Stocking Fillers/Secret Santa Ideas | £5 & Under

I absolutely love Christmas, and with it being just around the corner everyone is on the lookout for stocking fillers and secret santa presents. Sometimes it's hard to find little presents without spending too much so below is a range of small gift ideas which are perfect for any stocking or secret santa present and all for under £5.00 :)

Lush Luxury Pud £3.50 - LINK

Pop this into your bath and unwind with this relaxing bath bomb. 

Zoella Let's Glow Candle £5.00 - LINK

This cute and girly candle has a calming and refreshing scent. It has a gentle blend of white wood accent, sweet vanilla and soft floral notes.

Soap and Glory Irresistibubble Gift Set £5.00 - LINK

This gift set is so cute! It contains a travel size body wash and body buttercream in the famous Soap and Glory scent, Sugar Crush.

Topshop Mini Nail Pyramid In The Colour Float £5.00 - LINK 

These little nail polish gifts from Topshop are perfect for a stocking filler. They come in a range of different Christmassy colours but I think this pale pink is so cute.  

Hotel Chocolat Mini Chocolate Father Christmas £2.50 - LINK

As you may already know, I am a massive chocoholic, therefore a stocking wouldn't be the same without some chocolatey goodness :) This mini box of chocolates from Hotel Chocolat contains 3 cuddly Father Christmas in milk chocolate, yummy!

Makeup Revolution Redemption Palette Iconic 3 £4.00 - LINK

This eyeshadow palette is a complete bargain at only £4.00. It is a perfect mix of pearl, shimmer and matte shades.

Topshop Santa Toe Ankle Socks £3.50 - LINK 

Santa always brings new socks at Christmas and I do love some good old festive socks to keep my tootsies nice and toasty!

I hope this post has given you some inspiration for some cute and girly stocking fillers/secret santa presents.

What do you have on your Christmas list?

My Dressing Table And Makeup Storage

Hello everyone, today I thought I would take you on a little tour of my dressing table. A few people have been asking me how I store my makeup/beauty products and being the neat freak that I am, the one thing that I absolutely love is having all of my products organised into their own little compartments. Very sad I know haha! Anyway, below is a selection of photos of my dressing table and the way I like to store my products, ENJOY :)

 Dressing table - Ikea

Draw inserts - Muji

Long draw insert - Muji

Acrylic makeup drawers - Muji  

Acrylic makeup brush holders - Muji

Acrylic compartment holder - Muji

Table top mirror - Ikea

Vase - Ikea

English Pear and Freesia candle - Jo Malone

I really hope you enjoyed this post and I hope it gave you some inspiration for your own dressing table. 
See you in my next post!!

Lush Haul Video

Hey everyone...I can't believe it's November already, where has the year gone? 

Sorry I haven't posted in a while, life has been very busy lately with a college course I started about 6 weeks ago and because blogging is something I do in my spare time I just haven't had time to write any new posts. I only have a few weeks left on the course so I will be going full steam ahead with plenty of new blog posts and YouTube videos once the next couple of weeks is over. Hang on in there :) 

As you may already know, I have been a beauty therapist for the past 5 years and the course I'm doing is a teaching qualification so I can go on to teach beauty therapy in a college and become a beauty lecturer. The thought of becoming a student again after 5 years was a little scary but i'm really enjoying the course and met some lovely new friends. 

So, I went a little crazy in Lush the other day and picked up quite a lot of stuff from their Halloween/Christmas collections. 
Below is the video of everything got.... ENJOY :)

If you were unable to watch the embedded version below then click HERE to be taken directly to my YouTube channel.

I really hope you enjoy this video. Please feel free to comment below with any suggestions for future videos that you may want to see on my channel.

What are your favourite Lush products to purchase at this time of year?

My First YouTube Video

Hey guys, so I have finally uploaded my first video to YouTube *hides away in a corner* haha!!

I just thought I'd do a quick introduction about myself and what to expect on my channel.

Please feel free to comment below with what you would like to see on my channel in the future, if you were unable to watch the embedded version below then click HERE to be taken directly to my YouTube channel.

ENJOY :)

Starting My YouTube Channel

So guys, I have a bit of a different post for you today. It's not my usual ramblings about all things beauty and makeup, I thought i'd do a post letting you know about my plans on starting a YouTube channel. I have been saying for ages how I would love to start making videos and I think i'm ready to unleash myself into the scary world of YouTube.... ahhhh!!

