Heart Lights - Primark - £4.00 [x]

With a mixture of vanilla & Cinnamon Pain Au Raisin is one of my favourite Yankee Candle scents (the sweet scent reminds me so much of Disneyland!) - this paired with a fluffy faux fur blanket & a coffee (or maybe hot chocolate) sounds like a perfect autumn evening.

Have you spotted any homewear items that are 

perfect for autumn?

xxx

Date Night With Adore Me*

If there's one thing I love, it's date night. Whether it's a night with a loved one or time with the girls, there's nothing better than that quality time together.  So when Adore Me* asked me to put together my ideal "date-night outfit" I immediately jumped at the chance.

Embellished Mini Dress - Asos - £35.00 [x]

As soon as I spotted this dress on Asos I knew it had to be featured in this post. Not only is the fit and flare of the skater-style a personal favourite of mine (perfect for covering any pesky lumps & bumps) the delicate floral embellishments add the perfect amount of flirty fun.

Lidia Push Up Bra Set - Adore Me - $39.95 (roughly £31.00) [x]

Whilst it may not necessarily be on show for all to see - an extremely important part of any date-night  outfit has to be a gorgeous bra set. The delicate floral lace from the Adore Me Lidia Push up Set would easily create the perfect base for any date-night look.

Glitter Clutch - Skinny Dip - £15.00 reduced from £40.00 [x]

Skinny Dip are very well known for creating items that stand out from the crowd - & this statement clutch is no exception. In my opinion this is the ideal bag for this look as it's not only gorgeous but the jewels also perfectly compliment the Asos embellished dress.

Marble Block Heels - New Look - £22.99 [x]

For me the perfect date-night shoe has to include a chunky, block heel. Not only do I find them heels much easier to walk in (especially after a few date-night cocktails) I also love the "marble-effect" on these New Look shoes.

If you're looking to put together the perfect date-night outfit, be sure to check out the gorgeous selection of sets from Adore Me* - a company that believes "lingerie is the most intimate expression of style" (which I couldn't agree with more!).

What is your ideal date night outfit?

xxx

Nailtiques Protein Formula 2 | Review

If there's one trend I've found myself hooked on recently, it's gel nails - they're gorgeous! However after a few weeks of wear I'm always a little worried the condition of my nails underneath may suffer. So after a recent soak off I decided to give my nails a little break from repeated manicures & instead decided to put a new product to the test - Nailtiques Protein Formula 2 - a "protein-packed formula" that aims to strengthen & protect weak or damaged nails by bonding the "natural layers together".

This was first applied in my local salon after having the gel polish soaked off - which I then followed this with another application the next day as recommended online. After just two applications I could already see an improvement in the quality of my nails... No peeling or splitting in sight!

After seeing such great initial results I now use this product roughly once a week as a base coat before using my usual nail polish & my nails have never felt so strong or healthy.

In my opinion this is a must have product for anyone that suffers with weak/damaged nails or - like me - is fond of the odd gel manicure. Currently retailing at £12.50 it's a little more expensive than you're usual polish, but in my opinion is worth every penny.

If you've ever used the Nailtiques Protein Formula or have any tips for healthy nails, I'd love to know in the comments! 

xxx

Current Favourites - Perfume

Perfume is a product I couldn't live without.. It's something I find myself reaching for on a daily basis & feel it really adds the finishing touch to any outfit. With this in mind (& whilst I sat pondering what to post about this week) I decided to share on Small & Blonde the three fragrances I find myself reaching for time & time again.

Yves Saint Lauren - Black Opium - £47.00 for 30ml
YSL's Black Opium has been a firm favourite since it's release back in 2014. With notes of black coffee, vanilla & white florals the sweet - yet sensual - scent is slightly "deeper" than the other fragrances in this post & is therefore perfect for evenings/nights out. The glam-rock style packaging - with hints of pink & glitter - also means this perfume looks gorgeous on any dressing table.

Viktor & Rolf - Flowerbomb - £50.00 for 30ml 
The next perfume I find myself reaching for regularly is Viktor & Rolf's Flowerbomb - another firm favourite within the beauty world. Smelling light & floral the notes of jasmine, mandarin & orchid create a very feminine scent that reminds me of a traditional British garden in the summer - perfect for daytime wear.

