April Favourites

Whilst flicking back through my recent blog posts, it dawned on me that I haven't actually written a monthly favourites post in nearly a year. So with April passing by in a flash (& in a bid to win back some blogging points) I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to share a few of the items I've been loving this month.

The first item that I've been loving this month is the romantic novel by author Jojo Moyes; Me Before You. The story follows main character Lou Clark as she leaves her comfortable - & a little boring - life behind to work with Will Traynor, a successful businessman left with devastating injuries following a motorcycle accident. This is a heartbreakingly beautiful story that left me hanging on every word - however, be sure to keep the tissues near by.. it's definitely a tear jerker!

Throughout April I've also found myself taking a break from my usual perfume's & reaching for Viktor & Rolf's Flowerbomb. With notes of Mandarin, Jasmine & Freesia I've found that the floral scent make this a perfect perfume to wear as we head into Spring.

When it came to beauty throughout April I've found myself reaching for two items more than others. The first to make my favourites is the Real Techniques Powder Brush. With it's large, soft bristles & described as providing "smooth, high-definition results" I find this perfect for application of both  pressed & loose powders. The second beauty item that I've been loving this month is a cult favourite within the beauty world - Benefit's They're Real mascara. As someone who doesn't tend to wear false eyelashes, I genuinely find this to be the next best thing. Not only does it add curl & volume but it really does last throughout the day (perfect for day to night wear).

Last but not least is an item that I couldn't leave off my favourites list this month - the Invisibobble. Not only is this product gentle on the hair by helping to reduce split ends, it also eliminates the annoying "kink" that comes from using regular hair-bands. Something that is perfect for anyone who has long and/or thick hair like me.

I personally love reading monthly favourite posts, so hope you've enjoyed a little insight into a few of the items I've been loving throughout April. If there are any products that I've missed, be sure to let me know in the comments - I'm always on the look out for a new favourite item.

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

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

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 

Current Favourites: Lipsticks

If I was stranded on a desert island & could only take one make-up product it would be lipstick... 

Now don't get me wrong I love make-up & couldn't be without my mascara or foundation.. but in my opinion, there's no better product that can can take a look from casual to glamorous as effortlessly as a lipstick.

As much as I love each product within my lipstick collection - & yes, there are definitely a few too many lipsticks in that collection - I've recently found myself reaching for the same four shades on a regular basis. So I thought this would be the perfect excuse to share my current favourites & justify each purchase.. (I needed to buy them for my blog.. obviously). 

1.  "Falling Fast" from Top Shop's lipstick collection [x]

2. Kate Moss for Rimmel in shade No. 08 [x]

3. MAC's Disney Cinderella Collection in Royal Ball [x]

(Currently out of stock - So I've linked a similar shade)

4.  Amethyst Shimmer from Rimmel's Lasting Finish collection [x]

For a natural look, both MAC's Royal Ball & Kate Moss' shade 08 are two of my favourite go to shades. Both shades are low maintenance & long lasting which is perfect for busy days spent running about (who knew stopping to reapply lipstick doesn't count as urgent?!). 

However - on the other end of the scale - if I want to add a colour pop to a look, then I've found myself repeatedly reaching for  either Top Shop's Falling Fast or Rimmel's Amethyst Shimmer. Both are perfect for adding a hint of glamour to an otherwise neutral look... 

These four shades have become staples within my make-up collection as they offer the perfect balance of neutral & bright shades. 

What's your current favourite lipstick?

xxx

Monthly Favourites - May

Whilst having a look over my beloved Small and Blonde it stuck me that I haven't put together a monthly favourites post for a while now.. so I've decided to share of few of the things I've been loving the most throughout the month of May..

1. Peach Backpack - New Look [x] - 
I'm one of those people that will always over-cram their handbag & then complain that it's too heavy/wont shut properly.. So when I saw this adorable little back-pack in the sale on New Look's website I couldn't resist treating myself.. It's so useful for those days when you have lots to carry (i.e. when you're popping to the gym after work & really don't want to cram trainers into your handbag) yet it's also pretty cute. I love the shade & the simple metal detailing.

2. Birmingham Pride [x] - 
I wont go on too much about this one, as I wrote a whole post about Birmingham Pride - but this was one event that really stuck out to me this month. It was such a great experience & I loved showing my support the LGBT community.. (& of course.. I loved having my face painted!)

3. Make-Revolution Bronze Stick [x] - 
I've been eager to try product like this for a while now but the only version I could find came with a pretty high-end price tag.  Of course until I stumbled across this from Make-up Revolution. After trying this a few weeks ago it's quickly become a staple in my collection as I find it perfect for applying bronzer & it blends beautifully. 

4. Disney [x] - 
Okay, Okay.. I love Disney every month.. But I seem to be loving it just a teensy bit more than usual lately.. I've found myself singing away to classic Disney songs a fair amount & happily snuggled up on the sofa with a good old Pixar or Princess film.. Now if someone could just whisk me away to Disneyland (Paris or Florida... I'm not picky) it would be perfect! 

