Top 5 Christmas Films for Christmas Eve

Oh what a wonderful time of year, it's Christmas Eve! I feel like this year has completely flown by but I cannot wait to finish work today, get into my Christmas pyjamas, tuck into a takeaway and spend the evening watching some of my favourite Christmas films. I LOVE Christmas films and as soon as December hits I try and watch as many as I can. I thought I'd share some of my Christmas favourites which I'll be watching this evening.

London Rocks by Buckley London

It's not very often that I wear lots of jewellery and when I do, I keep it simple and minimalistic so the new London Rocks collection from Buckley London was practically made for me.

A Cosy Wynsors Christmas

Cold December evenings are all about warm pyjamas, hot chocolates and snuggling down under a blanket to watch a film. To make that a reality my TLC box arrived from Wynsors to make sure I had a real, cosy Christmassy evening. 

The Best Christmas Gift Sets from Dove

Dove is one of the most trusted beauty products around and has been for more years than I've probably been alive. Their Christmas sets are some of the best on the market and are always a good choice for family members to wrap up and place under the tree.

Christmas with Birchbox

It wouldn't be a new month without my monthly box of beauty goodies from Birchbox and December's is full of Christmas cheer. December's theme is 'All that Glimmers' and comes in a super luxe clutch bag. The bag is a really good size for a night out and with three panels in pleather, green velvet and gold glitter, it's the perfect festive accessory. 

Christmas Decoration Haul

Christmas is big in my house and with that comes a burning desire to buy every Christmas decoration in sight, I blame my Mother. I've been pretty good this year and haven't gone too mad mainly because the life size reindeer I want from Marks and Spencer is display only but I have managed to pull together a little haul for you guys. Including some personalised pieces, the all important spicy candles and some bunting. Aren't I good?

Soap & Glory In The Bag

It wouldn't be Christmas without copious amounts of Soap & Glory gift sets and In The Bag has to be my favourite one available as it has all of my favourite products tucked away nicely inside including one of their fabulous shower puffs. 

Bedside Table Essentials

We all have a bedside table full of tricks right? Products we need within reaching distance when we're too cosy in bed to get out and walk across the room? Well I have a little basket full of bits and pieces I may just need after I've snuggled down for the night.

Afternoon Tea with Antipodes

A few weeks ago I ventured up to London to have afternoon tea with New Zealand skincare brand, Antipodes. I had heard so much about the brand especially the Manuka Honey mask so I couldn't wait to spend the afternoon with Deborah, their representative and Sophie, their incredible PR.

Nightmoth Lip Liner MAC Cosmetics

Lip liner has completely changed my make up game. I always struggled getting the perfect pout because I don't have much of a cupid's bow so lip liner is a necessity for me if I'm wearing a bold lip. 

Benefit Cosmetics Agent Zero Shine

I've read a lot of mixed reviews on Agent Zero Shine, the majority being pretty bad so I'd always avoided it. I recently won a Benefit Cosmetics giveaway on Twitter to win Agent Zero Shine so as soon as it fell on my doormat I tried it out thinking I'd use it a few times then never touch it again but I was so wrong! It has stayed in my bag the last three or so weeks and when that 4 O'clock shine swings around, out it comes to do the job it's meant to. 

Peeping Santa Lush Cosmetics

It's finally December so I can start talking all things Christmas! I did a Lush haul recently and picked up this little guy. I did say in my haul post that I find the name quite sinister, Lush could've of called him anything but Peeping Santa and the idea of Santa peeping takes the magic out of it a little but maybe that's just me, I don't know. 

Anyway, creepy Santa aside this is still a pretty awesome bubble bar. Containing shea butter, cocoa butter, bergamot and geranium oils, it's a fruity treat for the bath. The skin soothing butters help soften and moisturise the skin while the bergamot helps clear the mind making Peeping Santa the perfect companion after a busy day Christmas shopping. Bubble bars are some of my favourite products as they last longer than just one bath, you just break a piece off and crumble under running hot water. 

There is still a few bits I haven't tried from this year's Christmas range as my local store has had it in dribs and drabs which makes hauling really difficult! There's still a few more weeks until it all sells out though. What have your favourite bits been this year? What else should I pick up?

The Vintage Cosmetics Company Brushes

If there is anything I love more than make up, it's the brushes that help me apply it. I'm usually a Real Techniques and Nanshy girl but when this floral pack arrived, I pushed my usual favourites to the back and put The Vintage Cosmetics Company Essential Face brush set in prime grabbing position. This nifty little set comes with the three main brushes you need for the perfect base; Foundation, powder and blush. This would also be the perfect starter set for someone branching out to brushes. 