So what should you expect on my channel? Well, I've been a beauty therapist for the past 5 years so I really want to bring you all my professional beauty tips and tricks as well as monthly favourites videos, tutorials, product reviews etc. I must say, putting myself out there for the whole world to see wasn't a decision I made lightly. It still feels very scary but the beauty industry is something i'm really passionate about and i'm very excited to start my YouTube journey :) 

Obviously I will still be blogging! My blog is my little baby and where my online beauty ramblings began, sometimes it's just a little easier to watch and follow a video rather than a blog post.

So, i'm thinking of filming my first video in the next few weeks and I also need to get my head around the editing software too (i'm not the biggest computer whizz), therefore I'm hoping to have my first video up in about a month or so, but I will update you all on when my first video goes live via Facebook and Twitter.

Lastly, I just wanted to say a BIG thank you to everyone that takes the time to read my blog, it really does mean so much!! You will soon get to put a face to the blog :)

Tracie Giles Champagne Brunch

All photos courtesy of Lucy Dartford PR

Hi guys, so a couple of weeks ago I visited Tracie Giles' new beauty clinic in Knightsbridge, London. I was one of the lucky runners up in a competition she held in December last year, which I entered to win my Mum some semi permanent eyebrows. As a runner up I was invited to visit Tracie's new clinic for a champagne brunch, which my Mum and I was very excited about.  

If you didn't already know who Tracie Giles is then where have you been!! Tracie has done A LOT of celebrity clients including Katie Price, Charlotte Crosby from Geordie Shore, the TOWIE girls including Lucy Meck, Lydia Bright and Jessica Wright and many more. Tracie has over 25 years experience and is a leader in the aesthetic permanent makeup industry, she has appeared on Channel 4's Embarrassing Bodies and ITV2's The Only Way Is Essex.

My Mum and I hopped on a quick train journey to London to enjoy a morning of girly time. All of the runners up arrived at Tracie's salon at 11 o clock where we were greeted by Tracie's daughter Charlotte who was so lovely!! We started with champagne and cupcakes before Tracie performed a demo of her famous semi permanent makeup. Afterwards, we had a good old girly natter and quizzed Tracie on her work and salon. One of Tracie's regular celebrity clients, Chantelle Houghton popped by to see us too, which was a lovely surprise! 

I would like to say a BIG thank you to Tracie and Charlotte for having us at your beautiful salon. My Mum and I had a lovely time and we will definitely be back for some new brows soon!!

Here is a LINK to Tracie's website if you wanted to take a look :)

Current Skincare Rountine

Hello lovelies, today's post is all about my current skincare routine. I love to swap and change up my skincare products all the time but there is always one trusty brand I always go back to which is Dermalogica. I have been a beauty therapist for the past 5 years and I trained in Dermalogica in 2010, I've got to say the training was absolutely amazing! Not only did I learn about the products and treatments, I learnt about the science of the skin in great depth. 

Dermalogica as a brand are dedicated to skin health rather than putting money into fancy packaging, their products really do work and are 100% worth every penny! The 500ml size Essential Cleansing Solution cleanser which retails for £48.50 lasted me over a year which works out to be about £4 per month, so even though the products are a little on the pricey side they are great value for money and last ages!

Here are the current skincare products I am using from Dermalogica and a little information about each one...

Cleanser- Dermalogica Essential Cleansing Solution - LINK

As I have quite dehydrated skin my favourite cleanser to use from the Dermalogica range is the Essential Cleansing Solution. It is a rich, creamy cleanser that removes impurities whilst replenishing the skin and maintaining moisture levels. I use this morning and evening as part of my skincare routine. 

Exfoliator - Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant - LINK

This product has got to be one of my favourites from Dermalogica, I think a lot of other people agree as it's one of their best sellers. It's basically a powder based exfoliant, once mixed with water it activates and releases Papain, Salicylic Acid and Rice Enzymes that gently polish away dead skin cells and leave the skin looking smoother and brighter. This exfoliant is gentle enough to use everyday and is great for anyone that suffers from sensitive skin as it's not abrasive to the skin. I use this product once a day, usually in the evening so products penetrate deeper and i'm not applying makeup straight after.     

