Makeup Palettes You Need To Own

Makeup palettes are the perfect addition to your stash. They are easy to travel with and can create a makeup look with ease, in fact neutral eyeshadow palettes are an obsession of mine. Although I already own 15 palettes I always tell myself I need another one, so today I thought I would tell you what makeup palettes I have been loving lately. 

Sleek Solstice Highlighting Palette | Although I am a hoarder of highlighters, I actually don't own many highlighting palettes. When I first set eyes on this Sleek offering I knew that I had to have it. This versatile palette can be used to brighten up the inner colour of your eyes, to define the cheekbones or swept across the décolletage to add a sheen to the skin. Ecliptic, Hemisphere, Subsolar and Equinox are the four shades that make up this quad. Although this palettes contains an array of formulas, the cream offering, Ecliptic definitely has me hot under the collar as it can be used as to add a subtle lit-from-within glow to the skin or it can be built up to look more intense. 

Charlotte Tilbury Dolce Vita Palette | This palette was high up on my wishlist for many months, but I told myself that I didn't need another neutral palette. This luxe quad has quickly become one of my most used and loved palettes due to the quality, long lasting shades that can create a range of eye looks suitable for both day and night time wear. The champagne, burgundy and brown hues always look flawless and are perfect for the Winter months. 

Urban Decay Naked Smoky Palette* | When it comes to eyeshadow palettes, Urban Decay can do no wrong. After much deliberation and rifling around in my collection, I decided the the Naked Smoky palette is the one palette you need to own. With an array of rich, neutral shades ranging from metallic greys to soft browns, all shades are easy to wear and effortless to blend. If you're looking for a palette that can create several diverse eye makeup looks then this will be your best option. 

What is your favourite palette?

Getting Into The Festive Spirit

With December just around the corner and more importantly Christmas, I have started to prep for the big day by wrapping up presents and writing out my Christmas cards. Today, I thought I would tell you all the ways that I'm getting festive over the next 4 weeks. From hot chocolates to hot water bottles, this post has it covered. 

Now, if you don't know already, wrapping Christmas presents is one of my favourite things to do over the festive period. I usually start planning my theme pretty early on, but I had a tough time deciding what to opt for. In the end, I scoured Pinterest for inspiration and finally settled for brown a and red theme. I like make each present individual, so I've collected pine cones, copper bells and cinnamon sticks to add a creative touch and interesting accents to the presents. 

The temperature has suddenly dropped recently meaning that I have had to crack out my multiple blankets and have my hot water bottle topped up 24/7. After being ill this week I have been making a concious effort to wrap up warm. This Pimkie coat has been a staple in my wardrobe as I can wear it with a variety of outfits and it allows me to layer up using several items of clothing. There are a couple of jumpers that I have been lusting after, this ASOS Chunky Knit and blouson jumper from Topshop would be perfect as Winter additions and they would compliment the rest of my wardrobe. 

Bublé baths aren't something that I usually start during November, but I've been popping in the Lush Cinders bath bomb to get me into the festive spirit. After the bath I have been slathering on the Laura Mericer Creme Brulee Souffle Body Creme to keep my skin feeling hydrated and supple, something I tend neglect to during the Winter months.  

When it comes to food in the festive season, I often have to prise myself away from the Quality Street and instead enjoy the array of seasonal vegetables on offer. Although I try and stay relatively healthy throughout December, I can't help but treat myself to some hot chocolate here and there. The Costa Caramel Fudge and the more budget offering of the Options Outrageous Orange Hot Chocolate are two that I cannot get enough of and I treat myself regularly occasionally. 

Over the next month I have a lot planned. My blog to-do list is a mile long and I have been loving sorting out December's festive posts. With a visit to a Christmas market and a zoo on the cards, I am hoping to spend most of my nights in watching Elf and Home Alone under the duvet with the candles lit.

What plans have you got for December?

Everyday Eyeshadows

During the Autumn and Winter months I tend to turn to burgundy and copper shades when it comes to eyeshadows. Although it's not December yet, I am starting to opt for more festive hues in time for the Christmas and the party season. Today I have selected a handful of eyeshadows that I use on a regular basis to share with you. 

MAC Pigment - Tan | Over the past couple of weeks I have become increasingly smitten with MAC Pigments due to their wide range of shades and great colour pay off. I have been wearing Tan- a muted pink bronze- daily, as it compliments my eye colour and looks perfect when paired with a variety of eyeshadows. I tend to apply it using a damp brush to give the best finish and prolong its longevity. 

