The Best of 2013 | Skin, Hair & Body Care

 

Rightyho.  After having a little mini-break from blogging for the past 4 days (yet again, blame the uni coursework!), I'm back with another instalment of my 'Best of 2013' series.  This time around, I'm focusing on an array of hair, skin and body products which I've been loving the past 12 months. If you still haven't read my 'Best of 2013 Makeup' post, you can find that here.  I could have easily added to this post - after all, combining skin, hair and body into one post consisting of just 13 products is pretty tough going (at least, it is for me!) but in order to avoid a post as long as my arm, I thought I'd restrain myself and stick to the whole '13' rule! One has to be consistent after all! Without further jibber-jabbering - I shall kick off the second instalment of the 'Best of 2013' series...

1. The Facewash | Arran Aromatics - Lavender Tea Tree Reviving Toning Facial Gel Wash

(oo what a mouthful!?) I know what you're thinking - 'you're kicking off a Best of 2013 post with a bloomin' FACE WASH?!'. Well, yes - I am indeed.  I don't often get excited about cleansers and facial washes - I never see a dramatic enough difference for me to get overly chipper about a certain brand if I'm honest - but 2013 has become the year that I discovered Arran Aromatics. I received this earlier in the year in one of my Love Me Beauty boxes, and I've been addicted ever since.  It's lasted me a good while as I find I only need a little blob, but I'm just about to order myself another - definitely a sign of a good discovery! I've written about this little skincare gem here and in a monthly favourites post here if you fancy a read up! I have sensitive skin which breaks out if I use anything overly fragranced or heavy - so this little gel wash is perfect for me as it's really gentle.  It has the most beautiful scent and I find it really relaxes me before I go to bed of an evening (I've mentioned before that it reminds me somewhat of these spa-products you find in posh hotels!) - and my skin is always left feeling smooth, soft and completely clean afterwards. The texture is unlike any other facial wash I've used  and I find it really soothing to massage into the skin. It also contains small exfoliating beads which help to remove any dull, dead skin and keep your complexion looking fresh, healthy and blemish free (thank the Tea Tree in it for that!).  I LOVE it. My only bug-bear so far is that it isn't the easiest to get hold of - but well worth having a search around for! It retails for £12.95 - which in my opinion, isn't half bad for a luxurious little face wash that does wonders for the skin.

2. The Face Mask | Organic Surge First Class Mask

Again, I was sent this little beauty for review purposes but it is without a doubt a product I will be purchasing again in future.  Organic Surge as a brand have fast become a favourite of mine this year - and I use a select few of their products on a daily basis now.  This face mask really did impress me.  It's really gentle - so you can use it more than once a week, and the fact that it doesn't create a lot of mess is a massive plus point for me.  I find it so simple to use and I reach for it one heck of a lot when my skin is feeling dry, congested or just in general need of a spruce up! I have a full review of it here if you fancy reading more! It retails for £8.49 which is a fabulous price for a face mask bottle which will last you absolutely ages! 

3. The Blemish Treatment | Harley Street Skincare Spot Buster

If I didn't include this in my 2013 favourites post then it would be a complete travesty - a TRAVESTY I tells ya! I was sent this to review waaay back in July (you can read my thoughts and review here) and since, I have repurchased another 2 times. Its always a good sign when a blogger repurchases a PR sent product and I can honestly say I will be buying this little bottle again and again and again. It's an amazing spot treatment that you can use day or night - even under makeup as it doesn't leave any crusty residue (there's no way of saying that without it sounding a bit disgusting...sorry).  I'm lucky that I actually do have pretty clear skin the majority of the time - I don't suffer with acne but now and again, I do get the odd breakout! I suffered over the summer with a tonne of breakouts when I came off a certain contraceptive pill - and i kid you not - this little gem saved my life! I can't sing it's praises enough - it heals breakouts quick, prevents more from forming and really does work. It's a little pricey at £25 (it used to be £20) - but even the extra fiver doesn't put me off.  If you're at your wits end with spot treatments - it's worth making an order on one of these (you can find them here). Harley Street are amazing with their deliveries too - you do pay a fee but it arrives within 1-2 days without fail and I cannot wait to try more of their 'Spot Less' range.

4. The Moisturiser | Superdrug Tea Tree

Well, I could have lied and made it sound like I use a posh, expensive moisturiser on a daily basis but sometimes - you don't always get what you pay for and there are plenty of drugstore cheapies that do the job just as well! Don't underestimate budget friendly skincare! I've been using this moisturiser all year round without fail. Don't get me wrong, it's not the only one I use - and I alternate between Nivea, Organic Surge and Balance Me depending on the time of year, but one I always go back to is Superdrug's Tea Tree! It's like my little skincare secret.  It's a really good little all-round moisturiser - I used it on holiday to soothe my skin when I'd accidentally sat on the sunbed for one too many hours, I used it when my skin had a bit of a 'tantrum' earlier in the year and I still use it now as part of my daily regime.  It seems to really help keep my skin clear, soothes any redness and isn't greasy in the slightest. Obviously, if you're not a fan of Tea Tree I wouldn't recommend this - but it isn't overly strong at all and is the perfect little skin soother - and the best bit? It only costs a couple of quid!

