Benefit Gimme Brow

Benefit Gimme Brow | Medium Deep | £17.50 | Link

Marketed as a "brush on fiber - gel", the tiny, tapered brush gives a tint to the skin and hairs, whilst building texture and defining the shape of your brows. The added fibers help give the appearance of thicker, fuller brows with no gaps, whilst the tiny brush helps to coat each individual hair in a coloured gel that helps thicken and deepen the shade of the hair.   

My brows are something that I have had a love/hate relationship with. After growing them out for many, many months, they are finally at a place that I am happy with, so I thought that it was about time that I tried out some brow products. Benefit Gimme Brow was on top of my "must try" list, but for £17.50, I thought that it wasn't worth the hefty price. However, after trying out several high street brow gels that I wasn't happy with, I took the plunge and purchased Gimme Brow. The colour range isn't great and I hope that they expand on their shades in the future, but I was matched up to medium deep, which is currently perfect for me. 

The formula is buildable, water resistant and long wearing. I would recommend it for anybody who is just beginning to try out different products on their brows, as it is fast drying and doesn't get crispy or lumpy as you apply more product. I use this on top of my Sleek Eyebrow Stylist, however if you are looking for a product which is quick, easy and natural looking then the Gimme Brow on it's own is enough. After all the hype around this product, I can now confirm that it is completely worth it. 

Have you tried Benefit Gimme Brow? What are you favourite brow products? 

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The Body Shop | Camomile Cleansing Butter

The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Butter | £12 | Link

As a skincare fanatic, I have been recently using and loving The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Butter. At first I was very skeptical about this product, especially the word "butter" which was just screaming "oily mess" to me, but I was pleasantly surprised when I first gave this a go. Cleansing balms are mostly used to remove and dissolve your make up, whilst deeply cleansing your skin. I take a pea sized amount of the balm, massage it into my skin, then wash off with warm water and a flannel. I find this product is great as a pre-cleanse product as this melts away the majority of my make up, whilst not being too harsh on my skin. 

As somebody with sensitive skin and eyes, I initially struggled to believe that cleansing butter nor balm would be great for me skin, but that couldn't be further from the truth. This does not sting my eyes or irritate my skin, but instead it hydrates and cleanses whilst not leaving a strong smell (Which is great because I hate the smell of camomile). For £12, it's a fair price for the quality of product. I would 100% recommend this product, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. 

Have you tried any cleansing balms? Which ones would you recommend?

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Fashion Wishlist | New Years Eve

Outfit One 

River Island Black Leather Bandeau Dress | £45 | Link

New Look Black Textured Platform Ankle Strap Heels | £24.99 | Link

Outfit Two

Topshop Deco Lace Bralet | £25 | Link

River Island Pink High Waisted Skirt | £30 | Link

Misguided Carrie Feather Strappy Heels Sandals Nude | £29.99 | Link

Outfit Three

Rare Cross Back Plunge Midi Dress | £29 | Link

Pint Soda Tami Platform Heels | £35 | Link

Outfit Four

New look Black Lace Wrap Bralet | £12.99 | Link

Topshop Coated Tuck Midi Skirt | £55 | Link

River Island Black Strappy Barely There Heels | £50 | Link

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Topshop | Highlighter

Topshop Highlighter - Horizon | £10 | Link 

I have been talking about Topshop make up a lot recently and the newest edition to my collection is the Topshop Highlighter in Horizon. The shimmery, golden highlighter that adds radiance and definition to the face has quickly become a staple within my make up routine. I use this on top of the Topshop Glow Highlighter because not only do I find that the two shades compliment each other when I want to define my cheekbones during contouring, but because I can't decide which one I prefer, so i just use both! It's velvety smooth, applies like a dream and isn't too glittery so you don't end up looking like an extra from twilight. I would recommend this to anybody that is interested in trying out Topshop's make up and for £10 it is an absolute bargain. 

What is your favourite highlighter? Have you tried Topshop Beauty? 

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Shaving | Razor & Shaving Gel

Even though Summer seems like a million years ago and we're all currently hiding underneath our big jumpers and jeans, there is still no better feeling than having freshly shaved legs. I count my lucky stars that my body hair doesn't grow quick, even though this is a burden when it comes to wanting to grow the hair on my head, it isn't when you haven't shaved in 2 weeks and still have barely any hair growing. 

We've all dry shaved and realised straight away that is was a bad idea. The irritation and little bumps appear almost straight away, which totally isn't worth it for the end result of patchy shaved legs. Over the years, I have used a wide variety of different razors, from cheap to expensive, in fact I found the razor isle of Boots to be a bit overwhelming to begin with especially with the different brands and types. I personally like the Gillette Venus Spa Breeze Razor due to the built in lathering shave gel bars which allows you to get a super close shave. On top of having a good quality razor, I would recommend getting yourself some shaving gel. This is something I never thought was necessary until a few summers ago, I don't have a specific brand favourite, but I would recommend picking up any shaving products in bulk when they're on offer because I am somebody that still cannot get my head around spending £10 on a razor at a time. 