Charlotte Tilbury Dolce Vita Palette | I spoke about it in my last post and I'll probably still be banging on about it in a months time too, but the Charlotte Tilbury Dolce Vita Palette has lived up to the hype. With an array of champagne, burgundy and soft brown shades this palettes has you covered from day to night. I've loved pairing this with my MAC Pigments to create a long lasting, strong eye look that is perfect for transitioning into the festive season. 

H&M High Impact Eyeshadow - Russet Rose | Being the budget product of the bunch I never expected for this eyeshadow to compare to it's more luxe competitors - but it does. The whole H&M High Impact line up is exceptional in both quality and formula, but the shade that I have been wearing on a regular basis is Russet Rose, a vivid copper that looks perfect lightly swept across the eye or as part of a smoky eye look. 

By Terry Ombre Blackstar - Misty Rock| Every time I'm not sure what eyeshadow to wear, out comes the By Terry Misty rock. This purple taupe shade can be built up from an effortless wash of colour to a strong metallic finish in a matter of seconds. If I opt to layer on another eyeshadow I know that this creamy base with keep it from smudging or budging all day long. 

What are your everyday eyeshadows? 

An Autumn Edit.

As Autumn is slowly coming to an end (yes I do count the 1st of December as the start of Winter), I have been reflecting on all of the products I have been using over the past couple of months. Today I have put together a post full of my favourite seasonal picks to share with you, so grab a cup of hot chocolate and get comfortable; this post goes on for a little longer than I had anticipated. 

M A K E U P | First up is makeup, and this is the area that's really had an overhaul since the Summer; swapping berry shades and a lot of highlighter into my routine. For foundation, I haven't put down the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation as the lightweight formula and dewy finish does wonders for my skin, concealing and perfecting as it goes. H&M have really had their moment this Autumn with the re-release of their beauty line. Their Pure Velvet Cream Blushers, High Impact Eyeshadows and Velvet Lip Creams have really stolen my heart and have made my purse a little happier in the process. All of their products are long lasting on the skin and extremely high quality for the price. 

As for eyeshadow, the MAC Pigments and the Charlotte Tilbury Dolce Vita Palette have been my go-to colours this Autumn. With an array of golden and burgundy shades, these two formulas have you covered if you're looking to ease yourself into the Autumn/Winter eye trend. As a smokey eye convert, the Urban Decay Naked Smoky Palette* is everything I need in one palette. With matte chocolate brown shades to champagne shimmers this has definitely been the palette of the season for me. 

The Nars Lip Pencils have been my sought after product over the past couple of months, collecting one or two every other week. From Cruella to Bahama, these have barely been off my list and are a firm favourite discovery of mine. 

S K I N C A R E | Apart from making sure I double up on a face oil and moisturiser, my skincare routine hasn't changed that much since the Summer. I have rediscovered the Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment; a rich, thick eye cream that is lightweight and extremely hydrating. The real star of the show has been the Aesop Fabulous Facial Oil; an oil packed full of skin loving ingredients that  de-congests, replenishes and promotes a healthy glow to the skin.

H A I R  &  B O D Y | In the shower, I have been reaching for any of my Bumble and Bumble treatments. The Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo and Full Potential Conditioner* is a duo that my hair loves. It cleanses, adds volume and leaves the hair looking and feeling great. As it's getting colder, I can't help but take more baths. I recently treated myself to the Laura Mercier Crème Brûlée Duet; a set containing both the honey bath to create luxe vanilla scented bubbles, and the soufflé body crème; a product perfect for quenching lacklustre looking skin. 

As for fragrance, I have been completely smitten with the Jo Malone Velvet Rose and Oud Cologne, an intense, rich combination of warm clove, damask rose and smoky oud to create a scent that will have you hooked from the first whiff.

F A S H I O N | This Autumn I have found myself gravitating towards delicate jewellery and simple pieces. After lusting after the Alex Monroe Bumblebee necklace for several months, I finally found a more affordable version; the LVNDR Honey Bee Necklace, and instantly fell in love.  The Daniel Wellington Sheffield Rose Gold Watch* has practically been attached to my wrist for the past three months as the simple, minimalistic design goes with everything. To get 15% off a watch of your choice, don't forget to use my code Pintsizedbeauty. 

What products have you been loving this Autumn?

The Budget Hair Straightener.

I have been straightening and styling my hair for many years now so I have inevitably got through my fair share of hair straighteners. Although I now use GHD's on a regular basis, I have still been on the hunt for a budget option. Cue the Toni & Guy Fluid Metal Styler*, a purse friendly offering that definitely gives you bang for your buck. 

If you're looking for a versatile, multitasking hair tool then this one does everything that you could want. It can straighten, curl and add a wave to the hair without tugging or causing any unnecessary breakage. With a 3m length cord and a variable heat control up to 230C, it can create any style with ease and with the correct temperature for your hair it is perfect for those stray hairs. Unlike other hair straighteners that I have tried I actually find that this one enhances shine and promotes smooth looking hair, which means I actually use less product afterwards. When creating my typical hair style, I often start with curling my hair then I brush through using a paddle brush and finish with a spritz of the Sachajuan Ocean Mist to add hold and boost volume.  Although I still prefer the straightening ability of my GHD's if I'm going for poker-straight style, I actually reach for these when I want to add curls to my hair as the floating titanium plates create fool proof ringlets in no time. 

For £44.99 these iridescent, limited edition hair straighteners would be a great addition to anybody's collection. If you're looking for a tool that can create sleek straight hair, volume boosting curls or beach waves then this could be your solution. 

What budget friendly hair straightener would you recommend?  

Laura Mercier Crème Brûlée Duet.

I have collected my fair share of bath and body products over the years, but there's two products I've been talking myself out of buying for many months and that's the Laura Mercier Crème Brûlée Honey Bath and Soufflé Body Crème. Since Christmas is fast approaching, I thought it was about time that I treated myself to this duo and I am more than happy I did. 

As someone with dry, sensitive skin I was sceptical about trying Soufflé Body Crème as I thought the rich texture would make it harder for the product to sink in, but after one application I knew that this wasn't the case. The creamy, lightweight formula has a strong scent that lingers on the skin for several hours after application and hydrates all over without leaving my skin tacky to touch. With added vitamin A, E and Shea Butter, this cream protects and deeply conditions, whilst lifting your mood with the sweet Crème Brûlée fragrance. 

Next up is the Honey Bath and this really is the star of the show. This luxe bath treat fills your bath with delicious French vanilla bean and white musk bubbles. With added natural ingredients which firm, tone and lift the body, this really does it all.There is no denying that this product leaves the skin feelings nourished, supple and smelling good enough to eat. 

Have you tried the Laura Mercier Crème Brûlée Duet?

The Liquid Lipstick Low Down

Liquid lipsticks have been hard to come by in the UK up until recently, but this year many brands have been coming out with their own versions and I have fully jumped on the bandwagon. After trying several different formulations and finishes of liquid lipsticks, I have put together a list of a handful of brands that I would recommend trying out. 

N Y X | I thought I would start off with my favourite formula and finish of liquid lipstick - The NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams. They're comfortable to wear and with an array of colours to choose from, you really are spoiled for choice. At £5.50 each they're affordable meaning you can stock up without feeling too guilty. Their matte, fool proof formula dries opaque and is easy to apply on the go. Milan, a mid tone pink hue that compliments and flatters my skin tone is the shade I would recommend the most, but Cannes and Copenhagen are next on the list too. 

S T I L A | I have started to hoard a lot of the Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipsticks lately after I found out they were available in M&S. Amore, a plum shade that has golden shimmer running through was the first shade that I bought from the range and I was smitten. Although I wouldn't necessarily opt for a lip product with glitter in, I find that this makes my lips appear fuller and makes the dark hue easier to wear. However, if there's one shade that I need to own then it's Patina. I know I don't need any more pink nude lip products in my collection, but I had to make an exception with this one as the creamy, moisturising formula feels so weightless on the lips.  

H & M | The H&M Velvet Lip Creams are the reason why my liquid lipstick obsession has got a bit out of hand. They are available in a range of vivid, dramatic colours that have a high coverage formula which lasts several hours on the lips. Dare Me, a deep plum similar to that of Stila's Amore and Le Beau Monde, an intense red which has been compared to Sephora's Always Red are two shades that I have in my collection. Although they do start to flake if worn for too long, they're an amazing affordable liquid lipstick that I'm sure I will collect more of. 

T H E  B A L M | If you're looking for a long lasting liquid lipstick that has a creamy texture and non-drying formula then theBalm is your best bet. Before NYX was readily available in the UK, the Meet Matt(e) Hughes offerings were my port of call. Commited, a pink nude hue works well for daily wear, creates an wash of colour that doesn't budge and it feels more comfortable to wear than traditional lipsticks. 

What liquid lipsticks do you recommend?

Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo

On a Sunday there is nothing I love more than having a Lush bath with a few candles and my favourite luxe products. A new addition to my hair care routine is the Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo, a clarifying offering that leaves my hair feeling fresh and ready for the week ahead. 

I find that every time I use this I can last a little bit longer between washes which means I can wait at least 4-7 days before washing again - Bonus. It get rids of product build up, pollutants and hard water minerals, making the hair feel light and healthy. Although it claims that it cannot be used on coloured treated hair, I don't mind dying my hair a few washes early as I cannot get enough of the detoxing effect that it has. As I have dry, parched hair I was a little sceptical that it would leave my hair feeling limp and lifeless, but in fact it does the complete opposite. 

Paired with the Sachajuan Hair Repair, these two are the dream team and I would truly recommend this duo to anybody looking to restore and repair their damaged hair. 

Have you tried the Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo?

Nars Lip Pencils.

Hello my name is Lily and I'm a Nars addict. Today I am talking about the infamous Nars lip pencils and the trio of shades that have captured my heart. From matte to satin finish, from a nude to a red these have you covered.The application and pigmentation of both formulations are divine, tinting the lips with my chosen hue that lasts several hours. Although they are classed as lip pencils, don't be fooled as they can be used to both line and fill in the lips or they can be paired with another lip product. 

If you're looking for a long wearing, matte lip then the Velvet Mattes are the ones to go for. They apply colour seamlessly, but unlike other matte formulas they glide on and sit comfortably without budging. Bahama, a brown nude hue flatters and compliments my skin tone like no other, making for a perfect Autumn lipstick. Cruella, a vivid blue toned red, is one of,- if not my favourite- red lip to wear due to the moisturising formula that sits perfectly on my lips. If I'm not wearing Cruella on it's own, then I'm layering it up with a perfecting lip liner and setting with a liquid lipstick for prolonged wear.

The Satin lip pencils have nourishing, creamy formulas that look slightly glossy on the lips. Although they're not as rich in pigment as the mattes, I still find that they wear well and give a bold wash of colour. Lodhi, a coral hue that is bordering on orange is one that I wore all summer with a minimalistic makeup look and I'm sure that I will continue to add more to my collection.

Have you tried any of the Nars Lip Pencils?

Monday Morning Pick Me Ups

 Monday is always a struggle. The early morning start always makes your bed seem more comfortable and your skin is often suffering from all the bad food that you've consumed over the weekend. There are a few products that I use on a regular basis as a pick me up that soothe and hydrate my skin, hair and body. Here I have three of my favourite Monday morning pick me ups. 

First up is the Aesop Fabulous Facial Oil, a luxe product that is certainly a treat for my skin and the perfect way to inject some extra moisture into my complexion. The lightweight formula de-congests, deeply hydrates and leaves the skin looking radiant. Enriched with a simple concoction of ingredients, this oil replenishes and prevents blemishes. I use this as part of my usual skincare at night as it packs some serious punch hydration wise - My skin definitely thanks me for it in the morning. 

I usually make the effort to use to a cleansing shampoo and nourishing hair mask, leaving my hair feeling rather light and fluffy come Monday morning. To add a slight wave and tousled finish to my hair, nothing does it better than Sachajuan Ocean Mist. Unlike other salt sprays this one smells divine and holds just the right amount of volume without appearing too crispy and matte. 

On a Monday morning my skin usually looks lacklustre, so the Vichy Idealia Life Serum* is the perfect way to reduce pore size, add radiance and repair dry looking skin. With a lightweight, non-greasy texture I have been using this as a primer on a regular basis. I pop on a pump or two of this serum before my make up as it smooths over imperfections and adds a golden sheen to the skin, making sure your foundation sits better and appears more flawless.  

What products do you rely on to get the weekend off to a good start?

Dove DermaSpa Range

I have stayed faithful to Dove for many years now. Their affordable, staple products never fail to do their job, so when I heard they were releasing a DermaSpa range* I knew that I would be in for a treat. If you're looking for a range of budget friendly, luxe feeling products, then look no further as Dove has you covered. 

Now first things first, the scent. Enriched with creamy vanilla, succulent coconut, cucumber and a fresh water-lily fragrance, the whole range smells divine and lingers on the skin for several hours after use. Although the whole range is aimed to soothe and replenish dry skin, I feel that the Goodnessᶟ Body Cream goes above and beyond to nourish all over the body. With a blend of Omega Oil, this rich cream leaves the skin looking luminous and feeling velvety soft, without being too heavy or tacky to touch. This has quickly become one of, if not my favourite all over body moisturiser. Another product that I can't get enough of is the Goodnessᶟ Body Oil, a lightweight, non-greasy oil that gives a healthy, long lasting glow to the skin perfect for slathering all over or just on parts of your body to accentuate your assets. 