I have spoken about this 'hero' product in a previous blog post, if you would like to check it out then click HERE :) 

Toner - Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner - LINK

A lot of other toners from other brands are very astringent and alcohol based which strips the skin of its natural oils, but the reason I love the Multi-Active Toner is because it's really hydrating, refreshing and like a drink of water to the skin. You simply spritzer it all over the skin, then apply your moisturiser. I use this morning and evening.

Moisturiser - Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream - LINK

This is a medium-weight cream that helps to smooth, hydrate and protect skin from environmental assaults and pollution. It also helps to combat dry skin and and reduce the signs of premature ageing. I use this moisturiser as my day time and night time moisturiser.  

Day Time Eye Cream - Dermalogica Total Eye Care SPF15 - LINK

I absolutely love this product. It has an SPF to shield the skin from UVA rays and it also has a very slight tint. This helps to diffuse light and help hide dark under eye circles. This is a really gentle formula which is great for anyone with sensitive skin or contact lens wearers. I apply this in the morning before my moisturiser, blending inwards from the outer eye. 

Night Time Eye Cream - Dermalogica Intensive Eye Repair - LINK

As I have previously said, I have quite dehydrated skin; therefore this can lead to premature ageing and fine dehydration lines if i'm not using a great skincare routine. I used to suffer from dehydration lines under my eyes and this eye cream really helped minimize this. This ultra-rich cream helps to improve dehydration lines, elasticity and smooth skin texture. I apply this every night before my moisturiser. 

I really hope you enjoyed this post guys!

Click HERE to find out what products you should be using, or alternatively leave me a comment below about your skincare problems or if you would like me to recommend you some products and I will do my best to reply to everyone :) 

What are some of your favourite skincare products at the moment?

Review: Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde Mascara

There are so many different mascaras out there that it can be a little overwhelming when searching for a new one. I've hunted high and low for a mascara that does everything I want it to do and I've never found that perfect one; therefore I like to change it up all the time!!

I strolled into Superdrug a couple of weeks ago looking for a new mascara and the Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde Mascara immediately caught my eye with its silver tube and cute coral branding. I also loved the unique design of the brush. The plastic bristles go the whole way around the brush with small little balls placed in between these bristles to help the mascara coat every lash with no clumping and to build more volume and length.   

I usually like to apply two coats of mascara, but with this one, one coat creates so much length and volume I feel I don't need to apply a second, it lasts all day with no flaking or smudging too which is great. 

 I would highly recommend this product and I would 100% repurchase again and again as it has everything I would want in a mascara, and it's only £9.99 - BARGAIN :)

If you would like to purchase this mascara then click this LINK

Have you found your perfect mascara yet?

Vegas Holiday Makeup

Since my last post about my holiday to Vegas a few of you have been asking what make up I had used in the photo of me and my boyfriend. So, without further a do, I thought I'd share with you everything I used :)

 NARS Sheer Glow foundation in the colour 'Punjab' (Contains no SPF, which is great to use in front of a camera as it won't flash back and cause a white face)

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in the colour 'Cool Medium'

Bourjois Delice de Poudre Bronzing Powder in no 52

 Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in 'Translucent'

NARS blusher in the colour 'Orgasm'
Topshop highlighter in the colour 'Crescent Moon'

To fill in my brows - MAC powder eye shadow in the colour 'Charcoal Brown'

By Terry Ombre Blackstar eye shadow stick in the colour 'Misty Rock'

MAC powder eye shadow in 'Haux'

Rimmel Sacndaleyes Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner in the colour '001 black' 

Maybelline The Falsies mascara in the colour 'Black' 

Tanya Burr Lipgloss in the colour 'Chic'

VIVA LAS VEGAS!

So I haven't posted in a few weeks as I've been on holiday, however I can assure you that I'm back in full swing and have lots of exciting posts lined up for you all :) 

I went to Las Vegas for a week with my boyfriend at the beginning of June and we had such an amazing time. The weather was ridiculously hot, about 42 degrees everyday and I can tell you, living in the UK we are definitely not used to that kind of crazy weather!

