We had a baby!

I thought it was about time I properly introduced you all to our new addition as so many of you have followed us on our journey to becoming parents and welcoming our first son. We've been completely overwhelmed with love, well wishes and congratulations from all of you and it has warmed our hearts. So lets introduce Baby Spake...

The Lowdown on Urban Decay's Troublemaker

I'm a complete slave to Urban Decay Cosmetics and I have been for a number of years. The brand for me, just gets it completely and it's very rare I find that a product of theirs that doesn't work for me. They've turned me into the palette whore I am today and most recently they've helped me create full fat, luscious lashes. Introducing Urban Decay's newest mascara, Troublemaker...

My Latest Back to MAC

Is there anything better than a new lipstick? There is actually, a free lipstick! Which is how I recently replaced my much loved, much used and much needed throwing away, So Chaud. MAC Cosmetics have been running a programme called Back to MAC for the longest time and I've obtained quite a few new lipsticks through this programme. Not sure what it is? Read on...

My Top 5 Urban Decay Products

Is there anything better than an Urban Decay purchase? They're my go to brand when I fancy a treat and I have a number of their products within my makeup collection, most of which I use daily. In true Annie Writes Beauty style, I haven't bothered tidying up the products, I always like to share how worn or used they are so you can see how much I really love them. So here are five products I wouldn't be without...

My Lush Cosmetics Must Haves

If there is one thing I regularly treat myself to, it's a few new products and some old faves from Lush Cosmetics. The Lush Southampton store has just moved into West Quay Shopping Centre so there's now even more space to mooch around and shop to my heart's content. Lush switch up their products most years so my favourites do change and this year I've discovered five products I hope never leave because I would cry, a lot. So here are some must-haves I always keep at home...

LUSH Green Coconut Jelly Bath Bomb

We've all spent more time than necessary playing with the jelly shower gels so it was about time Lush Cosmetics expanded the jelly range, for us um adults. In July, Lush released four bath ballistics in jelly form and I couldn't resist picking up Green Coconut to try. Retailing at £4.95, there are currently four to choose from and here is what I thought.

Jo Malone London Fragrance Collection

It's been a while since I bought anything from Jo Malone London, I associate their products with special events or occasions so it's not something I will just go and buy. I like that there is a memory behind each fragrance I own including the candles I have in our home. We have a boutique in Southampton so I usually book in for a hand and arm massage consultation as I find being able to experience the scents and chat to the stylists a much better way to discover what I'm looking for. 

Keep Glowing into Autumn with Guerlain

I'm a glow fan through and through and one thing I love doing is switching up my makeup for the new season so with that in mind, I added the Guerlain Terracota Sheer bronzing powder to my collection. During the summer months, I like a matte bronzer to shape my face and add some colour to my skin but come Autumn I like a product that does both. Enter the prettiest bronzer everrrr...

The October Birchbox

Ooo I do love a Birchbox, I've been getting mine for what feels like years now and it's my little treat that falls into my hands each month. The October Birchbox is in collaboration with Coppafeel in honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Coppafeel is a charity that is on a mission to stamp out late detection of breast cancer so inside every box this month is a sticker to show you exactly what you should be looking for and how to do it. It's so important to get those pups checked!

The New Aveda Texture Tonic

My hair cupboard has welcomed Aveda with open arms and with a new product launch, it was only right I shared all the details with you. With Aveda being used up and down the catwalks during recent fashion weeks, you know it's a brand you can trust and my locks are lapping up their products.

Merumaya is FIVE!

Can you believe it's been five years since Merumaya launched? I first started using Merumaya three years ago after having the brand attend a Southampton Bloggers event and I've used the products ever since. It's not often I find a skincare company that there isn't a product I don't like and I've reviewed a number of my faves over the years. 

Three Classic Autumn Shades from MAC

I am thoroughly in the throws of Autumn, think chai tea lattes, crunchy leaves and berry lips so it was about time I knocked out the most cliche blog post ever and shared with you my top three shades from MAC Cosmetics for Autumn. Since discovering my love of makeup, I've branched away from MAC in recent years and found so many other brands I love but there are three shades that I'll always go back to as they scream Autumn to me.

Lush Cosmetics Halloween Haul

It's that time of year again! With Lush Cosmetics launching their Halloween collection a few days ago, I was unable to head into store to pick up my bounty for this year so for the first time ever, I made an online order of all things spooky. Delivery was quick and simple, the only difficult bit was not buying absolutely everything. I focused on bath treats so here is what I bought...

Pregnancy Diary 38-40 Weeks

I'm writing this at 40+4 weeks and we're creeping ever closer to my original due date and the one that definitely felt more right. The last two weeks have whizzed by again and I am still waiting for the apparently inevitable 'slow down' of pregnancy. I've had so many people say the last four weeks are the equivalent of four years but that hasn't been the case at all, even now I'm overdue. We haven't quite managed that final date night yet or seen that film we both really wanted to see and now I'm not sure we're going to as the next stage gets ever closer. 

Homesense Candle Haul

I can't resist a trip to Homesense to stock up on all those essentials that aren't technically essentials. I have a homeware obsession and I'm not afraid to admit it, although while we're on the subject I am banned from buying lamps and lanterns sooooo maybe there's more to it than I realise. One thing I can never have enough of is candles, I am always burning something and with the new season upon us I stocked up on Autumnal scented everything...

10 Things you have to do this Autumn!

It's October, my favourite month of the year and of course my favourite season which means I get to do a whole host of things again such as pumpkin picking and drowning in seasonally appropriate Starbucks drinks. So here are some things you should totally do this season...

Mothercare Baby Clothes Haul

Aren't baby clothes just the cutest? I've been so, so good on the buying front so far as we've been given so many lovely pieces so other than boring old vests, I haven't bought much at all! So with a gift voucher in hand and the Mothercare sale starting, I made a big ol' order of baby clothes!