Seventeen All Out Pout in Woo Me

Seventeen make up is a regular occurrence on the ol' blog and as they keep bringing out new releases, I feel like I have to tell you about them. The All Out Pout lip palettes hit the shops mid way through October alongside their Easy on the Eye eye shadow palettes and Let's Face It face palettes. I hold my hands up and admit I am not a fan of lip palettes and personally don't feel they're necessary past the age of twelve. I lug enough forgotten lipsticks around in my bag without having to add a lip palette to the equation. 

Things that bug me about Blogging

Follow 4 Follow

Stop it. Stop it now. The biggest way to get a whole load of people NOT to follow you is tweeting or hashtagging F4F. On Twitter, Instagram and even Facebook, I see it all the time. More often than not I think "What a dick" and swiftly move on, remembering your handle for future. 

Birchbox X Skinny Dip London

I think this is the one box everyone has been waiting on since the promo for the collaboration started and one I was quite interested in to receive, until I received it. Birchbox X Skinny Dip should of been the WOW box that got everyone talking, the one with the incredible samples and beautiful boxes. Don't get me wrong, the boxes are beautiful but that is probably the best bit about this entire collaboration. Can you tell I'm not an iPhone owner?

Seventeen Easy on the Eye in Birthday Suit

I'm a firm believer of never having enough neutral eye palettes so I was more than happy with Seventeen's latest release, Easy on the Eye in Birthday Suit. The Easy on the Eye palettes are a collection of eight matte, pearl and shimmer powder shadows, three metallic creams and an eye primer, plus a handy 'get the look' guide so you can achieve the perfect neutral eye. The palette also comes with a double ended brush which is actually pretty good. I was so glad that there wasn't a double ended sponge applicator in this. Now if every other make up company on the high street could follow suit that would be fab.

Building your Pinterest

I don't claim to be a pro with Pinterest, I have a small following compared to others and this is certainly not a post to tell you how you should be doing it because we all hate patronising tips posts don't we? This post is purely on what has helped me grow my own account over the last few months, not massively but enough to notice a difference and increase in traffic and people pinning and liking my pins. I know when I first started using Pinterest I was clueless so I hope this helps one of you. 

The Silk Rose Korean Skincare

I've wanted to try Korean skincare for quite a few years now but didn't know where to buy it from or what brands to look for, that was until The Silk Rose came along. Korean skincare is renowned for delivering high results and is thought to be the most advanced in the world. With the majority containing high end ingredients, unique formulations and coming with a reasonable price tag, it was the perfect time to dip my toe into Korean Skincare.

Three Highlighters for Winter

The clocks have gone back, it's dark by 5pm and the weather is getting colder and with that our healthy, glowing complexions. I personally love this time of year but I do tend to switch my make up to suit the colder months, especially highlighter. I like to use highlighter throughout the year but I tone it down during the colder months as I prefer it more subtle. A slight dusting of highlighter can instantly perk up dull, winter skin, adding a bit of life and colour.

MAC Cosmetics Sin

I've been a long time lover of Mac lipsticks, even more so when it's Back 2 Mac so today I give you my latest 'freebie'. If you're not sure what Back 2 Mac is then listen closely. For every six primary packaged products excluding Viva Glam you can bag yourself a free lipstick of your choice. After heading to my local counter and handing over my empties, I ended up leaving with Sin in my hand. 

Dove Derma Spa Range

I have been a long time user of Dove products and wouldn't be without their cucumber deodorant and pomegranate body wash so the new Derma Spa range had my name written all over it. Dove have introduced spa worthy products suitable for every pocket meaning you can get the spa experience at home at a fraction of the price. Using their latest advancements in dermatological care, Dove have placed it within luxurious creams, lotions and body oils to give you beautiful skin. The Derma Spa range also contain cell moisturisers which work at the heart of skin cells leaving them full of moisture.

Homesense Preview Night

*Sponsored post*

On the 22nd October, Hedge End in Southampton welcomed the TK Maxx and Homesense megastore much to the delight of homeware and bargain lovers everywhere. I posted just before the opening of TK Maxx & Homesense, Southampton with all the details in time for the big day and myself and some lovely bloggers from the Sotonbloggers network attended a special preview night on the 21st October.

Childhood Dreams with Workwear Express

When I was growing up my mind was always set; Finish school, go to college, go to university and become a History teacher, oh how things change. At 15, I moved to Spain with my parents and finished my education there and everything changed. It was always in the back of my mind but not enough for me to do anything about it, even when I eventually moved back to the UK. Living in Spain gave me more than I thought it would. A completely different experience and view on life. Going to college and university isn't the be all and end all. People who drum in that you need university for a good job is full of crap. 

Lord of Misrule Shower Cream

Lord of Misrule is my favourite bath bomb ever so when it was brought out in shower cream form, I had to get my hands on it. I haven't yet been to Lush Oxford Street, I feel like I'll need a whole day there just to take it all in but I do have some lovely friends that have been who always bring home some goodies for me.

Bumble and Bumble Pret-a-Powder

I will openly admit I hate washing my hair and will go five days without doing so because I really cannot be bothered so something like Bumble and Bumble's Pret a Powder is a life saver. When I don't wash my hair, I don't ever get to the point where I look like a greasy stray cat, I leave it long enough where it's bouffy and looking good and to get those extra few days I rely on this little gem.

MAC Cremeblend Blush in Something Special

MAC and I have had a long, loving relationship for many years and the one product I always go back to is the Cremeblend blush in Something Special. I'd never used creme blushes before this, always opting for powder as they were easier to use.

Mettricks Coffee House Southampton

Why I have waited until now to post about my favourite coffee house in Southampton I do not know but after spending one afternoon drinking coffee and eating scones with my sister and finding ourselves in an extremely rare, empty Mettricks, I took full advantage and took some photos. Mettricks was opened in 2013 in the Old Town in Southampton by Spencer who saw exactly what this wonderful city was missing, a coffee house with better coffee, a cosy home vibe and fresh, local food. This city is littered with the likes of Costa and Starbucks but Mettricks was something we didn't have and it's somewhere I spend a lot of my time as many of you will know.

Lush Oxford Street Winter Haul

The winter months are my favourite time of year when it comes to Lush Cosmetics. There are so many fabulous products to try that a little haul here and there becomes inevitable. This haul wouldn't of been possible had it not been for my sister, Mandy and Jess. The winter launch at my local lush was really disappointing so thanks to my lovely friends being in London and Brighton one particular weekend, they all picked me up the the bath bombs I couldn't get my hands on. 

Merumaya Mud Marvels Mask

Merumaya is the leading company for integrative effective skincare, concentrating on preventing and perfecting skin aging. I have tried a number of Merumaya products and have never been disappointed. Their latest innovative product is the Mud Marvels Mask, a deep, detoxifying face mask.

TK Maxx & Homesense opens in Southampton

*Sponsored post*

If there is anything I love more than shopping for make up, it has to be shopping for homeware so when an email dropped in my inbox to let me know that Homesense was opening in Southampton, it's safe to say I had a grin bigger than the Cheshire Cats. I could happily spend hours aimlessly wandering around Ikea and Next Home but I always had to get my Homesense fix in Brighton which when you have a habit of buying awkward shaped items, isn't always a good idea.

Soap & Glory Whipped Clean

If there is one company that always gets it right, it's Soap & Glory. I've been using their products for years and I always make sure one of their big Christmas sets finds its way home with me. Two of my all time favourite products are Sugar Crush body wash and The Righteous Butter, I don't think there is a product I don't like. I'd recently run out of the Orangasm body wash so out came Whipped Clean in its place.

Blogging Events & The Free Stuff

As some of you will know, I organise blogging events in Southampton as part of Sotonbloggers. I love doing these events because it brings together so many of us, we have fabulous brands that get involved and support us, plus it gives all of you guys the opportunity to network and meet new blogging friends. That's why we do it and we're so proud of how much bigger it's become.

Experience Sugar Waxing at Sugarflick // Southampton

When looking to remove unwanted body hair, waxing is most people's go-to method. I'm personally not a fan of waxing; it's painful, it sticks and more often than not the results don't last as long as you want them to. Thankfully this is where sugaring comes in, an ancient method of hair removal that has been used since the first millennium. 

Sugaring works by sticking to and removing the hair sticking less to the skin than waxing making it less painful with better results. Skin is left smooth and hair free for much longer because the product catches even the smallest of hairs.

Jo Malone London Experience

My mother and I recently went along to our local Jo Malone London counter to be talked through their fragrances and how to layer them. We were also treated to complimentary hand and arm massages with our chosen fragrances. Jo Malone London is such a luxurious brand but walking in always overwhelms me as there is so much to choose from. Most counters offer complimentary slots which we found out about when we were stood looking confused one Saturday last month.