My boyfriend and I stayed at The Venetian hotel, which is absolutely amazing and I would 100% recommend it, even more so when I found out that they had a Sephora right outside (only fellow beauty bloggers will understand my excitement)!!
Over the week I ate my body weight in junk food everyday, which I thought I'd really enjoy, but after a few days I got so sick of it. Although, the huge stack of pancakes (pictured below) were absolutely amazing and we also went to a great all American buffet at the Mirage hotel on the last night, which I think I consumed more calories in one meal then I usually eat in a week, but it was so worth it!!

We went to see a show by Cirque Du Soleil called 'O' which is a water show. I cannot express how amazing this was!! Vegas definitely know how to put on a good show. The helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon was definitely my highlight of the trip, we landed in the Canyon and had a champagne lunch/dinner before we came back on the helicopter, the sun was setting and was dark once we got back to the Las Vegas strip, so we saw it all lit up in all its glory. The Grand Canyon was absolutely beautiful and a must see if your travelling to Vegas!

I thought I would share a few of my holiday snaps with you guys and here they are...   

I had such a lovely time with my boyfriend and I'm so happy I have found someone to share my adventures and travel the world with me.

I really hope you all enjoyed this post as it's a little different from my normal beauty ramblings.
See you in my next post guys :)

My Feature in Base Magazine

Photos courtesy of Base Magazine

Hello lovelies, so as you would probably guess, I was very excited to have my very own feature in Base Magazine.

Base Magazine is a new beauty magazine which is written by bloggers. It is a quarterly publication which brings readers product reviews, releases, tutorials and events. The editors believe that having a magazine written by bloggers rather than journalists will give more honest information which readers will value.     

If you would like to know more, purchase a digital or printed copy, or you're a blogger and would like to maybe write a feature for Base Magazine then check them out... www.basemagazineofficial.com or @BaseMagOfficial :)

A big thank you to the girls at Base Magazine for letting me write a feature and I wish them the best of luck for future issues.

Review & Giveaway: Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint SPF 15

Hey guys, so a few weeks ago I was running low on nearly all my skin care products, therefore I thought a little (I say little but I don't think my card would agree) trip to Liz Earle was in order :)

I just love walking into any Liz Earle store, the staff are always so friendly and helpful and it feels really fresh and luxurious. The products are such great quality and are really reasonably priced too. They do monthly offers which includes their legendary and award winning Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, Instant Boost Skin Tonic and your choice of moisturiser to suit your skin, all for only £43.00. To get a full facial routine with such good quality products for only £43.00 is amazing and such a great deal!!

This month they were doing this offer with a complimentary Sheer Skin Tint, which is like a tinted moisturiser/BB cream and worth £21.00, therefore I got all four of these products for £43.00.... what a bargain!! It was also great for me as I needed new skin care products and was on the look out for a tinted moisturiser/BB cream for my holiday which is coming up. As i'm going to Vegas and will be taking lots of photos in the daytime as well as the evening, I wanted something to wear on my skin during the day that had light coverage and that also had an SPF. I didn't want to look completely bare faced on camera, so I thought something like this would be perfect.

The Sheer Skin Tint is absolutely amazing!! It feels really lightweight and gives such a fresh, radiant and dewy finish to the skin which is perfect for holidays or for days when you don't want to wear a full face of make up. It evens out skin tone, hides redness and imperfections and overall makes your skin look naturally great and like your not wearing anything at all. Even my mum noticed the first day I wore it and told me that my skin looked great. This product comes in four colours, I have the colour Beige 02 which is neutral and suits ivory to medium complexions. Just a quick tip... the colour difference between Beige 02 and Beach 03 is very different. I found Beach 03 was very dark, so only go for this colour if you are quite tanned.

To celebrate my first 6 months of blogging, I thought I would do my first giveaway to give back to everyone that takes the time to read my blog. If you would like to be in with the chance of winning a Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint in the colour Beige 02 (Liz Earle's most popular colour), then all you need to do is sign in with the rafflecopter widget below and work your way through the entries. There's a few mandatory entries and some extra entries too if you want to increase your chance of winning.

Giveaway Conditions-
- As this is my first giveaway (eeekk excited), it is open to UK followers only.
- Please do not create an account just to enter this giveaway as your entry will be removed.
- This giveaway will run from 25/05/2014 - 25/06/2014.
- The winner of this giveaway will be contacted within 24 hours of it closing and if they haven't got back to me within 48 hours, another winner will be chosen.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Once again, a massive thank you to everyone who takes the time to read my blog, it means a lot!!
See you in my next post guys :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway