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!!

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'

Review: Revlon Colorburst Lip Butters

I picked up a couple of these Revlon Colorburst Lip Butters a few weeks ago and I immediately loved them! I got them in the colours 'Strawberry Shortcake' and 'Juicy Papaya'. They are basically a mix between a lipstick and a lip balm, which means they are super moisturising and my lips felt instantly soft and hydrated when using these. 

They give a really natural colour to the lips (like a sheer lipstick), which I really love for a day time make up look. I also really like the packaging of these lip butters as they have a clear window at the top which makes finding the shade your looking for really easy. Personally, I love that a lip balm product comes in a lipstick applicator as it's a lot more hygienic than sticking your fingers into a little pot, and then there's always the 'what should I do with the lip balm covered finger' situation. Never good haha!

If you like the sound of these lip butters then make sure you head on over to the Superdrug Website so you don't miss out on their offer!!

Step By Step Make Up Tutorial

The smokey eye is always something people fear, but starting with a simple brown smokey eye is the easiest way to build your confidence. So here is an easy step by step tutorial on how to achieve it :)

Products Used-
The HD Brows Palette in the colour "Foxy"
Rimmel Volume Flash The Max Mascara in the colour Ultra Black 3
L'Oreal Paris Superliner Blackbuster

Step 1- Firstly I cover the lid with the colour "Dark Blonde" using a fluffy brush to even out skin tone.

Step 2- Using the same fluffy brush I use the colour "Medium Brown" to define the crease and create a triangle shape on the outside of my lid.

Step 3- With an under eye shadow brush, take the "Dark Blonde" shadow and line the lower lashes from the middle of the eye to the tear duct. With the same under eye shadow brush, take the "Medium Brown" shadow and line the lower lashes from the outside of the eye to the middle and blend both colours together.

Step 4- Using a fluffy brush and the colour "Carbon" darken the triangle shape you created with the "Medium Brown" shadow and blend all colours together so there are no harsh lines.

Step 5- With the L'Oreal Paris Superliner, line above your top lashes. 
TOP TIP- to keep your liner lasting all day, layer the "Carbon" shadow on the top using an angled brush to set the liquid liner.

Step 6- Use the highlighter from the HD Brows Palette in the inner corner of the eyes and on your brow bone for a professional effect.

Step 7- Coat your top and bottom lashes with mascara and your look it complete! 

TOP TIP- to make a more dramatic look, apply some fluttery false lashes and apply a black kohl liner in the top and bottom waterline. You also don't need this exact palette to create this look, you can adapt it with other shadows you have at home!

I really hope you enjoyed this tutorial!! 

 Thank you all for reading, see you in my next post :)

Professional Beauty 2014

So guys, on the 24th February my Mum and I attended Professional Beauty at ExCel London. I was very excited as the HD Brow's team kindly invited me for a preview and tour of their new make up collection, which will be launched in the Spring. It is going to consist of 76 key pieces, which will include lip, skin, eye and brow products.

 A lovely lady called Tissy did my eye makeup, which I LOVED! She used the new 'Vamp' eye shadow palette which was absolutely amazing! I will definitely be getting my mits on this when it's launched as it has the most beautiful cranberry shades, I cannot wait to show you guys! I also really loved that all the eye shadow palettes come in colours that complement each other, which is great if your not good at knowing what colours should go together. I think these palettes are going to retail for around £25.00, which I personally think is a really reasonable price for 5 eye shadows.

I can't wait to try more of the HD Brows make up range when it is launched in the Spring! I had such a great day and the HD Brows team were all so lovely. And a big thank you to Brett for doing such an amazing job on my brows :) 

          

I really hope you enjoyed this post!

If you would like to know more about HD Brows or their new make up collection please click this LINK

Review: Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation

I can't even begin to explain how many foundations I have tried and tested over the years. I have tried everything from high end expensive foundations to high street brands, but I have never found a foundation I have fallen totally in love with, until now!

I have always been stuck in the mind set of 'you get what you pay for' when it comes to good quality beauty products, but recently I've tried a lot of high street brands and I never thought I'd say it, but yes, I'm starting to change my mind. I think it's just finding something that works for you regardless of the price. This foundation only costs £8.99 from Boots/Superdrug and Rimmel products are usually on 3 for 2, therefore you can stock up on some new products without breaking the bank or feeling too naughty.

This foundation gives a beautiful flawless, natural and dewy finish to the skin. I would say it has a light to medium coverage but I also find it buildable if you wanted a slightly higher coverage. I'm quite lucky to be blessed with pretty good skin, so I personally don't see the point of covering it in something heavy. The shade I have got is '103 True Ivory'. I find this a really good colour match for my pale skin tone. I apply this foundation with my Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, which immediately makes my skin look more radiant with a flawless finish. 

I also really like the packaging of this product, the glass bottle makes it appear a little more expensive and I also love the pump dispenser, this lets you control how much product you need with no mess or wastage. I have found with a lot of high end brands you have to buy the pump separately which I personally find very annoying!

I have been using Rimmel Wake Me Up for a few months now and I don't have any bad things to say. I absolutely love this foundation and it will definitely be a staple in my makeup bag for a long time! 

Thank you for reading this post, I hope you found this somewhat helpful :)

Have any of you used this foundation? If so, what were your thoughts?

Rosina

♥

Click HERE if you would like to purchase this foundation.

Top 10 Beauty Products

Being in the beauty industry so many people ask me what products I love, what products I use and how to use them, therefore I thought I would give you all a little insight into my Top 10 beauty must haves.

