A Christmas Gift Guide For Those Who Are Hard To Buy For

I was very much looking forward to this segment of my gift guides as I always struggle with those gifts for people who are hard to buy for. Today I have compiled a list of products and ideas for those who may be buying for someone who has everything, or for a long distance relative who you don't know very well.

Food is a fall back of mine, as anything for the kitchen goes down well. This Milk Chocolate Stirrer would be a perfect stocking filler, however these Charbonnel et Walker Pink Champagne Truffles always steal the show. As well as food, a cute mug is a good present too, this Patone Mug and this Urban Outfitters Elephant Tea Mug offering are two of my top picks. 

A new book or stationery will always go down a treat with those who are hard to buy for. This Ohh Deer Notepad set or Copper Marble A4 Pad would be great for anybody at school, work or who just likes dreamy looking stationery. As for books, it's hard to know somebody's tastes, but if you've got a slight inkling then I would recommend non-fiction books. If they're into beauty, Pretty Honest is a good book to buy, whilst The Little Book of Hygge is good for homebodies and The Tattoo Dictionary is good for any tattoo lovers. There's a book for every hobby, so I'm sure that this would be a great place to start. 

If you are really stuck, then technology is a good starter point too and I would recommend a novelty lens for your phone if you're on a budget or a polaroid camera if your price point is a little higher. Another one that would go down a treat if you have a little bit more money to spend on someone would be a Crosley Record Player, especially if you know they've got a bare space to put it in and are in to their music. 

Here are some of my top picks to jog your mind and give you a few ideas: 

A Christmas Gift Guide For Beauty Lovers

I've never taken Christmas gift guides seriously, but after seeing many gifts that I wanted to buy for myself, I thought I would compile a list of products that I think would be suitable for anyone who loves beauty as much as I do. 

You can't go wrong with a Laura Mercier gift set and I always pick myself up one or two to make sure I'm stocked up for the rest of the year. This luxe offering is perfect for anybody who likes to treat themselves with a bubble bath and body souffle on a regular basis, but Lush do gift sets that are just as good and they smell divine too! 

I feel like this year has been amazing for new beauty releases and I have a new rule which is "one for you, one for me" when it comes to the dreamy palettes and sets on offer. The Nars Dual Intensity Cheek Palette is perfect if you know that they love blusher, but if you want to spend a little bit more then you can't go wrong with this Charlotte Tilbury Dreamy Look In A Clutch.  

For a budget option, Boots is my port of call, especially with their 3 for 2 sets which enables me to get one or two treats for myself too. The Soap and Glory sets like this Girl O'Whirl pick is perfect for those for want to spend a little less and this Sleek Mini Matte Me Collection is great as a stocking fillers for all beauty lovers. Speaking of stocking fillers, I would be more than happy with the Essie Let It Glitter kit to prep my nails for the big day. 

Festive Wishlist

- This post is in collaboration with F.Hinds -

Whether you're going to a Christmas party or you just want to incorporate more sequins into your wardrobe for the festive period, I have the right wishlist for you. With it being the Black Friday weekend, I am definitely going to make the most of the discounts around and pick up some of the pieces on my wishlist. 

This ASOS Double Layer Ruffle Dress looks like it'd be the perfect addition to my festive wardrobe, especially as it looks understated, but is still able to dress up with a pair of heels for a night out. Although it probably wouldn't suit me I can't help but keep eyeing up this Jarlo Midi Dress, a rose gold offering that would look super festive! 

If dresses aren't your thing or you would just like to have thicker knits in your wardrobe then I have a few for you. This Christmas Snowflake Jumper is perfect if you're not one for festive jumpers, but you still want one and this Boohoo Curved Hem Funnel Neck Jumper offering would definitely be a best investment piece as the burnt orange colour would compliment a range of colours in my wardrobe. 

This Whistles Pale Pink Leather Clutch and Rivington Bag are high up on my lust list at the moment as they would look great paired with a variety of outfits. Although I can't resist a novelty item or two, especially this Valery Gingerbread Coin Purse which would be a great simple festive addition. 

F.Hinds is actually my fall-back place whenever I need to get someone a Christmas present and I'm not too sure what to get them. There's a variety of jewellery to pick from a range of brands, but it's so easy to convince yourself that you need a present too. I've been lusting after a few new simple jewellery pieces to compliment my outfits and there's a few rose gold items I've been eyeing up. 

