Top 5 Christmas Advent Calendars

Hello everybody, so today I have something a little bit different. I was thinking about doing a few Christmas related posts as we're approaching the festive month and I thought it would be very helpful for some of you who would want to know my top 5 advent calendar picks. These are all beauty related to you, yes you, makeup lovers.

1.  Naughty & Nice advent calendar by Charlotte Tilbury

This calendar is every makeup lovers dream, so if you're looking for a luxury advent calendar, this is for you! It does come with a hefty price tag retailing for £150.00 (i know!) It is a 12-day calendar so this is something to consider, however, the calendar includes both full size and travel size products of Charlotte Tilbury's best sellers.

Packaging: I think this is gorgeous! It's a clever little idea to have little drawers and it look beautiful on your makeup vanity area.
Contents: The quality of these products are amazing (I expect nothing less from Charlotte Tilbury)
Value for money: It is a bit on the pricey side considering the fact that you receive a few travel size products, but I can't complain, they always become handy during travels.
Overall Score: 7/10

Includes:

• Colour Chameleon in Mesmerising Mink, a full-size purple-toned brown glitter eyeshadow pencil. Fill: 1.6g.
• Eyes to Mesmerise in Jean, a full-size champagne pink eyeshadow cream. Fill: 7ml.
• Lip Lustre Lip Gloss in Unleash Me is a full-size deep plum shade with a high gloss lacquer finish. Fill: 3.5ml.
• Matte Revolution Lipstick in Walk of Shame, a gorgeous full-sized berry rose shade with a matte finish. Fill: 3.5g.
• Mini Full Fat Lashes Mascara in Glossy Black, your 5-in-1 smudge-proof mascara. Fill: 3.04g.
• Mini Goddess Skin Clay Mask is a nourishing clay mask for dewy skin. Fill: 15ml.
• Mini Magic Cream Moisturiser is the ICONIC moisturiser with SPF15 & anti-ageing ingredients. Fill: 15ml.
• Mini Multi-Miracle Glow Cleanser, Balm & Mask to deep cleanse your skin, leaving it baby-soft. Fill: 15ml.
• Mini Rock ‘n’ Kohl Eyeliner in Amber Moon is a limited edition amber bronze kohl eyeliner. Fill: 0.8g.
• Mini Supermodel Body is a soothing, slimming hydrating body shimmer to firm & sculpt. Fill: 15ml.
• Mini Take It All Off Eye Makeup Remover is an oil-based two-toned eye makeup remover. Fill: 30ml.
• Mini Wonderglow Face Primer is a light-reflecting face primer with soft focus ceramic microspheres. Fill: 15ml.

2. Makeup Revolution Advent Calendar 2017

This bad boy is now on sale in Superdrug, was £50, now £25 (bargain!) It comes with 25 days, all full sized so its definitely worth every penny! I have tried and tested many makeup revolution products and they never fail to impress me. If you're looking for a good beauty advent calendar on a budget, then this one is for you! You will not be disappointed.

Packaging: I think this is a very sleek looking calendar! I feel as if they could have made the inside of the calendar a bit more endearing.  
Contents: The fact that you get 25 full sized products in this calendar just draws me in!
Value for money: This is a bargain! The products are amazing.
Overall Score: 6/10

Includes:

• 3 beautiful baked highlighters
• 1 bronzer
• 6 amazing lipsticks in various shades
• 4 makeup brushes
• 1 eyeshadow primer
• 1 liquid highlighter
• 1 Revoholic Travel Mirror ( we all need one in our handbags)
• 2 pressed highlighters
• 2 strobe balms 
• 1 full-size exclusive Revoholic Eyeshadow palette - how insane!

3. 25 Days Ultimate Advent Calendar by The Body Shop

This box retails at £99.00 but is worth up to £214 (can't go wrong with that). Everyone loves the body shop, no matter what age you are and they are known for their insane quality of products. It includes both body care and skincare. It has a mix of makeup and skincare, therefore, you get the best of both worlds.

Packaging: This is beautiful packaging, so festive, yet chic and stylish! 
Contents: The Body shop are known for their amazing products, do I really need to say anything more?
Value for money: It is a good value considering the normal retail value for each of the products. I think this is a good investment.
Overall Score: 9/10

Includes:

• Shower Gel British Rose 60ml

• Bunny Headband

• Moisture Cream Vitamin E 50ml

• Hand Cream Almond 100ml

• Lip & Cheek Stain Vineyard Peach 010 7.2ml

• Gentle Eye Make Up Remover Camomile 60ml

• Night Cream Vitamin E 50ml

• Gloves Bath White

• Glitter Dust Pink 1g

• Liner Star Stamp 1ml

• Matte Lip Liquid Nairobi Camellia 034 8ml

• Brush Foundation Buffing

• Body Scrub British Rose 50ml

• Hand Cream Coconut 30ml

• Hand/Nail Treatment Almond 1.8ml

• Shower Cream Shea 60ml

• Strawberry Body Polish 75ml

• Eye Definer Black 1.1g

• Glitter Dust Gold 1g

• Drops Of Youth - Youth Concentrate 30ml

• Spa Of The World - Body Cream Hawaiian Kukui 50ml

• Camomile Cleansing Butter 90ml

• Body Butter Almond Milk & Honey 200ml

• Japanese Matcha Tea Pollution Clearing Mask 75ml

• Wooden Die

• Instruction Leaflet

4. Beauty Advent Calendar by Liberty London

This advent calendar for those splurgers out here. It has 25 doors with 15 full sized products worth over £500.  You will receive a mix of skincare, haircare and makeup treats so if you're looking for something that contains all these elements, then this is perfect for you! Even though this is an expensive calendar (£175), you will not be disappointed with the variation of quality products.

Packaging: I think this is stunning! There has definitely been a lot of thought and work gone into the packaging. It is vintage looking which looks absolutely stunning on display. Again, similar to the Charlotte Tilbury packaging with the drawers, I think it adds a nice touch.
Contents: The quality of these and range of products are amazing. There is a nice mix and match of brands, so you get to try things that you may have not thought to pick up before! 
Value for money: It is a bit on the pricey side, however, we must consider the normal retail price for each of the products. This is a good investment nonetheless.
Overall Score: 8/10

Includes:
Byredo Hand Cream Bal D'Afrique 30ml, Diptyque 70g (Pomander or Roses) Candle, Omorovicza Moor Cream Cleanser 30ml, Le Labo The Noir Eau de Parfum 15ml, Votary Cleansing Oil 50ml , Hourglass Lip Stylo Influencer, Trish McEvoy Liquid Lip Gloss in Power Red or Mauve 3ml, Skin Laundry Purifying Cream Cleanser 65ml, Liberty London Small Washbag in Strawberry Thief, Margaret Dabbs Nourishing Nail & Cuticle Serum 15ml, Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Stick in Amethyst 1g, Dermalogica Daily Superfoliant 13g, Espa Pink Hair & Scalp Mud 30ml, Aurelia Cell Repair Night Oil 30ml, NARS Orgasm Blush 3.5g, QMS Activator Mini Travel Mask 10ml, Malin + Goetz Lip Moisturiser 10ml, Dr Sebagh Serum Repair 20ml, Aromatherapy Associates Revive Morning Rollerball 10ml, Davines Oi Shampoo 90ml, Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream 75ml, Eve Lom Cleanser 30ml, Surratt, Smokey Eye Baton in Enticelle , Blink Brow Oil 11ml, Aveda Volumising Tonic 40ml 

5. NYX Professional Makeup Kiss & Tell Advent Calendar

This calendar retails at £50 but is now on discount at FeelUnique for £45. It contains 24 doors with a mix of four matte lipsticks, three cream lipsticks, two chubby lip creams, four liquid lipsticks, three matte lip creams, three traditional lipsticks and five creamy lip glosses. You will have gained a full lip wardrobe before its Christmas, so this is ideal for any lippy lover.

Packaging: I think this is super chic and fun little package.
Contents: The quality of these products are amazing, NYX are known for their amazing lip colours and formulas, therefore the fact that this calendar is packed full of them makes me very excited! 
Value for money: It is good value for the number of lippies you get!
Overall Score: 10/10

 That's it for today's post! I hope this helped some of you find your 2017 beauty advent calender. I will be doing some Christmas inspired outfit posts so keep an eye out for that! Take care x

Gifts For Her 2017

Hello, my lovelies! I hope you all have been keeping well. Christmas is around the corner, I think we all better start planning our Christmas gifts. That's what today's post is all about, I'm going to help you find gifts for that special lady! 

*I made sure to include presents that are affordable and also some on the pricey side if you're feeling generous this Christmas*

1.Ted Baker Kate Mesh Watch In Rose Gold

Price: £155.00

This Ted Baker watch is absolutely gorgeous. If you want to spend a little extra and treat someone then I think this is perfect. This watch is stylish and chic with its rose gold finish. I know so many people who love Ted Baker or who want this watch so you really can't go wrong! 

2. Golden Palace A5 magnetic week to view 2018 diary

Price: £15.00

Paperchase is the place for the best diaries and I instantly fell in love with this design. This one in particular is from their 'Golden Palace collection', with a stunning embossed phoenix design on the hardback cover with a metallic finish. It contains printed week to view diary, which I personally think is very handy when you have a busy schedule like me. It also contains calendars, year planners up to 2019,  practical expanding pocket at the back for loose papers and notes and a ribbon page marker. This is perfect for anyone who wants to keep a journal or who is busy and wants to keep on top off things. A perfect little pressie that won't break the bank.

3. Miniature candle collection by Jo Malone

Price: £66.00

If you don't know what to get then this is your answer. You can't go wrong with this luxurious candle. Jo Malone are famous for their unique scents and with this collection you will please that person, even if they are hard to buy for.

It contains 5 mini candles :

• Succulent Nectarine Blossom & Honey.
• Refreshing Grapefruit.
• Enigmatic Pomegranate Noir.
• Cocooning Sweet Almond & Macaroon.
• Festive Frosted Cherry & Clove.

4. Emma Bridgewater Wallflower 4 Mug Teapot

Price:£41.97

Emma Bridgewater is known for their unique premium English products and you can't go wrong with this hand-made multi-coloured floral Teapot. If you know someone who is a tea lover like me, then this would be perfect as their Christmas present. It can pour up to four half-pint and also withstands the heat from both microwaves and dishwashers.

5. ASOS Leather Metallic Coin Purse With Tassel

Price:£8.00

This little coin purse is so stylish and is perfect as a little gift that special someone. You can't go wrong with this rose gold metallic colour that has multiple card compartments and has a tassle detail.

6. Tanya's Christmas: Make, Bake and Celebrate 

Price:£16.99

I think all of you know about the brilliant amazing Tanya Burr and she has released her new Christmas book. This little guy is all you need for a stress free Christmas and contains all the inspiration you need. It contains tips and tricks for planning your day, gift ideas and also some baking recipes as well as some of Tanya's personal experiences with Christmas. I think this I a perfect present and I think we all need a little help around this time of year!

7.BERTIE Gem Clutch Bag by TOPSHOP

Price: £27.00

This clutch bag is STUNNING! it is perfect fort his time of yea and can jazz up any outfit with the gorgeous embellishment. I know I wouldn't mind receiving another clutch this Christmas even though I do have a vast collection.

8. ASTLEY CLARKE Mini evil eye necklace

Price:£70.00

This brand is very understanted, yet it is luxurious with its 8-carat yellow gold-plated sterling silver and turquoise gemstones. It is thought that wearing this traditional Turkish provides protection from the envious or evil eye - what a glamourous way to do so? This is a great idea for any jewellery lover.

9. Check Scarf by ZARA

Price:£19.99

You can't go wrong wit gifting someone with a good quality scarf. This one is from ZARA, in my opinion, the home of must have scarves. It adds a dash of colour to your outfit and is chic with its frayed edges.

10. Bear Trinket Dish by Anthropologie

Price:£12.00

How cute is this though? This is such a cute little gift for someone who loves jewellery. It's perfect to place by your dressing table and for those busy ladies who want to take off their jewellery and place onto after a long busy day. It is also a perfect little pressie for the girls who tend to lose their jewellery, I promise you this will keep your jewellery in one place, ready for the next day. Not too pricey either.

That's it for today guys! Hope it helps.

x

Hair Full of Secrets

Hello guys and girls! Welcome back to my blog. Today I have a new post for you guys and its all about my hair. I get questioned about my hair all the time, whether its to do with how I grew my hair so long, how I keep it looking shiny and what type of shampoo I use. As it was so highly requested, I thought I would spill the beans. If you haven't already seen my post on my balayage process, check that out first!

Before I wash my hair...

To be fair, I don't really do much before I wash my hair but I do make sure I apply coconut oil in my scalp and ends of my hair the night before I plan to wash my hair. It stimulates hair growth and reduces dandruff as well as adding shine and softness to the hair. It is also great for the prevention of hair breakage and split ends, contributing to hair length. Make sure to use organic, cold-pressed, raw coconut oil (this is basically the purest form of coconut oil which contains all the goodness you want). Check out my post on coconut oil if you want any good brand recommendations!

Products I use to wash my hair...

1. L'Oreal Paris Elvive Colour Protect Shampoo

Repeated washing can damage coloured hair, so it's best to invest in a good colour protectant shampoo. This one smells gorgeous and it does the job. It contains 'cationic polymers' which claims to care and protect the hair so that it retains the colour vibrancy and intensity. It leaves my hair feeling nourished and smooth which is important as coloured hair can get dry! I work this only on the ends of my hair as this is where most my hair is dyed.

2. L’Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil Coconut Shampoo 

I use this shampoo on the scalp of my head and really work up a lather to remove all the coconut oil. This is a perfect shampoo for those with normal to dry hair. This gives you that L'oreal 'you're worth it' hair. The formula contains fine coconut oil (yea I can't get enough of this stuff) which again nourishes the hair follicles and smells absolutely divine!

3. Aussie Repair Miracle Conditioner 

We use shampoo to clean our hair, which means we sometimes wash out the good oils, but we need to restore the hairs natural oils and give it back some moisture! This is why conditioner is important, we don't want to overdry the hair. I love this one from Aussie, it smells great and it is packed full of hair magic such as Australian Macadamia Nut Oil, Jojoba-seed Oil and Avocado Oil! I take a generous amount and start working it into my ends and work myself up and whatever is left on my hands I work onto the scalp as well. If you're someone like me who styles their hair often or you generally just suffer from dry hair then try this, I promise you it will change your hair game! It leaves your hair insanely silky smooth and ensures damage control. Also, conditioner works a dream at removing coconut oil from your hair more than shampoo!

After shower care...

So some of you might skip this step, but my ends get insanely dry, so I always use a hair serum as well as a hair conditioner.

First thing I do after I towel dry my hair is to apply a serum, and you guessed it it's by Aussie (fav)!

4. Aussie Dual Shine & Coloured Hair Serum Treatment

This treatment can be used either on wet or dry hair, you only need 1-2 pumps for your whole hair. It contains Australian Jojoba Seed oil, which protects coloured oil and adds that beautiful shine that everyone wants.

Next, I go in with a hair conditioner.

5. Aussie Miracle Hair Insurance Leave-in Conditioner 

This is a lightweight, leave-in conditioner so there is no need to wash this stuff out. It helps to detangle your hair which I suffer quite badly with! Again, it is infused with that miracle product Australian Jojoba Seed oil. 

What I use to style the hair...

When I do style my hair, I always make sure to use a good hair protectant. The one that I have always used and have been loving is by Tresemme.

6. TRESemme Protect Heat Defence Styling Spray

This hair protectant is the bomb, it does exactly what it tells you and is such good value for money. It contains heat activated complexes which help protect hair when you're styling your hair with heat, it protects up to 230°C. It prevents hair becoming brittle and dull as well as a UV filter. It is the ultimate shield of protection for your hair all in one bottle. 

No-one likes limp, flat hair, so when I do suffer from this, I go in with a volumizing powder.

7. VO5 Instant Volume Powder

This powder is absolute magic. It gives the hair that instant root boost, however, it does make your hair feel stiff so if you don't like that, then this product isn't for you. It gives your roots a matte finish and gives that just came out of the hair salon effect.

So that's all folks, that's all my hair secrets for you! 

Please take into consideration that these products work well for me and may not work for you as everyone's hair type are different! You just have to play around and see which ones work for you but I hope that this gives you an idea of some products to try out! I'm always up for trying new products, so if you've tried any and have some recommendations then please leave a comment or tweet me!

Until next time, take care guys x