5. The Shampoo | John Frieda Frizz Ease Hydrating Shampoo

I love John Frieda.  I use their products year in, year out and I always have a bottle somewhere on my shower shelf! My hair drawer is full of back-ups! They just seem to really work for my hair and I'm a massive fan of both the 'Volume' range and the 'Blonde' range.  This year, I discovered the Smooth Start Hydrating Shampoo.  I'd used the Conditioner before but after my hair started to feel a little dry half-way through this year, I thought I'd better give the shampoo a whirl.  It completely revives my hair when it's feeling dull, lack-lustre and straw-like and transforms it into swishy, Rapunzel-like locks in just one wash.  

6. The Conditioner | Neal & Wolf Intensive Care Treatment

Ok - so firstly, I do have to give a little mention to my other 2013 favourite - Loreal's Ever Riche Nourishing Conditioner - but since I didn't have a bottle handy, I thought I'd use my equal top-spot favourite - Neal & Wolf's Intensive Care.  I received this in my Love Me Beauty box way back in the summer, and instantly fell in love with it. Full on-head-over-heels in love!  So much so, I have since ordered another bottle (along with their heat protection spray which has fast become another favourite!) What makes Neal & Wolf for me is the scent.  It's not to everybody's taste and I know a few bloggers that have mentioned their dislike for it - but I personally find it really lovely.  Once I've used this, my hair smells like a salon for hours afterwards and often into the next day.  I find it really softening on the hair and think it works really well at putting some much needed moisture back into my ends! I featured it in my monthly favourites here a while back if you fancy a more in-depth read!

7. The Oil | Shu Uemura Art of Hair Essence Absolue

Easily my BEST hair care find of 2013. I've tried my fair share of oils, that's for sure.  And although there's a select few on the market that I love, this one seems to top the mark for me.  Just 1-2 pumps massaged through the ends of damp hair before blow-drying and my hair is transformed into silky soft, easily manageable locks!  I can easily apply more without it weighing my hair down or looking greasy, and it really does moisturise the hair.  I also use this when my hair is already dry and styled to help combat any frizz or dry-looking bits, and it instantly revives my style without adding grease or heaviness.  It also smells amazing! I could go on all day about my love for this bottle, but in case you fancy reading up more on it - I have a full review of it here.

8. The Body Butter | Soap & Glory Righteous Butter

What's a favourites post without a bit of Soap & Glory in there?! I've been loving their Righteous Butter this year and have been using it all year round when I get out of the bath to help keep my skin feeling silky smooth and soft. As well as the big tubs of the stuff, I also purchase the mini versions (seen in the photograph above) to keep in my handbag as I actually use it as a hand cream throughout the day - I also take the mini versions on holiday with me because I can't bare to be without it. People at uni are always asking me what I smell of - and to be honest, if it isn't my perfume - it's probably this! It's easily my most favourite Soap & Glory scent ever - I often find myself just opening the tub a little purely so I can grab a whiff (...strange much?) My love for this product will without a doubt continue well into 2014 and if you're in the market for a really moisturising body butter for dry skin - I recommend this Soap & Glory blogger fave! I have an ancient review here.

9. The Perfume | Hugo Boss 'Jour'

Me and Hugo Boss fragrance get on like a house on fire. Seriously - I always seem to adore their scents! My signature scent has to be their 'Orange' perfume - but this year, I discovered a new favourite - 'Jour'.  I'm not the best at describing scents but if you like that whole fresh, clean and classy sort of scent - I'd give this a spray next time you're walking past a tester! It's stunning!  It just smells of sophistication and luxury and I'm so glad to have it sitting in my perfume drawer.  I have a more descriptive, 'adjective-overload' sort of review here.

10. The Bath-Time Treat | Elemis Spa Home Quiet Mind Relaxing Bath Elixir

This is easily one of my best finds of 2013.  Ever since I started going for massages at a local spa/salon, I've really gotten into luxury spa products and oils.  This bath elixir by Elemis is the most relaxing scent that's ever passed my nostrils and if ever I've had a stressful day, I pop some of this into a running hot bath and I'm sorted.  It lingers on the skin afterwards and leaves your skin feeling soft, smooth and pampered.  I have a full review of it in my 'Top 5 Relaxation Products' post which you can find here.

11. The Hand Product | Soap & Glory Hand Maid

I'm known to carry a bottle of this stuff everywhere with me.  I used to work with children and found I picked up ridiculous amounts of colds and coughs so it's been part of my daily routine for a good few years now - it's actually ingrained into my routine!  I used to have one in every locker, cupboard and bag - no word of a lie. Soap & Glory's Hand Maid is by far my favourite hand sanitiser.  I find that a lot of sanitisers have that 'medical chemically alcohol-y' sort of scent that totally overpowers any perfume you have on, but this one is lovely and sweet and gentle.  If you like Soap & Glory scents - I'd recommend this little bottle.  It lasts ages, costs around £2.50 and works a treat.  No more coughs and splutters and your hands smell yummy at the same time! Perfect.

12. The Nail Polish | Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Polish

My nails aren't in tip top condition at the moment as I've started nibbling them through stress at uni (New Years Resolution is to get my killer talons back!) - but throughout summer, these polishes really were the Bee's Knees and I think the entire collection sums up my nail polish preferences of 2013.  Barry M don't half know how to make a smashing nail polish! Their Gelly Hi-Shines are amazing to apply, give a super-shiny salon perfected finish and come in an array of beautiful shades.  I did a post on my entire collection of them in the summer, so if you're interested in having a nosey and a further read-up on them, you can find it here.