Christmas isn't the same without a new homeware purchase or two and I am always drawn towards anything sparkly. I definitely want to pick up a Diptyque Candle to scent my house  with either a gingerbread or pine fragrance to really get me in the mood. Anthrolopogie and Urban Outfitters are two of my favourite websites to browse and this Macaron Ornament Set is what dreams are made of. Although they're not festive themed either like the macarons, I can't wait to have an excuse to pick these Paperchase Robot Decorations up to put on my Christmas tree - They're so super cute! 

Choosing The Right Foundation For You

Back in the Summer, I wrote about a post about picking the right eyeshadow palette and I thought about turning it into a series, so today I thought I would share with you my top tips to consider when choosing a new base.

What Is Your Skin Type? | I've had experience with every skin type over the years I've been wearing makeup. From being super oily to incredibly dehydrated, finding a foundation to suit your skin type is the best way to make it wear well and look better. If you've got dry skin like myself, hydrating your complexion before makeup application is essential and finding a foundation that doesn't cling to dry patches. For oily, problematic skin, I would recommend steering clear of silicone primers and opting for oil-free bases which would reduce the dreaded "foundation slip" midday. 

Skin Tone | Finding out your skin tone is one of the most important things to do when you're buying a foundation. The general rule has always been that if you've got blue veins, you've got a pink undertone and if you've got green veins then you should opt for neutral or yellow undertones in foundation. Although this sometimes help, swatching is the best way to figure out whether a base matches perfectly. I like to swatch on my wrist and neck to work out the best foundation for my skin tone. Of course you can always ask for help, but as someone who always gets wrongly matched to a pink tinted foundation rather than yellow, I would recommend going outside and looking in natural light before you commit to buying. 

The Finish And Formula Of Foundation | Along with the finish of your foundation, the formula is important too. I prefer to opt for a dewy, luminous finish as this helps my lacklustre skin, however I used to reach for matte bases when I had oilier skin because I felt more comfortable that way. Finding a foundation that matches your skin tone, type and taste is all important to build a strong base for the rest of your makeup. 

High Street Or High End? | There are so many foundation options on the market at the moment, ranging from £5 to £100, but there's a handful of them that I always go back to. For a luxe offering, the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation is a go-to of mine when I want medium coverage to help conceal and perfect my complexion. However, I tend to reach for the Nars Velvet Matte Skin Tint mixed with the Cover FX Radiance Drops on a daily basis and when my skin needs an extra boost of hydration. For a budget option, the Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation is a favourite of mine, as the fruity scented base adds a luminous finish to my skin with minimal effort. 

What are your top tips for choosing the right foundation? 

Lush Christmas 2016 Picks

Christmas wouldn't be the same without a Lush bath bomb or two and this year I felt spoilt for choice with the new extended range. Although I had picked out a fair share of my favourite festive products from the range, I used them too quick and couldn't photograph them all, but I thought I would talk to you about my top picks anyway. 

The wands that Lush releases every year are some of my favourite picks as they are reusable and create piles of luscious bubbles for me to delve into. The Magic Of Christmas is a go-to of mine as the rich cinnamon scent reminds me of the festive season every time I use it. If you would rather a sweet offering then I would thoroughly recommend Magic Wand, a perfect treat for those who are a fan of snow fairy. When I did my order, I had to get the Santasaurus, a dinosaur shaped reusable bubble bar that smells fresh and fruity; perfect if you like something to wake you up when you bathe rather than the usually sleepy scents. 

Every year I have to pick up a bottle or two of Rose Jam Shower Gel to keep my addiction satisfied as I always spend the rest of the year lusting after it. It's smells like turkish delight, which is one of my favourite festive treats. It leaves the skin feeling, looking and smelling extremely sweet, softened and nourished. If you're a fan of the likes of Rose Jam Bubbleroom and Ro's Agran Body Conditioner, then I would recommend layering up as the scent lasts throughout the day. 

Although I've seen this before, the Snow Angel Bath Melt is a new one in my collection. This rose and marzipan scented offering is perfect to treat Winter dehydrated skin as the added cocoa butter helps to soothe and condition. It's a slow burner that really helps you to relax and as the bath fills up with lots of silver, luxe feeling glitter, you can't help but feel festive! 

Butterbear is the bath bomb I always re-purchase over the festive period as I actually like to use them regularly to give my skin a boost of hydration and soothe my dehydrated body. For under £2 this bath bomb is a bargain considering the benefits you reap and as it makes the water light and creamy, this is just perfect to pamper yourself in. 

I knew I couldn't be without the new Sleepy Body Lotion, a lavender infused pick thats a bedtime favourite of mine as it helps to induce sleep, whilst leaving your body feeling super soft and calm. Although I love applying this before I go to sleep, if I'm in a rush I couldn't fault the Snow Fairy Body Conditioner, an in-shower treatment that helps to soothe and moisturise the skin without any hassle.  

If you're looking for exclusives this Christmas, the Lush website has some amazing picks like the Yog Nog Bath Bomb, which is a perfect sweet treat for cosy evening and Christmas Kisses, which is a great bubble bar if you're a fan of cinnamon.

What have you been enjoying from the Lush Christmas range this year?

Highlighters For Dewy, Luminous Skin

When I think of the festive season, my mind always wanders to matte red lips and dewy, luminous skin. This year I have bought a few highlighters ready for the occasion, and today I thought I would share with you my top picks for my Christmas makeup. 

A new addition to my collection has been the Sleek Cleopatra's Kiss Palette, a quad made up of two cream and two powder highlighters to suit all your needs. Although I'm not usually a fan of the cream offerings in these palettes, Dynasty was the hue that changed my mind, as it gives a gorgeous soft sheen to the skin which can be intensified by being layered up with one of the powders, especially the Goddess. 

My go-to highlighter at the moment is the Cover FX Moonlight Enhancer Drops to achieve a "wet look" to the skin and keep my complexion looking extremely dewy. These can be used in a multitude of ways like on their own on top of the cheekbones or mixed in with your foundation for an overall glow. If there's one highlighter you track down and treat yourself to this festive period, then it should be this. 

Becca Champagne Pop was of course going to feature in this line up, as the finely milled, glow inducing powder helps to revive my lacklustre skin. If I'm looking for a more golden highlighter that adds a bit of colour to my skin too, then this is my go-to. 

For dewy skin on a budget, you can't beat the Topshop Polish Glow Highlighter, a light champagne pick which gives off a subtle glow that can be easily worn daily. Although the formula is creamy, it does turn to a slight powder once blended into the skin, however it still keeps it's fresh, dewy look. 

Although Cleo's Kiss is the current quad I reach for, the Sleek Solstice Palette is still worth a mention as this is the one I go back to when I want an intense highlight thats highly pigmented and long lasting. 

What highlighters are you loving at the moment? 

Autumn Wardrobe Additions

- In collaboration with Coast - 

Planning the new additions to my Autumn and Winter wardrobe is one of my favourite things to do, as I browse the pages of ASOS and switch up my outfits regularly. With the festive almost upon us, finding the perfect Christmas outfit has been top of my priority list, alongside loving my new coat and bobble hat picks. 

A Bobble Hat and Scarf | The colder seasons call for more layers and I couldn't be without a bobble hat or two to keep my head warm. At the moment I have been smitten with blush pink accessories and clothes to brighten up my usually monochrome wardrobe, so of course I've always got a few picks on my wishlist. I have been wearing a variation of this Pieces Grey Bobble Hat regularly at the moment, as it matches a wide range of outfits in my wardrobe and helps to conceal any bad hair days. 

A Cosy Coat | Coats are my biggest vice; as soon as I buy one, I see another five that I convince myself I need. This ASOS Parker Petite Ultimate Parka is a go-to of mine and is the perfect fit for my body. The burgundy hue means that it differs from my usually wardrobe colour palette, but its great for pairing with a simple outfit and shoes. After much deliberation I am still planning to purchase this ASOS Borg Jacket as it looks like it would keep me warm, but wouldn't swamp me either!  

Jumpers | Is there such a thing as too many jumpers? Because mentally I have bought a whole wardrobe full. From thick cable knits to thin picks great for layering, finding your perfect jumper is an essential of mine for Autumn/Winter as I tend to wear them to death. My go-to at the moment is this ASOS Boule Jumper which comes in burgundy and grey, great if you want a mix of colours like myself. 

Shoes + Slippers | Shoes are what I struggle most with come Autumn and Winter because I always feel unmotivated and end up pining after my sandals and Burkenstocks. Saying that, this year I have made it my mission to find at least one pair of boots that are a perfect fit and look for my everyday wardrobe. Pumps are another must have, however they aren't usually the warmest. These ASOS Ballet Loafers look as if they would keep my feet toasty, whilst looking great too. As I work from home, I often need a pair of slippers to keep my toes from going blue in the cold and this New Look Bunny Pair are too cute to resist - I can just see myself in front of my fireplace with these on! 

A Festive Pick | With the Christmas season rapidly approaching, I am planning more festive outfits and have been scrolling through the internet looking for the right additions to my wardrobe. Along with being drawn to more velvet pieces, I have also been smitten with Coast, a brand that I recently discovered through a few bloggers and I have been lusting after their dresses ever since. This Lydie Dress is my top pick as the ombre hue and sequin style would be perfect for all of your Christmas parties. 

What have you been buying for you wardrobe this season? 

NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams

When it comes to liquid lipsticks, I have trialled my fair share, but the NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams are unlike anything I've tried before. They deliver a strong, bold colour every time, but still remain comfortable on the lips with minimal fading for hours. Today I am sharing with you my top colours that I have been smitten with. 

Milan was the first hue I bought as this vivid pink pick looks perfect during the Spring and Summer and has actually worked to help me transition from the nudes and berries of Autumn/Winter into the corals and pinks of the hotter months. Although the brightness of the pink can put me off whenever I'm wearing a stronger eye look, it's a perfect pick me up on days when I want a brighter lip. 

For the colder seasons, I'm all about berries, plums and red lipsticks and Copenhagen is one that I knew I had to have this year. This deep burgundy hue looks perfect paired with dewy skin and lots of highlighter, maybe even a bobble hat and multiple layers thrown in too. Unlike many other matte lip products, this offering feels super comfortable and as the formula smells of buttercream they're almost good enough to eat. 

When it comes to nude lipsticks, I have a fair few that I would consider my favourite, but currently my top pick is London, a mid-tone beige that is perfect for complexion. Although this particular shade takes longer to dry and set down, I find this is a great way to get a clean, neat lip line and it makes for a more comfortable wear. 

After the success of Copenhagen, I was sceptical about trying Madrid, a shade that when swatched looked very similar. However, when worn on the lips, Madrid is a cranberry red hue that suits my skin tone down to a tee. Out of all of the colours in the line up, this is the one that lasts the longest and can still be seen on the lips after drinking, eating and being worn for several hours. A must have for the festive season and one that I don't think I'll be seen without for a long while! 

What is your favourite NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream shade? 

A Neal's Yard Rose, Lime and Cucumber Duo

- In Collaboration With Neal's Yard Remedies -

When it comes to skincare, I try to keep my routine as easy, simple and as natural as possible. With the change in season and my ever changing skin type, I thought it was about time I trialled a new duo to help soothe, heal and replenish my dull skin - Cue the Neal's Yard Deliciously Ella Rose, Lime and Cucumber Facial Wash and Moisturiser*; a pair of products which have helped perk up my lacklustre complexion. 

With added aloe vera and tumeric to help tone, condition and soften the skin, this face wash offering is perfect for a pick me up in the morning. It is instantly soothing and, as it foams slightly, it gets rid of any grime and dirt that has built up overnight. Although I like to use this duo in the morning the most, if my skin is particularly breaking out or feeling sore, then this is perfect for an evening too. Due to it's foaming properties this is perfect for those who suffer with oily skin, however, as it has moisturising features too, this caters for those with drier complexions also. 

Onto the moisturiser now, and this is quickly going down due to my boyfriend helping himself to a pump or two every day. With skin-nourishing coconut and a lightweight texture, this is perfect for makeup free days or when you need an extra boost of hydration underneath your makeup. Unlike many other moisturisers, which when built up can up be a sticky mess that won't sink in, this offering can be layered up and still be absorbed beautifully into the skin. 

Have you tried this Neal's Yard duo? 