Kenzo - Flower - £44.00 for 30ml
As one of my Mum's favourite fragrances throughout my childhood, Flower by Kenzo will always hold a place close to my heart. With notes of white musk, vanilla & frankincense the perfume has a slightly more "mature" scent that my previous favourites, but is still a gorgeous perfume that can easily be worn from day-night.

I personally love each of these perfumes but am always on the look out for new products to try. 

Let me know your favourite perfumes in the comments. 

xxx

September Birchbox - Heroes

With the theme of "Heroes", September's Birchox brings some positive vibes to the end of summer by recognising heroic women & promoting motivation/positive thinking. To help with this, the box contains five beauty treats that are all aimed at optimising beauty routines to help be the best version of ourselves.

Products: 
Amika Bombshell Blowout Spray - £14.99 [x]

Bioderma Hydrabio Serum - £18.00 [x]

ModelCo Highlighting Trio - £17.00 [x]

Nuxe Shower Oil - £10.00 [x]

Nailtiques Protein Formula 2 - £12.50 [x]

Products that really caught my eye this month have to be the ModelCo highlighting trio (who doesn't love a good highlighter?!) & the Nailtiques Protein Formula 2 (hopefully this will help repair any damage from my new-found gel obsession!). With the colder weather on it's way, I'm also excited to test a product from a very well-loved brand within the beauty world; Bioderma. I'm yet to test any products from Bioderma but am looking forward to seeing how this serum holds up throughout winter. 

When it comes to being the best versions of ourselves I wouldn't say I think that beauty products are a necessity. However I do believe a little pampering can go a long way to making everyone feel a happier & more confident.  

What are your thoughts on September's Birchbox?
I'd love to know your thoughts in the comments. 

xxx

Soap & Glory Kick Ass "All Is Calm" Concealer

Colour correcting concealer seems to be becoming an increasingly popular product recently. So - whilst picking up a few essentials during a recent trip to Boot - I decided to test one out for myself picked up the "All is Calm" concealer from Soap & Glory (currently retailing at £8.00).

The All is Calm concealer is green in colour & is therefore designed to mask redness.. Perfect for anyone who - like me - suffers from uneven skin-tone & blemishes. It has a creamy consistency that I like to apply with a beauty blend after foundation (just like normal concealer).

Whilst it is a little worrying to see bright green smudges all over your face, once blended it becomes a much paler shade - especially when used alongside foundation & setting powder. Of course, I wouldn't recommend using large amounts of this concealer (or you'll end up resembling a family member of the hulk) but in small amounts & used along other products it really does help tone down redness.

As well as redness control, Soap & Glory also offer two other colour correcting concealers. The Fake Awake (to cover dark circles) & the Just Bright (for tired looking skin) - both of which I'll be picking up soon.

Have you ever tried the All is Calm concealer?

I'd love to know your thoughts.
xxx

Beauty Wishlist - Paul & Joe

Launched in 2002 by Sophie Mechaley, Paul & Joe is a brand that offers both adorable & sophisticated cosmetics with designs including floral patterns, cute cats & even a nostalgic collaboration with a Looney Tunes. Whilst this is a brand that I've only recently discovered (thank-you Instagram) I've quickly built up a large wishlist & couldn't resist sharing my favourites here.

Cheek Colour Pearls - £28.00 [x]

Looney Tunes Tom & Jerry Lipstick Case - £7.00 [x]

Perfect Make-up Primer - £30.00 [x]

"Catamaran" Lipstick Refill - £14.00 [x]

Waterproof Mascara - £19.00 [x]

Make-up Brush Holder - £14.00 [x]

Whilst a little more expensive than high-street brands (especially when you could purchase a Rimmel lipstick for the same price of a Paul & Joe lipstick case), I personally think the designs of these products makes spending little extra completely justifiable.. I mean, what other brand has little cat-shaped pearls in their blush or elements of your childhood on a lipstick case (I'm looking at you Tom & Jerry!). 

I can't wait to purchase a few of these items & see if they live up to their appearances.. watch this space. 