13. The Lip Balm | Maybelline Baby Lips in 'Peach Kiss' & Carmex Moisture Plus in 'Pink'

Ok ok ok. So I cheated *slap wrist* - just think of the extra product a fruity little bonus? I've been loving 2 lip balms this year for different reasons. The first is the ever-famous Maybelline Baby Lips which finally hit the UK this year - causing a complete frenzy amongst us British Bloggers. They became a 'hit and miss' product for most but I'm personally in the love it camp.  Not necessarily for the moisturising properties - because truth be told, there are much better balms on the market - but more for the sheer wash of colour complete with ease of use and snazzy packaging. 'Peach Kiss' is perfect for throwing in my bag at uni as it provides a very faint wash of colour which smooths out my lips and it adds a little bit of gloss and moisture.  Perfect for everyday.  I have a full review here.  Carmex Moisture Plus is my go-to winter treat and I have a lot to owe to this little beauty.  I actually have a post coming up on my blog about it as it's been a favourite of mine since summer now, but it provides amazing moisture. When it comes to lip balms, I think Carmex has to be 'up there' with the best, doesn't it? If your lips are in need of some thirst quenching, then Carmex comes to the rescue! I personally love the 'Pink' sheer tint version (it also comes in other shades as well as a clear version) - it looks like I've applied a lip gloss or lipstick and provides instant relief from dry, thirst-deprived lips. The shade also looks beautiful against my winter skin - it instantly seems to brighten my complexion.  Look out for my full review post coming soon!

So there we have it - my top 13 skin, hair and body care products of 2013! I think it just goes to show how highly I rate these products as almost every single one of them has it's own post or review - a great number of them also have appeared in my monthly favourites throughout the course of the year.  If you missed my 'Best of 2013 Makeup' post, then you can find it here. I do hope you've enjoyed having a read up on my ultimate favourites and have atleast found yourself one product to try for 2014! 

What were your top skin/hair/body products of 2013? Do we share any of the same favourites?

Bird's Words & The Cosmopolitan Blog Awards 2013

Happy Friday girls! For those of you wondering, I've finally hit my deadline for my children's book and.. I got it all finished! Yippee! I have been mostly chilling on the sofa and enjoying doing absolutely sod all for once as i've been working more of less non-stop for about 4 weeks.. I only have a report to write and a few other bits and bobs and I'm all ready for my show in London in July. Very, very exciting. I'm currently getting my website together, so those of you interested in graphic design or illustration - definitely keep your eyes peeled on Twitter for the link. I'm even considering setting up a little Etsy shop over the summer to give me something to put my mind to whilst I'm waiting for my 3rd year to begin..watch this space fellow arty folk!

Anyway, I'm pretty sure you're all bored of everyone and their nan's cat posting about the Cosmo Blog Awards at the moment but blogging is such a big part of my life, I thought it would be silly not to get involved.  I have been blogging now for 2 years, which means I've just nudged into the 'Best Established Beauty Blog' category - I cannot believe how fast the time has flown by and I have a huge passion for all things blogging!  The award nominations run from the 3rd May to the 3rd June, so there's still time to enter if you write a blog yourself and fancy joining in the fun (you can also spread the word using #CosmoBlogAwards on Twitter). I shan't reel off a load of cliches, but if you're a regular reader of mine, or if you happen to have recently stumbled across my little slice of the interwebs and enjoy reading my jibberish, it would mean one heck of a lot if you could spare a vote for Bird's Words. You can hop on over and vote for me here.

Of course, if you do decide to drop a little mention for me, do let me know in the comments or tweet me (@Beth_BirdsWords) as I certainly owe you one very big virtual bird hug! 

Good luck to all of you entering this year! 

How To Follow Bird's Words & Info On The GFC Hoo-Ha

With the whole GFC 'hoo-ha' (or so I like to call it) on Twitter the past week or so, it seems that GFC is no longer the favoured method of following a blog. I've done more than enough research into this and I have somewhat fathomed out that it isn't actually GFC that's getting the boot. It's just google reader - which in no way shape or form effects how you read blogs on your blogger dashboard. So, if like me, you often log on to Blogger and like to have your reading list pop up for you - this won't be changing whatsoever as they're completely different things. Rest assured, your list isn't going anywhere July 1st. GFC isn't going July 1st.

This said, even though there's no solid proof or written word that 'GFC will definitely be going' - it's really sad everyone has stopped clicking the little 'Join this site' button. I urge you all to continue using it as if useage goes down it's going to get heave-ho regardless! Let's fight for the GFC, people! Bloglovin' has now stepped forward as many blogger's main form of following - and I am now making sure to follow on both GFC and Bloglovin - it's better to be safe than to be sorry after all! If you haven't got Bloglovin' - it's majorly easy to set up and you don't even need a blog to do so. So if you're a follower of my blog but don't write one yourself, fear not. Get your Bloglovin' socks on and sign up (it's also fan-dabby-doozily-free and won't cost you a penny).

So - if you've just stumbled upon my little corner of the interwebs and fancy reading more of my rambles, then here's how to follow me:

You can still follow me via GFC over in my sidebar..