Lush Winter Haul

Lush launched this year's Winter range at the beginning of the month and I made sure I was in there on launch day to pick up some sparkly treats. I'd seen some photos from the Lush Oxford Street launch so I already knew I had to pick up Yog Nog and Lord of Misrule so you can imagine my disappointment when my local store didn't have either. Thankfully my sister managed to get me both in Lush Brighton and my friend, Mandy from Onesliceoflemon also picked up Yog Nog for me in London the same weekend. 

Sleek Candy Tint Balms

Sleek is a make up brand I've only really started to explore the last few months. My younger sister use to use their blushes all the time but for some reason I never tried them myself. I recently reviewed the Solstice Highlighting palette and I've used it every day since so it was only right I started to explore their lip products.

MAC Cosmetics Brave Lipstick

Another month and another new MAC Cosmetics lipstick, this time in the shade Brave. This particular shade has never been on my wishlist from MAC, Hue has always been my go to nude but after leaving my lipstick at home, I borrowed Brave from a friend before we went into an event and I fell in love.

Makeup Revolution Run Boy Run

I hold my hands up and fully admit I'm a makeup snob. I'd much rather buy the real thing than a cheaper dupe but one company I do quite like is Makeup Revolution who are renowned for their dupes. They sent through their Salvation palettes for all the bloggers who attended the Southampton Blog Event and I have Run Boy Run, a purple, neutral mix of twelve shimmers and six mattes.

Dr. Paw Paw Tinted Balms

Dr. Paw Paw has been my Summer essential of 2015, the original balm hasn't left my bag and it also took a trip to V Festival with me where it sorted out my lips, eyebrows and nails because it was small enough to take everywhere with me. I've recently added the tinted balms to my collection in Peach Pink and Ultimate Red which are fab for lips and cheeks. 

NARS Dolce Vita Blush

When it comes to shades and pigmentation, for me, Nars Cosmetics always get it right. Nars Laguna bronzing powder had been on my wishlist for some time and in the last year I've gone through two. The colour, finely milled powder and butter like texture of their products are just spot on, so it was only right I picked up one of their blush powders to try. I bought Dolce Vita, a dusty rose and one of their iconic shades. 

Feeling Grey

Blogger's Festival with Scarlett London

On the 5th of September, 250 bloggers and vloggers descended on the Conrad St James in London for the Bloggers Festival organised by the lovely Scarlett London. I went to one of her events back in April this year and really enjoyed myself so after arranging to stay in London for the weekend with Karis and Tanya, I was really looking forward to it. I and the girls grabbed lunch in Trafalgar Square before the event so we could have a huge catch up before walking to the venue.

Autumn Lip Favourites

As today is officially the start of Autumn I thought I'd share my favourite Autumn lip colours because we all love a berry lip, right?! I tried to throw in at least one high street lip colour but it turns out I don't really own any. Seems I need to hit the high street and pick up some cheaper alternatives so if you have any recommendations, please let me know.

MAC Cosmetics Lady Danger

If you've seen my MAC lipstick collection you'll know I'm partial to a lippy or ten. I recently added Lady Danger to the collection after I won a blog giveaway so after giving it a trial for a few weeks I thought I'd share my thoughts on here because let's face it, we all love a new lipstick especially when it's in black bullet packaging. 

Autumn Clichés We All Love to Hate

Autumn is in the air, the leaves are falling, the air is getting crisper and with that comes some of my little peeves about Autumn and the clichés that come with it. Through talking to people on Twitter I know I'm not alone so get comfy, sit back and have a read...

Merumaya Everything Everywhere Beauty Oil

I took the plunge with facial oils earlier this year and I've been so surprised at just how great they are for the skin. Having suffered with oily skin for years I was under the impression a facial oil would just worsen the situation. Oh how wrong was I?! Turns out facial oils do the wonders for oily skin when applied within in a skincare routine. Most say to use twice daily but I only ever use mine at night before my moisturiser. Merumaya have just released their Everything, Everywhere Beauty Oil which is the multi purpose beauty oil you need on your dressing table.

Bee Good Raspberry & White Chocolate Lip Balm

Bee Good have recently released another product to their already incredible product line in the form of a new lip balm in the flavour Raspberry & White Chocolate. Throughout the year, Bee Good have been running a competition to find the next Great British Lip Balm asking Beauty Bloggers to submit their ideas and favourites where they were then put through judging stages and a public vote. 

Sleek Solstice Highlighting Palette

When I first saw the Sleek Solstice Highlighting palette, my first thought was Hourglass at a much more affordable price. I've embraced the love of highlighters the last few months with The Balm's Mary Lou Mannizer and Benefit Cosmetics Watts! Up being two of my favourites but that was about to change thanks to this golden beauty.