What are your thoughts on the products available from Paul & Joe?
I'd love to know your thoughts in the comments, 

xxx

Day To Night ft. TM Lewin*

When it comes to a long event, there really is nothing better than an outfit that covers both day & evening looks - especially when running home to change simply isn't an option. With this in mind, TM Lewin have launched a newly designed (& extremely cool sounding) Infinity Suit. 

With the aim of ensuring customers remain looking as good at the end of the day as they do at the start - the Infinity Suit addresses the two main issues of wearing a suit for long periods of time; creasing & feeling comfortable. To help combat this the suit's fabric is designed with an open weave which not only absorbs excess water, but also has a greater resistance to creasing -
ultimately leaving wearers feeling cool & comfortable throughout the day.

To help celebrate the launch of TM Lewin's new design, I've put together three outfits that I feel would not only look great alongside the Infinity Suit but would also be perfect for that day to night occasion. 

Infinity Suit - T M Lewin - items start from £100.00 [x]

Striped Wrap Around Dress - New Look - £14.99 [x]

Pencil Dress - Asos - £45.00 [x]

Double Layer Jumpsuit - Missguided - £35.00 [x]

Whether it's celebrating a loved ones wedding or heading out for a few cocktails after a long day in the office, I personally think each of these outfits would look gorgeous both day & night.  

What are your thoughts on these outfits?

If you have any tips for taking a look from day to night I'd love to know in the comments.

xxx

August Birchbox - Dive In

If there's one thing I look forward to at the beginning of each month, it's the arrival of my Birchbox. So when this months box (or rather, bag) "Dive In" arrived I was very excited to see what treats were inside.

Subscribers received one of four colourful designs which were all aptly named to fit their colour scheme; Coral Reef (orange), Blue Fin (Blue/Green), Yellow Fish (yellow) & Pink Pufferfish (Pink). Plus - instead of the usual box - subscribers were also treated to a a summer themed "Birch-bag". A scuba-material bag that is the perfect size to hold all those essential travel products that simply cannot be held in your suitcase.

Contents:

Anatomicals "The Buff Stuff" Body Scrub - £3.99 [x]
Merci Handy Cleansing Gel in "Black Vanilla"-  £2.90 [x]
Balance Me Face Mask - £18.00 [x]
Philip Kingsley "One More Day" Dry Shampoo - £14.50 [x]
Marcelle Eyeliner in shade "Expresso" - £10.50 [x]
"English Laundry" Perfume - £60.00 [x]

The first product that caught my eye this month is one that I love using on lazy days - dry shampoo. Whilst freshly washed hair feels amazing, we all know how much of a life saver dry shampoo can be. I've tested a few other products from the Philip Kinglsey brand which have always left my hair feeling lovely. So I can't wait to put this product to the test the next time my hair needs a little pick-me-up between washes. 

The next item that caught my eye is one that some subscribers may not be to excited to see in a beauty box. However Cleansing hand gel is one of those essentials that I honestly cannot live without - especially when travelling. Whilst they can be picked up relativity cheaply in most stores, one thing that stood out to me about the Merci Cleansing Gel has to be the gorgeous vanilla scent (with no hint of that alcohol-y smell from most gels). This already has a home in my hand-bag & I'm sure will quickly become a favourite. 

The third & final product that really stood out to me this month is the perfume sample from English Laundry. Described as the "essence of a country garden" the combination of notes including rose geranium & creamy white flowers make this the perfect scent for summer. Whilst £60.00 is a little on the pricey side, I can already tell from the sample that this is well worth the investment. 

I'm happy to say that the "Dive In" Birchbox has lived up to my expectations this month & I can't wait to add these products to my beauty routine. 

Have you ever used any of these products?
If so I'd love to know your thoughts.
xxx

Make-up Revolution - Lip Lacquer Liquid Lipstick

With both high-end and high-street brands jumping on the bandwagon, liquid lipstick are a craze that has taken the beauty world by storm. However with many different products available it can be a little daunting trying to decide which would be the best to try out.

As a huge fan of Make-up Revolution's lipsticks, I decided that a good place dip my toes in the world of liquid lipsticks could the brand's collection of Lip Lacquers. So - after what felt like a lifetime of comparing different shades - my love for all things berry-toned finally won & I walked away with a purple shade known as Rebel.

After purchasing this product, one of the first things I noticed was a promise that it would provide "intense colour pay off" as well as being both "touch proof" & "long wearing" - a very bold claim to come from any brand.

The first thing I noticed had to be the colour pay off - which I'm happy to say that really can't be faulted. As you can see from the swatch above, the deep purple shade is gorgeous & looks the exact same when applied as it does in the packaging (always a bonus!). However I wasn't quite as impressed when it came to lasting power. After application my lips were left feeling quite sticky as the product dried from liquid to matte (although admittedly this does disappear once dry). I also noticed that after eating & drinking the lipstick did begin to face/crack a little - probably due to the matte finish.

After multiple applications, I found that these problems are avoidable (try applying a small amount of product at a time with a finger & slowly building it up to create a stain & avoid the sticky-ness) however if you're looking for a simple/fuss free product, this may be a little too much hassle.

Retailing at only £3.00 this the Lip Lacquer is budget-friendly & in my opinion is a good product to buy as a test to see if Liquid Lipsticks will fit in with your beauty routine before splashing out the pricier alternatives.

Have you tried any of Make-up Revolution's Lip Lacquer's?
What are your thoughts on liquid lipsticks?
I'd love to know! 

xxx

Blog Problems...

This is a super quick post to explain the issues I've been having with Small & Blonde over the last few weeks.

After publishing a new post recently I noticed that for some reason no comments were showing under my blog.. Not even the automatic Google + comment. After many attempts at tampering with my settings & researching possible problems, nothing seemed to make my comments reappear..

It seems that this is a problem with the Google+ comments I use for the comments section of my blog.. I have now deactivated this setting & it seems to have given me/readers the option of commenting on my post again *yay* however it also means that I've lost all comments on my previous posts *sobs*.

Being able to read comments & interact with other bloggers is one of my favourite parts about blogging so I'm really hoping that the problem is now fixed.. I'd also like to apologise if I came across rude in anyway - I haven't been ignoring any comments, I promise!

If anything like this has ever happened to anyone before, I'd love any tips on how to fix the problem!

xxx 

Saturday Drinks - OOTD

Whilst I love nights out throughout the year, I especially love not having to worry about carrying a jacket or chilly feet. So for a night of  sipping cocktails dancing I decided to go all out & show my *extremely pale* legs for the first time in months with a skater dress & wedges combination. 

Dress: Boohoo - £15.00 [x]

Shoes - New Look - £25.00 

Choker - New Look - £5.00 

Hair: Styled With Babyliss Curling Wand - £25.00 [x]

(unfortunately the shoes & choker similar linked are no longer

available, however I have linked similar items above)

As I've mentioned in previous posts, skater dresses are my favourite style for both nights out & day-to-day wear as they are perfect for hiding any pesky lumps & bumps around the stomach area. I'm also currently loving the throwback to my childhood during the 90's with chokers. In my opinion they offer a great alternative to regular necklaces & are a pretty way of a little extra something to an outfit. 

What trends are you currently loving for nights out?

I'd love to know. 

xxx

High-street Beach wishlist

With the gorgeous weather continuing here in the U.K I have been longing to take a break from my desk & head to a beach for some relaxation. Whilst I don't have any beach breaks booked anytime soon, it hasn't stopped me from browsing the summer collections currently available on the high-street.

In a bid to *try* & stop myself from purchasing multiple bikini's that I won't be wearing anytime soon, I decided to put together a wish-list containing a few of the items I've currently got my eye on.

1. Floral Print Wrap Swimsuit - Asos - £32.00 [x]

2. Stone Leather Sandals - New Look - £27.99 [x]

3. Cat-eye Sunglasses - Top Shop - £18.00 [x]

4. Elephant Print Beach Bag - Boo Hoo - £12.00 [x]

5. Chiffon Kaftan - Asos - £18.00 [x]

6. Crochet Bikini - Missguided - £30.00 [x]

Whilst I can picture myself lounging on a beach with each of the above items, my favourites have to include the Asos floral swimsuit (I imagine the wrap-around feature would be perfect for hiding any slight lumps & bumps) and Top Shop's cat-eye sunglasses - a style I will always love. 

Which is your favourite high-street store for summer items?

xxx

Never Ending Summer - Birchbox ft. Millie Mackintosh

To help celebrate the fact that summer has finally made an appearance here in the U.K, Birchbox has teamed up Millie Mackintosh to bring the "Never Ending Summer" box of goodies. Not only is Millie stunning, she is known for being a complete style icon - so I couldn't wait to see what this collaboration would bring.

Contents: 
LOC X Millie Ultra-Gloss Lip Pencil- £9.00 [x]

Caudalie Radiance Serum - £45.00 [x]

John Freida Anti-Frizz Primer - £9.99 [x]

Nails Inc Polish - £15.00 [x]

(all prices for full sized products)

As part of the collaboration with Millie designed her own colour of LOC lip pencil in  Bohemian Rose. This is a gorgeous light pink shade that promises to be both moisturising & long-lasting whilst looking gorgeous on all skin-tones.

The next product to catch my eye was the bright polish from Nails Inc in the shade Neon Pink. Whilst I don't have any plans to jet off on a beach holiday just yet *sobs quietly* I imagine this would be the perfect shade to wear whilst spending a week away in the sun with the girls. 

As part of a special off for July, Birchbox also offered subscribers the choice of  either John Frieda's 7 Day Volume Treatment or the Anti-Frizz Primer. As I tend to find that my hair can become a little frizzy in the summer, I opted for the Anti-Frizz Primer in the hope it would help to ease any of the fluffy-hair-issued that comes with humid weather. 

The final product to be featured in this months box is the Caudalie "Complexion Correcting" Serum. With the promise of promoting even skin tone, fading dark spots & improving complexion it's easy to see why Caudalie is such a well loved brand within the beauty-blogging world. I'm very excited to add this product into my daily-routine & see if I can spot any improvements for myself. 

It's safe to say that I was left feeling very impressed with July's Birchbox & I love the little feminine touches that have come with Millie Mackintosh's collaboration. If you'd like to sign up for monthly Birchbox treats or would like to pick up one or two of the featured products - be sure to check out the Birchbox website for more information. 

Have you tried any of the products featured in July's Birchbox?

If so I'd love to know your thoughts 

xxx

Summer in Paris

As a city that is famous for romance, food & culture, Paris is up there on most bucket lists - myself included. Whilst I've been lucky to spend a few holidays in Disneyland Paris, I've never actually had the opportunity to visit the city itself. So when I was given the opportunity to spend a few days in Paris this summer, I jumped at the chance & - of course - couldn't resist sharing some of the highlights here.

Whilst we only spent a few days in Paris, we spent that time seeing all of the typical tourist sights, soaking up the sunshine & eating lots of delicious french pastries (calories don't count on holiday, right?!). I was also lucky enough to have some time to do a little shopping & treated myself to a little something from Sephora (click here if you're interested in learning more).

If you've ever been to Paris, I'd love to know what your favourite things to do & see are. I can't wait to visit again soon.

xxx

Kueshi Foot Care Cream

Now that summer has well and truly arrived in the U.K it's time to finally ditch the boots & bring out the pretty summer shoes that have been hiding at the back of our wardrobes since last year. However if there's one that makes me dread wearing summer shoes (besides the fact that it'll probably rain at some point during the day - thanks England) it's dry & cracked skin that forms on my heels.

I've suffered from both dry & cracked skin on my feet for as long as I can remember now. Not only does it make me feel uncomfortable to wear sandals & other pretty summer shoes, but I would always find that my feet would become sore & irritated very quickly. So I was very happy to receive the Kueshi Foot Care Cream in a recent Birchbox.

For those who don't know, Kueshi is a Spanish company that prides themselves on providing natural & high quality products that leave skin feeling soft and nourished. They also ensure they're products are also cruelty free which is always a great bonus.