Personally I hate reading reviews on a product that someone has bought and only used for a few days. I like to use a product for a while to see the benefits and results before I rave about it to you guys. Therefore all these products featured below I have been using for years and I LOVE every single one of them!  

1. They're Real! Mascara - Benefit

Out of the millions (and I mean millions) of mascaras I have tried and tested this is definitely the best mascara I have EVER used!

I am a huge fan of Benefit cosmetics and when they launched this mascara I just couldn't resist trying it out.

It is absolutely amazing! It makes my lashes look longer, more voluminous and is very long wearing. So many people comment on how long my lashes look, and this is my best kept secret!

I would highly recommend this product, ten out of ten from me! Thank you Benefit :) 

2. Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser - Liz Earle

I started using this cleanser back in January 2012 and have never looked back.

Things I love about this cleanser-

1. I love how natural the ingredients are. Which is also great for very sensitive skin types.

2. The creamy texture removes makeup and even waterproof mascara very quickly and easily.

3. I especially love the pump dispenser. 2 pumps gives you just the right amount of product with no mess or wastage. 

4. The second step to this cleanser is the muslin cloth (which I LOVE)! This polishes off the cleanser to dislodge any dead skin cells and remove makeup, oil and dirt from the skin. Leaving it very clean, soft and refreshed.

I saw a huge difference using this cleanser, it cleans my skin thoroughly without stripping it of its natural oils. My skin definitely looks clearer, brighter and more hydrated! 

3. Makeup Be Gone Refreshing Wipes - Johnson's

I have removed my eye makeup with a facial wipe ever since I was a teenager, I find it the easiest and quickest way to get rid of every last bit of eye shadow, mascara etc.

A lot of makeup wipes I find very drying on the skin, but these wipes from Johnson's contain no alcohol so they don't dry my skin out.

The only down side is that I do think they are a little pricey compared to other brands, they are usually about £4, so if Boots or Superdrug have an offer (which they usually do) then I grab a basket full :)

4. The Righteous Butter - Soap & Glory

This award winning product is probably my favorite body moisturiser! 

It contains softening shea butter and aloe vera which is really moisturising on the skin.

I find a lot of other body moisturisers are either too thick and creamy or not thick enough. That is exactly why I love this product. It's a thick moisturising cream, but sinks into the skin really quickly so you don't feel as if your walking around all day feeling sticky. 

5. Tangle Teezer

As I have very thick curly hair, I find brushing through my hair after a shower such a nightmare. Sometimes it feels as if I have more hair wrapped around the brush than I do on my head!

The Tangle Teezer is amazing! It has specially designed teeth that reduces hair breakage, splitting and damage. It can be used on any hair type and is also great for kids.

These come in a variety of colours, but as you can see pink is definitely my fav!

6. Vitamin E Lip Care SPF 15 - The Body Shop

I absolutely love this lip balm from The Body Shop! I was recommended this product by another beauty blogger that raved about it so much I just had to try it out, and I definitely wasn't disappointed! 

It does everything it says on the tin (or tube), it's hydrating, moisturising and soothes dry cracked lips.

This product also doesn't contain petroleum, which is amazing, as a lot of lip products do. Petroleum doesn't actually help to relieve your dry lips at all, it acts like a plaster instead which just masks the problem and doesn't actually cure it.

Therefore this lip balm gets a very big thumbs up from me! :)

7. Real Techniques Makeup Brushes

I have tried and tested so many different makeup brushes in the past from high end to high street brands and never found a brush I have totally fell in love with. That's until I found the Real Techniques brushes!  

These brushes are incredible and because they are designed with professional makeup artist Sam Chapman they really do have everything you would want in a makeup brush.

The whole range of brushes is suitable for so many different makeup products from foundation, powders, blush, mineral makeup, highlighters and so many more.

They are also really reasonable in price, prices range from £7-£15, which I personally think is great for such a good quality makeup brush.  

8. Hoola Bronzing Powder - Benefit

This is one on Benefit's award winning and best selling products, it is also the number 1 selling bronzer in the UK.

I use this bronzer all year round as a contour as it doesn't have any shimmer like a lot of bronzers do. 

9. Shellac nails

I have been having CND Shellac on my nails for about 2 and a half years now and I am totally OBSESSED!!

I do Shellac myself as I am a qualified therapist, but if you aren't then it is a professional treatment and you would have to visit your nearest CND salon. 

It looks like a nail polish but it is in fact half polish and half gel, and is set under a UV lamp and it lasts 2-4 weeks, then would need doing again due to regrowth. Another plus is it's also completely dry as soon as you leave the salon, therefore no annoying smudges. Yay :) 

Shellac helps to protect your nails and if taken off in the correct way then there is no damage to the natural nail itself. 

I absolutely love Shellac and would never use anything else on my nails. It is great for special occasions or just general day to day life if your a girly girl like me and always love beautiful nails :) 

CND Shellac in the colour Tutti Frutti.

10. Beauty Blender

After I have applied my foundation (which is usually with my fingers, as I find these are the best tools for the job. I find your fingers warm up the foundation making it easier to blend and spread across your face), I then wet my Beauty Blender and squeeze out any excess water. It's completely normal for your Beauty Blender to expand to nearly twice its original size when wet. To use I then bounce it across my face, which helps to blend any edges and it also gives an amazing finish to your foundation.

It is your foundations new BFF!

I hope you enjoyed reading this blog post just as much as I enjoyed writing it for you guys!

Click on the names of the products and it will take you to their website for more information and where to purchase them.

Give me a comment below if there is anything particular you would like me to write about in my next post and be sure to give this post a 'LIKE' :) 

TWITTER - @RosiePops_

FACEBOOK - Rosie Pops

Rosina 

♥