5. Belvita Yoghurt Crunch [x] - 

I know this may seem like a slightly strange product to feature, however I honestly love these breakfast biscuits.. to the extent that I get excited when 10:00am comes around at work & it's time for my breakfast snack. Admittedly I'm sure they're not the healthiest.. (come on.. fruit will always be a better option) but I find these to be a perfect way to keep me going until lunch.   

6. Barry M - Gelly Hi Shine Varnish [x] - 

Barry M are always a go-to brand for nail polishes for me as I love their effects & colour range.. but currently I am loving the hi shine range. I recently purchased the colour shown above & can't wait to purchase other shades. There's something about the shine that I personally find gorgeous.. plus so far the polish has lasted well on my nails before chipping - bonus!

7. Lost [x] -

I know, I know - Lost first came onto our TV screens years ago.. However I recently (whilst trying to find something to fill the Orange Is The New Black shaped hole in my heart) I stumbled across the series on Netflix. I have recently came to the end of the first series & although some people have said they didn't enjoy it all that much, I can safely say I'm hooked!

8. Liz Earl Toner [x] - 

This is another product I've mentioned previously in a post but I felt it really deserved it's own little mention in my favourites. I'll admit that some days after cleansing, I just can't be bothered with the extra step of toning after. However when I do use this product, I'm always so happy after. It always leaves my skin feeling smooth & clean, but without drying it out.. In my opinion this is a product that is definitely worth the extra pennies. 

What products have you been loving throughout May?

xxx

February Favourites

With February leaving us until 2016 (is it just me that thinks this month has flown by?!) I thought I'd put together my first Monthly Favourites post.

So here's a few of beauty & lifestyle items that I've been loving throughout the month of February.

(Sources: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8)

1. Les Misérables - 
In particular the songs. If you haven't heard them, the Les Misérables songs are pretty amazing. I've found that if I'm feeling a bit down (post-birthday blues maybe) or even just a little sleepy, singing my heart out along with  Anne Hathaway and Samantha Banks has been the perfect pick me up this month. 
2. New Look's Kabuki Brush [x] - 
When I was got this brush I really wasn't expecting too much. However I've been loving using this recently. I've been using this pretty much everyday this month to apply and set my face powder & it works perfectly. The bristles are so soft and it's the perfect size for me. Plus for only £3.99 this brush is an absolute bargain! 
3. Liz Earle Hot Cloth Cleanser [x] - 
As much as I love brands like Nivea and Simple for face products, recently I've loved using the Liz Earle Hot Cloth Cleanser. Although a little pricer then Nivea/Simple etc. This is the only cleanser that really removes all my make-up and leaves my skin feeling so soft. Plus I also find that if any pesky spots pop up, this cleanser is incredible at quickly shrinking down again. 
4. Barry M Baby Pink Nail Varnish [x] - 
I've had this shade of polish on my nails for roughly a week now and I've received so many compliments from people saying how pretty it looks. In addition to the kind words, the polish hasn't chipped once - which is always a great bonus. I hate nothing more then taking the time to paint my nails only for them to chip within a few hours. 
5. Cinderella Latte Mug [x] - 
I was given this mug by my work colleagues as one of my birthday presents and I absolutely love it! If there's one thing I need to get through a day in the office, it's definitely coffee and this is one of my favourite mugs to use. What Disney lover wouldn't love this sitting on their desk?!
6. The Gym [x] - 
After months of saying I'd do it, I finally bit the bullet and joined the gym. Whilst looking around there were many different gyms to choose from - but I really wanted something that wasn't going to eat away at my money - yet still offered everything I wanted to start getting into shape. I eventually decided on a company called The Gym Group. They have gyms up and down the country and are very pocket friendly at only £12.99 a month, and has all the equipment I need and more. I may not be anywhere near to an athlete yet, but I've loved going to the gym this month as it leaves me feeling so much healthier. 
7. Rimmel's Lasting Finish 25 Hour Foundation [x] - 
After reading such good reviews on this foundation I couldn't resits buying it a few months back. Now this foundation has become my everyday foundation. Now I wouldn't know if it really lasts 25 hours (who has their foundation on for that amount of time?) but it last pretty much all day. I also love the coverage this foundation provides as it covers any redness or blemishes on my skin. 
8. Orange Is The New Black -
I started watching Orange Is The New Black around 2 weeks ago (I know, I know - where have I been?) & I'm roughly about half way through the first season. If you didn't know - Orange Is The New Black is about Piper Chapman, a 30 something year old woman, who is sent to prison for a crime she committed ten years ago. The show follows the highs and lows that Piper faces as she adjusts to life behind bars. 
I'm already hooked to Orange Is The New Black & would 100% recommend it if you're looking for something new to watch. 

I hope you've enjoyed my first monthly favourites post - I may make this a regular appearance on my blog every few months. 

What's been your favourite lifestyle/beauty item of the month?

I'm always on the look out for new products or items to try out! 

xxx