Aside from the Goodnessᶟ range, the Uplifted+ line has impressed me too. Enriched with Cell- Moisturisers™ that promote deep hydration and promote firmer feeling skin, it's no wonder that the Uplifted+ Body Oil hasn't left my side. If there's one product you need to buy it's this. This multi tasking product can be used straight on skin to instantly hydrate and add radiance or it can be added in the shower for a quick fix. It's similar in formula and texture to the Goodnessᶟ Body Oil but without the shimmer. I like layering the two together when I feel like baring my legs. The only product from this range that didn't float my boat was the the Uplifted+ Body Roll-On. The product itself is a lightweight, refreshing gel that soothes and cools the skin, but the way it's applied is with several rollerballs that didn't dispense enough product or allow me to work it in for long enough. 

On more of a positive note, the Intensive Hand Cream has made me eat my words as I assumed that this would be one that I'd throw in my handbag and it would never see the light of day again. How wrong was I? This restores and replenishes dry hands without leaving them feeling greasy and as someone who never used to use a hand cream throughout the day because of this, I am now a convert. 

Have you tried anything from the Dove DermaSpa range? 

What's In My Bag

After purchasing my new Kurt Geiger Frances Lock Crossbody Bag a few weeks ago I knew that it was about time to do an Autumnal 'what's in my bag' post. This wine coloured offering goes with all of my wardrobe and it fits just the right amount in without becoming too bulky. With two main compartments, subtle gold hardware and a luxe croc finish, this bag is a perfect statement piece and something I have been attached to these past few weeks. 

When it comes to the contents of my bag I have learnt that less is definitely more, so I try to keep it as clean and tidy as possible despite the odd few bobby pins and endless amount of nude lip products. The Mi-Pac Croc Coin Purse is an essential of mine and as someone who is increasingly fussy about what purse they choose, I have become pretty attached to this one. It mainly houses my cards, coins and Boots card which I wouldn't leave the house without. Next up is my Samsung S4 Phone which is decorated with this beautiful marble phone case that has actually protected the screen from cracking several times. Another essential of mine is my Rifle Paper Co Note Pad where I jot my blog ideas down and generally just use it to ponder. Of course I couldn't leave the house without my house keys which are spruced up with the Olivia Bonas Luxe Gold Tassel Keyring which makes it easier for me to find my keys at the bottom of my bag.

To hold my frequently used make up products I chose the Monki Croc Pouch as it matches my purse and I couldn't resist it. The Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil - Bahama, Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon - Bronzed Garnet and the Soap and Glory Archery Brow Pencil have become a recurrent addition to my make up bag as I like to touch up on the go. My bag wouldn't be complete with a pair of tweezers and these personalised Tweezerman Tweezers come in handy on a regular basis. As a photographer and blogger, I couldn't leave the house without a few spare SD cards for my camera as I usually get a little too snap happy on an Autumnal walk and I end up using them all up. 

What do you carry in your bag?

How To Create The Perfect Red Lip

Although I like to don a nude lip on a regular basis, during the Autumn and Winter months I tend to sway more towards a red lip if I'm looking to spice up a neutral makeup look. Today, I thought I would give you the run down of which products I use to create the perfect red lip. 

L I P  L I N E R | After searching for a classic red lip liner I stumbled across MAC's Cherry. It quickly became a staple for when I wanted to define my lips, giving the illusion of a fuller look, yet it can also be used to create a wearable matte hue that lasts all day long. The shade is versatile and can be paired with a variety of red toned products. 

L I P S T I C K | Next up is lipstick and narrowing down this category was difficult as there are so many red hues that I like to wear on a daily basis. One that stood out above the rest was MAC's Ruby Woo. Although the extremely matte formula can be drying on the lips, I find that after a quick scrub of Lush Santa Scrub and a swipe of Nuxe Reve De Miel it sits perfectly on the lips and doesn't budge at all. The vivid shade is versatile and although it's bold, I still find it is suitable for daily wear. 

L I Q U I D  L I P S T I C K | The Velvet Matte Creams from H&M are currently my new obsession and the shade Le Beau Monde, a vivid matte red, looks perfect paired with any neutral eye look. This liquid lipstick provides a long lasting wash of colour that stains the lips for several hours. 

L I P  P E N C I L | If you're looking for a new addition to your red collection, then Nars Cruella is your best bet. The deep scarlet-red hue suits and compliments my skin tone, making for an easy to wear shade that is quick to apply and ideal for the Autumnal months. If I'm not wearing Cruella on it's own, then I'm layering it up with a perfecting lip liner and setting with a liquid lipstick for prolonged wear. 

What are your favourite red lip shades?