  It's not going anywhere and it won't be for some time. Don't let the Twitter panic of last week fool you! But if you do, it's probably a wise idea to invest an extra second of your day in clicking 'follow' on the Bloglovin' button too. This is what i've been doing ever since the 'hoo-ha' and I feel muchos better and safe in the knowledge my lovely reading list won't be dropping off the face of the Earth.

 If you're a Bloglovin' fan - my link is here. 

Or you can click the 'follow this blog' button over in my sidebar. (I'm missing a few hundred of you off there :( Oh noeees..)

Links:
 Bloglovin'

SheSaidBeauty

Twitter - @Beth_BirdsWords

Want to suscribe to my mailing list and receive my posts straight to your mailbox? There's a 'follow by email' option over in my sidebar

 All of these methods of following can be found in my sidebar, but if you want to contact me directly for any reason please send me over an email to birds.words@yahoo.co.uk. Apologlies this isn't a very exciting post - and dare I say a little bit of a cheeky plug for my bloggle. But we must all club together in this and remember we are all in the same wobbly little blogger boat. 

 What have you been doing since the 'GFC hoo-ha? Has it changed the way you follow your favourite blogs? Or do you follow via both platforms like myself?

50 Random Facts About Me | Tag

Hiddely-ho folks! So. I've seen this '50 random facts about me' thing going on just recently and I thought it was about time I got my teeth into a little personal/life related post! I really struggled thinking of 25 let alone 50! But nevertheless I persevered, racked my little brain and I got there in the end.. You may have also seen on Twitter that I got to the end of this post and accidentally deleted every single word of it like the complete clumsy little elf I am.. So I've had to think of 50 facts about me, twice over! A task and a half I'm sure you can imagine..

1.  My hair is naturally poker straight.

2. I've always had fairly light hair and I had white 'barbie' hair up until the age of about 10/11.

3. I love watching prison documentaries. Or anything with Louie Theroux in. If a programme has a title containing something along the lines of  'the world's worst prisons' then the record button is most certainly pressed. And well, if Louie Theroux is presenting said programme then Oh My Goodness it's a dream come true.

4. I have a teeny-tiny mole underneath the ridge of my bottom lip that always gets mistaken for a biro mark. 

5.  I used to really want to be an air hostess. Up until the age of 11 when i decided half-way to Florida that I was actually scared of flying.

6. Which brings me on to my next point... I'm fascinated by all things travel related. If I hadn't gone to uni to study graphic design I would have probably pursued a career in travel & tourism. There's just something that's really captured me about travel from a very young age - I even went to great lengths to get a work placement in a travel agent at 15! I think working abroad would be an amazing experience.

7. My favourite colour is blue.

8. I love ice hockey. Watching it. Not playing it.

9. I'm an only child. Although I wouldn't describe myself as a 'typical only child'.

10. My lucky number is 4.

11.  I made my best friend watch 'Bend It Like Beckham' with me over and over again when we were younger simply because Jonathon Rhys Meyer's accent made me swoon.

12.  I love elephants. I adore them. I think they're beautiful. I'd have a pet one if it was physically possible.

13. When I was a very young child I used to carry a toy hoover around with me everywhere. (wahhh strange..) I used to love my wooden toy farm and Polly Pockets were the best thing since sliced bread!

14. My first crush was on Leonardo Di Caprio and me and one of my school friends used to sit and watch 'The Beach' everytime we had a sleepover. What a dish.

15.  I'm terrified of cockroaches. The way they move, the way their little whisker things flail around in the dark and how evil they look. They disgust me.

16.  I hate it when people speak in overly posh accents like they're the queen or something. It's almost like they put it on and it really annoys me. Unless of course they are actually the Queen. That's fine...

17. I love cats. All of them. Even the grumpy ones.

18. I have a weakness for Chinese takeaways.

19. I have a massive sombrero hat underneath my bed. I bought one thinking it was hilarious when on holiday. I obviously didn't think about the practicality of bringing it home again..

20.  I love cheesecake. Any kind but vanilla is best! The Cheesecake Shop is my favourite sweet treat.

21. I could watch the TV series 'Benidorm' on repeat. I don't know why I love it so much. I guess it's because it's easy watching!

22. I can't wait to have my own place to decorate. Going to IKEA is my idea of a smashing day out.. even if it is for the free pencils and a hot dog at the end.

23. I love airports. When i was little I remember my parents taking me to the airport cafe so I could sit and listen to the 'airplane' noises for a little while.

24. I kept a diary every day when I was in year 8. I still have it and sometimes have a read back through it for jokes and giggles. Every single page is either about boys or my hatred of PE lessons as I was completely useless at it (i once twisted my arm attempting to do a 'vault' over a tiny little stool and I knocked down the entire high jump and landed in a heap on the gym floor - PE was definitely not my forte!) Funny how not being able to hit the ball in rounders was the only thing I had to worry about back then...

25.  I'm a bit of an art geek. I could happily spend a whole afternoon trawling round art galleries and having arty-farty conversations with strangers...

26. I really want to get into Graphic Design or Illustration when I finish uni. I want a job I enjoy doing for a living.

27. I don't drink a lot of alcohol. It just doesn't agree with me. I stop drinking once I feel tipsy and move onto soft drinks! I just can't take my drink very well... who says you can't have a good night out on Sprite!?