What are your shaving tips and tricks? 

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Last Minute Christmas Stocking Fillers | For her & For him

If you're someone who has suddenly panicked because you've just been reminded that Christmas is in ten days and you've still got 1263527 presents left to buy and you're struggling to think of just one, then I've got the perfect post for anybody looking for some last minute stocking fillers ideas. 

For Her

1. Not On The High Street - Alphabet Scented Candle | £6.99 | Link

2. Urban Outfitters - Audiology Portable Phone Charger | £20 | Link

3. Topshop - Lip and Cream Blush Set | £12 | Link

4. Molton Brown - Pink Pepperpod Festive Bauble | £10 | Link

5. Hotel Chocolat - A Bag Of Christmas Stars | £16 | Link

6. Cath Kidston - Little Birds Iphone Case | £20.79 | Link

For Him

1. Firebox - The Wallet Ninja 18-1 Multi Tool | £8.99 | Link

2. Calvin Klein Underwear Trunks | £28.80 | Link

3. Urban Outfitters - Lifers Heather Black Beanie | £15 | Link

4. Paladone Drinking Game Beer Mats | £5 | Link

5. Nandos Who Says Threes A Crowd Salt and Sauce Set | £12.50 | Link

6. Not On The High Street - Music Cassette Toiletry Bag | £18 | Link  

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Topshop Lip Bullet | Wine Gum

Topshop Lip Bullet - Wine Gum | £8 | Link

Topshop is a high street brand that I am always drawn to, with their popular products with purse friendly prices, I didn't think twice when purchasing my new lip product addition. Every Autumn/Winter I go on a hunt for a berry coloured lip product, but due to bold colours being extremely out of my comfort zone, I tend to bottle it at the last minute. 

Topshop released their lip bullets over a year ago now and I can't believe that I am just jumping on the bandwagon. When I went into my local Topshop I instantly noticed Wine Gum, a berry coloured shade that was both perfect for daily and evening wear, I instantly snapped it up. Touted as a long lasting, high pigmented colour in a twist stick format and a self sharpening shape, these Lip Bullets come in a variety of shades that I am yet to try. Even though they suggest that you should prep your lips with lip balm before application, these Lip Bullets have still got a moisturising, buildable texture which glide along the lip easily. 

What I like about this formula is that it has a dewy finish, which doesn't dry out the lips, you can build them up from a subtle wash of colour to full coverage which I think is useful depending on when you want to wear them. I like to apply these straight from the bullet and then blend with my finger, due to the bullet not being able to get into the nooks and crannies. For only £8, it is definitely a product that I am pleased that I have added to my collection and it is totally worth a try. 

Have you tried these Lip Bullets? If so, what shades would you recommend?

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Eylure Lashes | Volume 100

Eylure has been a cult classic of mine for many years now and since their re brand earlier this year, their packaging is much more sleek, simple and modern. Eylure has been creating lashes for the past 65 years, so they know their stuff. Each set of eyelashes comes with a tube of eyelash glue and a picture of what the lashes will look like on. This concept is useful because I find eyelashes are one of the hardest things to visualise on and I tend to always misplace my eyelash glue. 

The Eyelure 100 lashes are one of my all time favourite false eyelashes and whenever I am in need of a set, I instantly reach out for these. In the past, I used to wear false eyelashes a lot regularly, but nowadays I put down to eyelash glue and save them for a special occasion. The main problem I have with false eyelashes is that they can end up looking too false (I know obvious!). With these lashes, I feel that they enhance my natural lashes whilst making them look fuller and longer. These are specifically designed to create more volume than length, but if you have lashes on the shorter side like me, then these will add just the right amount of both. I would recommend these for anybody that is looking to try a pair their first pair of false eyelashes or wants to try a different variation from their normal go-to eyelashes. 

What are your favourites? What brand of eyelashes do you swear by? 

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Christmas Gift Guide | Perfume & Aftershave

With endless amounts of perfume and aftershave advertisements making their way onto our television screens throughout the months leading up to Christmas, it makes what would normally be a relatively pleasant scent smelling experience into a mind-boggling few hours narrowing 4625168 choices down to 1. As part of my Christmas gift guides, I have chosen 5 scents that I would recommend, whether you're buying for your grandad, dad, mum or auntie, there is a perfume and aftershave for everybody. 

For Her 

1. Narciso Rodriguez For Her Eau De Toilette | Link

2. Thierry Mugler Alien Eau De Toilette | Link

3. Marc Jacobs Honey Eau De Perfum | Link

4. Chanel No5 Eau Premiere Spray | Link

5. Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Eau De Perfum | Link

For Him

1. Paco Rabanne 1 Million Eau De Toilette | Link

2. Marc Jacobs Bang Eau De Toilette | Link

3. Boss Bottled Night Eau De Toilette | Link

4. Diesel Only The Brave Tattoo Eau De Toilette | Link

5. Jimmy Choo Man Eau De Toilette | Link

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Prime Time | How To Make Your Foundation Stay On All Day

Primers, powders and setting sprays have always been essentials within my make up routine due to my constant struggle with making my make up last all day. I have gone through hundreds of tubes, tubs and sprays in order to find the right products that work for me. In this post, I will give you some of the tips and tricks that I have learnt throughout the years that I have been wearing foundation. Hope you enjoy. 

Primer

When there was the first proper primer hype, I wasn't too sure if it would last and I certainly wasn't going to jump on the bandwagon. However, not long after I tried my first primer, Benefit The POREfessional and I have never not used primer since. I have tried both high end and high street primers which both vary in price and in quality, I would still say it is very much trial and error when it comes to primers, due to the different formulas that won't suit everyone's skin type. Even though I recommend The POREfessional, I get that not everyone has £24.50 to spare when buying a primer, so another great one that I would recommend is the Bourjois Happy Light Matte Primer. Primers help to provide a suitable base for your foundation, making your skin soft, smooth and ready for application of any additional products. Even though their is a wide variety of primers on the market all claiming to do various things, I would still say stick to the simple, light feeling primers so that they do not irritate or weigh down your skin. 

Powder

If you have problem with shine or excess oil, then a setting powder will both mattify your skin and make your make up last longer. I have had a love/hate relationship with powders, but over the many years that I have been using them I have concluded that finding a great setting powder doesn't mean swallowing the expensive price tag to go with it. Recently I have been trying the Maybelline Matte Maker Mattifying Powder, I love it however I do still believe that a translucent powder works best when you want to set your make up rather than add any additional colour. 

Spray 

Once upon a time setting sprays were something that I thought were unnecessary, I thought that they were over priced nonsense and instead I stuck to my hair spray can (Ew I know! I can't tell you how many times I got hairspray in my eyes), but I couldn't have been more wrong. The first setting spray that I remember being raved about was the MAC Fix +, I never really got the hype, but that didn't put me off and ever since then I have been on the endless search for the perfect setting spray. Urban Decay All Nighter is my most recent purchase and I can hand on heart say that it has saved my make up. Setting sprays were commonly used within theatrical make up, but recently they have been available from our local high street shops. They help to reduce make up melt down and prevent temperature, weather and humidity from affecting your make up.

What do you use to prevent your make up from having a melt down? 

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The Body Shop | Best Of Hair & Beauty

The Body Shop is a brand that I never looked into until about a year ago. Their make up, skin care and hair care never appealed to me until I started to see a wide variety of positive reviews pop up over various blogs. As I have been cleansing, toning and moisturising my face for over 6 years now, I can hand on my heart say that these are some of the best products I have used. I have temperamental skin, which often flares up due to the change in weather or season and sometimes just out of the blue. These are the top three hair and beauty products that I have used from The Body Shop so far. 

The Body Shop Rainforest Radiance Hair Butter | £3/£8 | Link
Due to dying my hair every 6 weeks and using heat daily, I have ended up with dry, damaged hair that is in constant need of regular TLC. I recently featured this is my how to make your hair grow blog post and have been loving it even more since then. It adds just the right amount of moisture without weighing your hair down, whilst making my hair smell divine. With various versions of this mask, it can cater to a variety of hair needs. 

The Body Shop Tea Tree Facial Toner | £5 | Link
Tea tree oil has been one of my main saviors over the years and I continue to use it to prevent any blemishes from appearing. As a sensitive skin sufferer, tea tree products can sometimes make my skin flare up, but this product is not only the best tea tree product that I have tried, but actually the best toner I have used as well. It is sensitive enough to use daily and from the get go you will see an improvement in your skin. 

The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter | £12 | Link
After seeing this being reviewed on so many blogs, I had to jump on the blogging bandwagon and take the plunge. I wasn't disappointed and with the first application I knew that I loved it. Cleansing balms have always frightened me because I never knew what the formula would do to my skin, but this was a pleasant surprise and I have seen so many improvements in my skin since using this product. This cleanser gently melts away my make up whilst leaving my skin clean and soft. A must have now in my skincare routine. 

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Let It Glow | Topshop Glow Highlighter

Topshop Glow Highlighter - Polish | £9.00 | Link

I have been meaning to pick up Glow by Topshop for a while now since seeing it being raved and reviewed about on many blogs. This highlighter is different from others on the highstreet due to it's creamy texture, which almost feels like a mousse consistency. It is a pale champagne colour that beautifully highlights your cheekbones, adds radiance and is easy to apply. I apply a small amount of product to my cheekbones, down my nose and cupid's bow using the Real Techniques Contour Brush then blend it in using my fingertips. For once, this is a highlighter that doesn't leave me looking like an extra from Twilight, whilst still catching the light in all the right places. If you are looking for a highly pigmented, long lasting, affordable highlighter then this highlighter is the one for you. 

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