With a combination of gorgeous ingredients including Sweet Almond Oil and Royal Jelly this product promises to leave skin feeling both soft & repaired. Whilst these seem like pretty standard ingredients for a moisturiser, there's one other ingredient that really stood out to  me. Tea Tree Oil. According to Kueshi - Tea Tree Oil's antiseptic qualities help to relieve any pain or discomfort (such as burning & itching) that is associated with dry/cracked skin - something that I was very excited to put to the test.

Following the instructions I applied a generous amount of product before bed one evening & was instantly hit with the refreshing scent of Tea Tree Oil. When I woke up in the morning (& eventually remembered about testing this new product) I was pleasantly surprised to find my skin feeling much softer. I was always very happy to see that any cracks or blistered skin was actually starting to repair itself - something that I always struggled to find from other products.

If - like me - you struggle to find a moisturiser that really works to keep feet feeling soft & healthy, than I really can't recommend the Kueshi Foot Care Cream enough. It's definitely become a staple summer beauty product for me. If you're interested in picking this product up for yourself it currently retails at £12.00 for 100ml and can be purchased from here.

Have you ever tried this product? 

I'd love to know which summer moisturisers you find work the best. 

xxx 

Sephora Rouge Cream Lipstick

If you follow me on Instagram or Twitter you may have seen me (constantly) posting about recent trip to Paris. One afternoon during the trip - after visiting one of the usual tourist spots - I just happened to wander past a Sephora store. For those who don't know, Sephora isn't something we're lucky enough to have here in the U.K, so (of course) I had to pop inside for a look around.

Whilst I did tell myself that I was only in to only look, it quickly became clear that I needed to pick at  least something up.. a souvenir of sorts. So after wondering around & around (& around) the different stalls I finally decided on one of Sephora's own brand products, - a Rouge Cream Lipstick.

The Rouge Cream Lipsticks come in a selection of gorgeous colours - which made it very difficult to chose just the one shade. However after swatching many, many different shades I finally opted for the shade, R02 Courtisane - a gorgeous deep "brick-red"colour that almost borders a coppery-brown. This is a shade I feel would look great during evenings or as part of a vampy-autumnal look once the colder weather re-appears.

Whilst the colour is gorgeous, Sephora also claims that The Rouge Cream Lipsticks offer a "hydrating formula" with a creamy & soft texture - all very bold claims for a lipstick. However after testing I was pleasantly surprised to find that the product left my lips feeling both soft & moisturised without any hint of drying or cracking skin - a huge pet peeve of mine. It should be noted that I did notice some transfer of product when eating & drinking, however I wouldn't say this is anymore noticeable than from lipsticks available on the high-street here in the U.K.

If you're looking to purchase this or any other shade available from the Rouge Cream selection, they currently retail for around the £10.00 mark which is something I feel is very reasonable for such a great product. *edit: this may be a little off as obviously I paid in Euros so the exchange may vary*.

I honestly love this lipstick & wish I was able to test more of the shades... If only Sephora would come to the U.K so I could test out the other shades in the collection *hint, hint*.

Have you tried any of the Rouge Cream Lipsticks? 

If so I'd love to know your thoughts. 

xxx

June's Birchbox | Paradise Found

If there's one thing that makes me happy, it's new beauty products. So finding the latest Birchbox waiting for me is always the best way to brighten a particularly busy at work. June's Birchbox - Paradise Found - is the perfect summer treat, even if we haven't seen much sun here in the U.K.

Contents:
Absolution Le Nettoyant Purete Cleanser - £26.00 [x]

Percy & Reed Hairspray - £12.00 [x]

James Read Overnight Tan - £25.00 [x]

Eyeko Fat Liquid Eyeliner - £12.00 [x]

Philip Kingsley Body Building Conditioner - £12.00 [x]

With a combination of hair & beauty product I instantly fell in love with the contents of this months Birchbox. I'm particularly excited to test the Eyeko liquid eyeliner & the Philip Kinglsey conditioner. As someone who hasn't quite mastered the cat-eye look & has bleached hair, these products could be the answer to my prayers. I also love the adorable packaging on the Percy & Reed hairspray which has already found a home in my handbag for day-to-day use. 

Have you tried any of the above products? 

If so, what are your thoughts? 

xxx

The Comforter Bubble Bar - Lush

When it comes to products from Lush, I usually tend to stick to bath bombs.. however after being treated to the Happy Bathday gift set for my birthday (click here for a peek at each product included) I finally decided to step out of my comfort zone & try a product many people have raved about. The Comforter Bubble Bar.

With extracts of Cypress & Bergamot oils - known for cleansing skin & having a calming effect - along with Cassis Absolute (or Blackurrant to you & me) this Bubble Bar is perfect for relaxing after a long day. To use  simply crumble around half of the bar under warm, running water. The water quickly turns a dark pink shade & mountains a baby pink bubble appear. The blackcurrant also leaves a fruity scent in the air that I personally find gorgeous.

As someone who loves all things pink & girly, this has quickly become one of my favourite products from Lush. Not only does being able to use this product multiple times mean it's great value for money, the combination of oils also left my skin feeling perfectly soft & clean. So the next time I find myself in Lush be sure to step away from my "bath-bomb comfort zone" & browse the bubble bars on offer.

For anyone who is interested, the Comforter Bubble Bar currently retails at £4.95 & is available both online and in Lush stores.

If you have any recommendations for Lush Bubble Bars, 

please let me know in the comments below! 

xxx 

Spring Weddings with T.M Lewin*

As soon as the lighter evenings & warmer weather makes an appearance, it seems we  all start to go a little wedding crazy. Not only does every high-street store start to feature their take on the "perfect wedding outfit" but our Instagram, Twitter & Facebook feeds are suddenly filled with photos of loved up couples in fairytale settings.

Whilst I may not have any plans to attend any weddings this spring *sobs quietly* I have spent a lot of time eyeing up the wide selection of gorgeous outfits available. So when I discovered T.M Lewin men's suits collection I immediately couldn't resist creating a post around wedding fashion.

Suit 1  Suit 2  Suit 3

Dress 1  Dress 2  Dress 3

After spending a large amount of time selecting my favourite suits (& also being a little distracted by the gorgeous models) I managed to select three outfits perfect for any male to wear this wedding season. As you can probably tell, I personally love a slim fit suit as it manages to look smart without any compromise on style. After spending so long staring at various suits, it only seems right to find some gorgeous wedding outfits for us girls. Despite the huge amount of stunning outfits on offer, I finally settled for the three dress above that (in my opinion) perfectly compliment each suit. Ideal for any couple heading to a spring wedding together.

As well as being the perfect wedding attire, each outfit is also perfect for that day-to-night look. Something that definitely shouldn't be overlooked when attending an all day event.

I hope you enjoyed this little insight in my current favourite wedding looks. It's definitely made me wish I was attended a wedding soon. If you - or anyone you may know-  happens to be looking for the perfect wedding suit, be sure to check out the gorgeous suit collection currently on offer from T.M Lewin.

Are you heading to a wedding this spring? 

What are your opinions on the above outfits?

xxx

OOTD - Bank Holiday Drinks

If there's one thing us Brits love, it's a bank holiday weekend.. throw in some sun & pay-day Friday and it's basically Christmas come early.

In our eyes the perfect way to celebrate this extra day of freedom is (of course) to head out for a few too many drinks which perfect after a long week in the office. Not wanting to break tradition I skipped home from work & quickly got changed before heading out to a local bar with some friends.

Top: Primark - £8.00

Skirt: Boo Hoo  - £10.00 [x]

Tights: M&S - £5.00 [x]

Boots: New Look - £20.00 [x]

(I picked these up a while ago so have linked similar) 

As you can see I decided to opt for my leather-look skater skirt with a navy chiffon top. I personally love anything "skater-style" as I find it perfect for covering up those lumps and bumps around my stomach area (thanks a lot, pizza!). As we weren't heading anywhere particularly fancy, I also decided to keep the look relativity smart-causal with a tights/boots combination. Before heading out the door I finished this look by adding a leather-look jacket & a small clutch bag to carry the essentials. 

Overall this is a look that I love as it's something that can easily be dressed up or down & is perfect for any occasion. I hope you liked this little OOTD post & if you have any plans for the bank holiday weekend I'd love to know!

xxx