28. I hate mayonnaise. I cant eat anything with it on. Even if it's just a little droplet of the stuff.

29.  I collect children's books as I love the illustrations in them. My favourites being 'Where The Wild Things Are' and 'The Tiger Who Came To Tea'. 'The Rainbow Fish' doesn't go a miss either...

30. I hate people listening to me on the telephone if I'm having a full blown conversation!

31. I hate horror movies. Or anything overly 'jumpy' - they bring on my panic attacks! Give me a rom-com any day...

32. I loved English Language at school and I used to look forward to any creative writing lessons. Actual Swot.

33. I once dyed my hair black on a whim because I love Mila Kunis' hair. It looked effing awful and I kept it for all of 12 hours. It took ages to get it back to a half decent colour.  One of the worst beauty mistakes I ever made.

34. My car's name is Mirabelle. Whenever I go anywhere I tap her on the steering wheel before I get out as if to say 'thankyou' for being such a good car! Ahaha.. weirdo..

35. I love crisps. I'd eat them over chocolate anyday and will happily sit and scoff packets one after the other.

36. I am so forgetful. I forget everything and anything. I have post-it notes all over my bathroom mirror and I even have to put them on the back of my iPhone so I remember things.  I almost always still forget. I've heard it gets worse as you get older.. so at 22 I have no hope!

37. If something annoys me I find it very difficult not to speak up. I'm not a confrontational person at all.. in fact - I hate arguments. But if I'm really against something or if I have something to say I like to speak up for myself.

38.  I'm addicted to buying bikinis! I buy ridiculous amounts of them and as a result now have to dedicate a whole drawer in my bedroom to them.  It's silly really seeing as I only ever wear them when i'm abroad.. but they're something I enjoy buying and I have one for every single mood and 'level of tan' possible!

39. I used to ask Santa Claus for a donkey every year when I was little. Never got one.

40. I love summer and sunny days put me in a reet good mood in an instant!

41. I hate coffee. I hate the smell of it on people's breaths and I find the taste awful! I like the smell of it when it's in the mug though..

42.  I love perfumes. I have a drawer full of them!! and yes.. i use them all!!

43.  I struggle to say the word 'squirrel'

44. I am the biggest home bird you will ever meet.  I love being cosy at home and it's very rare I will venture out of my house once the pyjamas have gone on. I much prefer nights in to nights out!

45. I've become a secret fan of watching Question Time. But it often gets my back up!

46.  I love Greece. I love it's simplicity and the whole culture surrounding it. I think it's very endearing and it holds a special place in my heart.

47.  I have a fascination with abandoned places. There's an abandoned theme park near me and I used to go there when I was a child. There's not much left of it now - it's being built on in the near future but there's something a bit spooky about places that used to be full of people that are now completely deserted. I'm still yet to find someone who wants to go with me. Suppose it is a bit strange though .. 'oh hey.. fancy taking a trip to that huge expanse of un-used land with me?' hmmm..

48. I'm crap at maths. But i'm pretty snappy with percentages! I must have been very selective with what I learnt in Maths lessons.. I'm a whizz when it comes to working out how much discount i'll get off something in Topshop. Sod algebra! 

49.  I love reading books about crime and grisly stuff! I think I secretly want to be a member of CSI...

50.   I love wearing heels. I wear them most days.. even if it's just a little one... I lack in the height department so an extra bit of tall-ness allows me to feel like I mean business!

A massive pat on the back to you if you actually made it to the end! Do i share any of these random things in common with any of you?!

 ♥ 

January Favourites

Swatches | L - R | Chanel Tan De Soleil - Bronze Universal / Mac 'Blushbaby' / Revlon 'Red Lacquer' / Mac 'Lady Danger' / Rimmel Apocalips in 'Galaxy, Luna & Big Bang

January is a strange month, isn't it? All the excitement of Christmas is over, the Quality Street tins that once adorned our coffee tables are replaced with credit card bills , and the bank balance looks a little sorry for itself to say the least. It's safe to say I'm ready for Summer to come around the corner now!  Here's this months picks of my favourite and most used beauty items of January...

The Body Shop | Indian Night Jasmine Fragrance Mist | £7.50 - This scent is the most glorious aroma to ever pass my nostrils, let me tell you! It's one of those fragrances that you find yourself walking past on your dressing table and spritzing the air around you just for the sake of it! Now, I'm not a massive fan of floral scents, so don't let the name put you off - it has a certain spice to it that hints towards more oriental notes. It is both refreshing and light, and smells just as 'expensive' as any perfume would, just with a little less staying power! The next time you pass The Body Shop, give this a spray - I bet you'll be as addicted as me!

Soap & Glory | Girligo - Spray On Body Moisturising Mist | £6.50 - I have a review coming up on this little beauty, so I won't say too much about it.  It's fabulous for lazy days when you step out the shower and just want to get ready and go! It saves the need for body butters and also acts as a regular body spray with moisturising benefits - and it smells amazing.

Soap & Glory | Clean on Me Shower Gel (mini) | £2.50 - How did I ever live without this little bottle of yummy-ness sitting on my shower shelf?!  Definitely going to purchase the full size once I've used up the rest of my stash.  Lathers like a dream, smells good enough to eat and is really creamy and luxurious. Perfection.

Liz Earle | Cleanse & Polish | Hot Cloth Cleanser (Starter Kit) | £14.25 - I have a review of this little beauty here. It's been a little skincare saviour for me and it's such a good little cleanser. I really recommend it.  I have sensitive skin and I've had no problems whatsoever - in fact, I'm yet to read a negative review!

Nivea Essentials | Rich Regenerating Night Cream | £4.07 - My skin has been really, really dry just recently. My usual nighttime moisturiser just wasn't cutting the mustard to be honest, so I bought this on a whim.  It's quite heavy, so I don't use a lot of it - just where I feel I need it.  When I wake up in the morning my skin feels really soft.  It's not for everyone - if you struggle with shine I'd stay away from this - but I've got on with it very well and it's solved my temporary skin woes!

Chanel | Tan De Soleil Bronze Universal | £30 - I love this so much I actually cannot explain in words... I'm thinking of doing an in-depth review on it soon.  I use it for contouring every day and I just can't imagine my life without it now! I've used it every day since Christmas and I've barely touched the surface.. suits my winter skin perfectly and looks natural and light.

Mac | Sheertone blush in 'Blushbaby' | £17.50 - This blush is excellent for those days when you aren't sure what to wear as it's a fairly understated colour. It's fabulous for effortless contouring, as using this alone defines the cheekbone area and makes your face appear more structured.  

Rimmel | Apocalips | £5.99 each - Ohhhh how I love these little beauties! The perfect mix of a lipstick, lip gloss and a lip stain.  I cannot wait to pick up some more shades - I'm addicted. You can read my full review and see swatches of them on the lips here.

Mac | Lipstick in 'Lady Danger' | £14.00 - This lipstick is perfect for nights out when you really want to make a statement with your lips.  I've had a couple of nights out just recently and have worn this countless times - even in the day! It's the most perfect coral red, is beautifully bright and just oozes sex appeal! Oof ;)

Revlon | Super Lustrous Lipstick in 'Red Lacquer' | £7.49 - I wore this on Christmas day (you can see my FOTD here) and it's just the perfect understated red for when you want a pop of colour without going 'OTT'. Perfect for day wear, moisturising and has impressive staying power. It has the same sort of undertones as Mac's Lady Danger but is slightly more sheer in finish - if you're not a fan of matte, opaque reds, then this is a good one to opt for.

Have you tried any of these products? What have been your favourites this month?

 ♥ 

Meet My Advertisers | February

Hi girlies! Today I thought I would share with you all my fabulous advertisers of the month of February! Hopefully you will find yourself a few new blogs to add to your ever-growing reading lists and discover a little more of what our lovely little bloggosphere has to offer. You can also head on over to my sidebar for some more amazing offerings - including an array of beauty bloggers, fashion bloggers and even a jewellery shop this month! Grab yourselves a cuppa, get cosy and pop on over to say hello... :)

My Exclusive Advertiser this month is Lucy from LucyRose

I'm a 20 year old obsessed with anything beautiful! After being hooked on YouTube videos and blogs for over a year I took the plunge in 2012 and set up lucyrosex. My blog is all about beauty, fashion and occasional lifestyle posts. You will find hauls, OOTD's, reviews, empties and tags! I have loved the past few months watching my little corner of the blogging world grow and have really enjoyed getting to know lots of lovely fellow bloggers - this community is the best and I hope to stick around for a very long time! So if you like the sound so far, come and say hello!

Lots of love 

xxx

Blog - www.lucyrosex.blogspot.co.uk

Twitter - @lucyrosegreen

Instagram - @lucyrosegreen

 Emily from Love-X-Beauty

 Love Beauty -x- is a blog written by a student living in the midlands. It will feature regular updates and honest reviews about beauty products, exciting trends and general chat. Follow my journey!!

Blog - love-x-beauty.blogspot.co.uk/

Twitter - @LovexBeauty91 

Bloglovin - LovexBeauty 

Rendee from Beauty By Ren
 

 Hello my name is Rendee. My love for makeup, and all things girly started as a little girl. Something about all my mom's pretty lipsticks fascinated me.  After years of following blogs I finally got the courage to start Beauty by Ren in May 2012. My blog mainly consists of reviews, hauls, favorites, wishlists, & FOTD/OOTD posts. Occasionally I try to post more personal posts so you can get to know the girl behind the keyboard a little more! I'm currently finishing my last year in a Bachelors degree nursing program, planning a wedding, & starting my fantastic 6 year old in sports.

I love interacting with my followers, so be sure to pop over and say hi.

My blog: beautybyren.blogspot.com

Twitter: @BeautyByRen

Bloglovin: BeautyByRen

Email: beautybyren@gmail.com

Charlie from Eat Play Shop Love

 Hello I'm Charlie, Eat Play Shop Love is my little corner of the web which I use to talk about anything and everything. Originally set up in April 2012 to convey my love for cosmetics, it has quickly developed into my online journal.  I love to write product reviews, show you my recent splurges and talk about what i've generally been getting up to and taking pretty pictures along the way.  I'm no make up artist or fashion guru and I can't tell you the secrets to life but if you have a love for cosmetics and are a complete foodie then my blog is for you.

I love going out for meals, curling my hair and painting my nails to suit my mood.  Skincare is my weakness; I'm constantly on a mission to find products which will give me flawless skin.  I wish I was a little bit smaller so I could get away with wearing sky high hells without looking like a giant.

I absolutely love blgging and the community that comes with it so if you love to chat here's where to find me:

Blog - eatplayshopove.blogspot.co.uk

Twitter - @eatplayshopBlog

Instagram - misscharlieb_xx

Bloglovin - eatplayshoplove

Hello Cotton - eatplayshoplove

She Said Beauty - charlie_epsl
Email - Charlie_epsl@hotmail.co.uk

Katie from KatieLewLa

I'm Katie, a little blogger with big ambitions :) Currently studying an MA to be a Dramatherapist at University of Derby which will hopefully fund my beauty addiction better! Blogging is a lovely little hobby for me to share with you my nails and anything else which is interesting me. Meeting and chatting with all my readers is a great added bonus so please say hello.

Blog - www.katielewla.co.uk

Twitter - @katielewla 

YouTube -  KatieLew90

Bloggers -  KatieLewLa

Hello Cotton - katielewla

Pinterest - katielewla

Instagram - katielewla

I hope you've managed to find some new blogs to read - pop on over to my sidebar and say hello to these fabulous ladies and do let me know if you've found yourself a new favourite! If you'd like to be featured here next month then you can view my advertising packages here. All you need to do is send me a little email and I shall reply as soon as possibley!

 ♥ 

 

A New Chapter...

Today, I said goodbye to something that has been a big part of my life and worked my last shift at the shop I've been working in for the past 4 (and a bit) years, and it's been quite a strange day to say the least. I started there as a weekend girl when I was still at college and I remember my first day like it was yesterday! I remember going to grab some lunch on my dinner hour and not having a clue where to go or what to do with myself, and I ended up with a Greggs sausage roll and a donut, awkwardly sitting on a bench because I didn't want to disturb anyone already in the tea room (don't we all just hate that awkward introductory period when you start a new job?!) After college, I made it a full-time thing and enjoyed my 9-5s, 5 days a week (what a way to make a living..Dolly Parton wasn't joking..) and became 'part of the shop furniture'.. for a good 2 years I honestly thought it was where I wanted to go with my life. But then the little niggle started and I haven't shifted it ever since... making the decision to go to uni was the beginning of it.. and here I am a year or so later concentrating on a completely different career path.

I decided that I wanted a change for 2013, and I knew if i didn't make the change now then I would have gone through another year of umming and arring over the job pages of the newspaper, wondering what else could be out there. It was a very big decision for me, and a rather scary one at that, as I'm leaving before I've found something new (cue lots of gasps and 'are you sure's' from family and friends). Admittedly, I'm a natural worrier and doing this has just been a massive leap into the unknown for me - It could either make or break me and I could well find out that the grass isn't always greener on the other side.. but I'm determined to turn it into a positive. I get attached to places and people very quickly and changing things I'm comfortable with doesn't sit right with me.. So I'm now in the ever so horrible position of trawling job sections of papers and job websites looking for something new.. I forgot how horrible it is trying to find a job, and it's even worse knowing I've put myself in this position. But hey-ho! We live and learn... This said, I'm so set on making this work for me, and I really needed a new start this year. I'm so serious about what I now want from life and I just wanted to step back, think about it all and concentrate on that for a while. I suppose that sometimes in life we all have to throw the dice a little and do things we are unsure of, otherwise we would never progress..

My wonderful colleagues suprised me at the end of my shift with a lovely card and presents (wrapped beautifully in bird patterned wrapping paper..they know me so very well!) I really wasn't expecting it and as soon as I'd served my last customer they all presented it to me and I was honestly so amazed as to how thoughtful they had been.  They're all aware I write this blog, and they'd treated me to some Benefit goodies ('Big Beautiful Eyes contouring kit' & 'Go Tropi-Coral' containing High Beam, Cha Cha Tint, Coralista Blush and Coralista Lip Gloss!)  I'd mentioned in the past how I hadn't tried much of their stuff - so it was a lovely suprise and I was totally over the moon about it - they had thoroughly spoilt me! The card was just the best bit though, and I'll keep it forever and ever. They'd all written their own message inside and it just reminded me of how many good times I've had in that little shop over the years with all of them. I've had many a giggle, with both the staff and my customers, and I know that I'm just going to look back on that stage of my life when I'm older and be glad that I stayed there for as long as I did.  It's given me so many life skills and bags of confidence I wouldn't have necessarily gained out of another job, and on the whole it's really shaped me as a person.

Needless to say, it was such a challenge battling back the tears when I hugged everyone goodbye at 5:00 this afternoon...it's very strange how your colleagues become your little work family isn't it?.. If any of you are reading this.. I shall miss you very much... and I thoroughly look forward to sharing a beverage or two with you at my leaving do (although now i'm living off my student loan & 'rainy day savings', the drinks are on you ;))

Keep your eyes peeled for my Benefit goodies popping up on my blog in the near future!
♥

New Year's Eve Makeup | FOTD

Since one of my New Year's blog related resolutions was to upload more 'Face of the Day' posts, I figured I'd include a photograph of my 'NYE makeup' - I'm sorry I didn't manage to get any close-ups or further photographs - I'm waiting on my macro lens for my new camera so make-up photos will be a doddle and I'll be able to capture more detail... & also I was in a bit of a rush to pick my friend up! Excuses aside,  New Years Eve calls for a bit of glamour when it comes to hair and make-up, and I opted for smokey eyes, a mild orange/peach lip, and side swept hair. I love wearing blue, and always seem to pair it with an orange shade on my lips - it creates such a lovely colourful contrast. I also went for a stronger contour on my cheeks than I usually wear in the day, and just generally dramatised my everyday makeup and made it more night appropriate..

Topshop's Charmed is a beautiful shade of peachy orange, and is bright enough to make a statement but not so bright you can't get away with it in the daytime.  I applied it lightly and smudged it with my fingers to get more of a softer look, and applied a nude gloss over the top to tone it down. I bought this shade way back when it was part of a limited edition collection, but I've seen it in my local store just recently so I'm pretty sure it's now part of the permanent collection.

| Face |

YSL | Touche Eclat Foundation in 'B40' (review here)

Chanel | Soleil Tan De Chanel (contour) 

Mac | Mineralise Skinfinsh Natural in 'Medium'
Illamasqua | Powder blush in 'Lover'
Nars | Albatross Highligher

Nars | Laguna Bronzer

Sleek | Eyebrow Kit in 'Dark' with Mac | 'Beguiled' brow set

| Eyes |

Illamasqua | 'Obisidian' eyeshadow smoked out from lash line

Urban Decay | 'Bootcall' (Naked2) in corners

Loreal | Superliner Carbon Gloss
Maybelline | The Falsies Mascara
Eyelure | Cheryl 'Girls Aloud' False Eyelashes

| Lips |

Topshop | Lipstick in 'Charmed'

Barry M | Gloss in 'Toffee'

Dress - Motel via Topshop

♥

New Years Blog Resolutions & Personal Aims

Tree & Decorations - John Lewis

With the festive season at an end and the New Years celebrations of last night over with, I thought I would write a little chit-chatty post for you all.  I thought my readers might like to know what they can expect from me in 2013, as well as helping me along with some of my more personal goals. 2012 has been a pretty good year for me. It has seen me land a work placement within the Graphic Design field - giving me a clearer a path as to where I'm headed and making me realise exactly what I want out of a career. It's also been a fabulous year for my blog - even though i began writing in October 2011, it was this year that I really got my head down and began to really emerge myself in the whole blogger community and I have enjoyed every single minute of it. I raise my imaginary champagne glass and propose an imaginary toast to all of you sat behind your laptops and say 'here's to another year'...! Let's make it a good'un girls!

Blogging Aims and Resolutions 

Continue to grow as a blogger and continue to post regularly.
I always try to write 2-3 posts a week, and I'd love to keep this up as it's something I really enjoy and I like having a routine for my blog. I'm always learning every step of the way and I'm really proud that I've designed every aspect of this blog - Google has most certainly been my friend this past year!

Try my hand in YouTube
I'm still unsure as to whether I will ever reach this goal or not. There is something about YouTube that absolutely terrifies me but I love the idea of you all being able to get to know me better as a person - this way, when you read my posts you will be getting a much more personal experience.

Post more Outfit and Face of the Day posts
I've always been wary of posting photos of myself on the interwebs, and it's the reason I've always held back in doing a lot of outfit and face posts. The Internet is a scary place and I've always been very aware of this - I just hate the thought of my blog falling into the wrong hands but in a way I just think, why should I hold back from enjoying my blog and being a beauty blogger just because of this? The internet can also be a wonderful place full of fabulous opportunities and if I do more posts like this then hopefully you as readers will feel as if you know me a little better. Now I have my new camera I feel really inspired to get more creative with my posts.

Photography
After receiving my new camera, I really want to step my game up a notch and develop a more professional looking blog.

Attend a meet-up & an event
The past year I've gotten to know so many of you and I'd love it so much if I could attend a meet-up. I'd also love to experience an event - I enjoy blogging no matter what, but it would be lovely to have that experience.

Personal Aims and Resolutions

Have more make-up free days
A recent trip to hospital and being poorly meant I didn't wear makeup for over a week. This week saw my skin look better than it has in a very long time and I saw instant benefits. I have vowed to myself I will take off my face makeup as soon as I get home from now on - the less time I have it on the better.

Bring back my confidence with driving & purchase a sat-nav
When I was doing my driving lessons, I was such a cocky little girl-racer! Now, that's all gone. I haven't driven on a regular basis now for a good few months and it shows. I want to learn to overcome this in 2013. I have found myself only feeling comfortable driving to places I know the way to, which is ridiculous since I've been driving since the day i passed my test! I'm going to buy myself a really good sat-nav to help me with this and if that fails then I'll look into other ways to bring my self-confidence back. I often see glimmers of it returning but 2013 shall be the year I have my girl-racer car-loving tendencies back!

Stop being so worried about everything 
Suffering from panic attacks has a bit of an impact on me as a person. I often say no to doing things out of the ordinary because they make me feel anxious.  I really tried to overcome this in 2011 and 2012, and want to continue to do so. I'd love to stop being such a worrier and tackle things head on.

Get another work placement
I'm a very driven little person sometimes, and I'd love to add another placement to my CV to give me the leading-way above the rest when I finally graduate from university.

SAVE. MONEY.
A big one for me. I spend my money like it's water. As soon as I get paid I go shopping and although I somehow manage to keep a savings account, I'd love to save a hell of a lot more and stop being so materialistic (pah - who's betting this resolution will be a big fat fail!?)

What are your New Year's Resolutions? Are any of yours the same as mine?

Is there anything you would like to see on my blog in 2013?

♥