*PR Sample/Gifted 

Staying Organised and Motivated in the Autumn and Winter

As soon as Autumn and Winter rolls in, my motivation is usually at an all-time high, but due to moving house just under a month ago, I still feel like I'm getting back into the swing of things. From preparing for the new year to setting yourself a daily to-do, I am sharing my top tips to staying organised and productive over the next season. 

New Year, New Stationery | Okay, so we're still firmly in 2016 as it's only November, but I am already planning my stationery changes such as swapping out my old calendar for this Rifle Paper Herb Calendar offering and getting out my Rifle Paper Midnight Agenda for my daily tasks. New stationary may not be for everybody, but I find that it helps me think of new ideas and helps me plan my day more effectively so I don't forget any important deadlines. 

Know Your Peak Times | Whether it's the best time to photograph or when you feel like you work best, knowing your peak times is the perfect way to stay motivated with little to no effort. For me, I know that I get most of my emails replied to in the morning, then I like to spend the morning writing before photographing over lunch time. The afternoon mostly consists of catching up on freelance and volunteer work before finalising any blog work I've done. I have the pleasure of working from home and managing my own day, but if you blog at the weekend, making sure you know your peak times will help you photograph in bulk easier and more effective. 

To Do Lists | Just like stationery, a simple to-do list can be a great way to make you more productive for the day. I like having a weekly pad like this one to note down any important deadlines and events, but having a little notepad can be useful for writing down the day-to-day tasks. 

Switch Up Your Ideas | If you ever wonder how I come up with my blog post ideas, then this is how; I grab a handful of products from a new eyeshadow palette to a camera lens and I sit and write 5 blog post ideas where that particular product could feature in. This method helps me to create fresh ideas that I'm happy with and is a quick way to help you feel motivated. If you're struggling this Autumn/Winter to think of new topics, then I would recommend scrolling through Pinterest for photo inspiration and using a few notepads to write down your ideas as soon as they come into your head! 

How do you stay organised in the Autumn and Winter? 

Two Years of Pint Sized Beauty

On the 13th of November two years ago, I took a photograph of a dimly-lit Sleek Face Form Palette, uploaded it to blogger with little to no editing and started to write about how much I love this trio - right then, Pint Sized Beauty was born. Little did I know that from then on I would fall head over heels with my little space on the internet every single day, and would still be happily sharing my thoughts two years on. 

Although I've grown in confidence, experience and continued to improve the way I write and photograph, my intention has remained the same; to share my views and make Pint Sized Beauty the happy place that I have always wanted it to be. Looking back, there are so many things that I would have done differently, but all of the mistakes have contributed to the growth and development of my blog. 

I can't believe that two years on, people are still taking the time out of their day to support, read and follow my blog, let alone support me to win two blog awards! To celebrate, I am going to pop on a nourishing face mask, watch a Christmas classic and eat my way through a bag of chocolate. For those of you who have stuck around- whether that be from the beginning or today- I want to say a massive thank you; I can't wait to see what this blog becomes in another two years time. 

Creating A Bedroom That's Minimal, Yet Cosy

I am somewhere between a minimalist and someone who likes to "keep it messy in a tidy way", but I'm an advocate of making my whole house cosy, especially during the Autumn and Winter season. I have recently moved house, so of course my main priority was setting up my bedroom to mimick the cosy feel of my old room and today I am sharing with you the stages I went through. 

Use Nature | I cannot express how much a few little plants, a bunch of flowers or a pine cone garland can change the feel of your room. All three of these makes for a super cosy area as it is perfect for the Autumnal months and adding greenery is a great way to incorporate colour into a room. 

Go Golden | Keeping your bedroom minimal without the clutter is hard, but incorporating copper or gold into a room's storage can brighten and add colour. Even the flames of your favourite candles scattered around can help to lift your spirits and make the bedroom an area that feels relaxed and cosy. My favourite candles are currently the Zoella My Eden and Diptyque Roses candle. 

Textures | I've recently moved and have started to re-arrange my house accordingly, but one thing I initially struggled with was creating a cosy feel on my bed. To fix this, I went out and bought a fluffy cushion like this one from Home Sense and it instantly transformed my little space. Complimenting your interior with piles of blankets and textured or patterned rugs can all help to bring a room together, whilst not overpowering your interior. Ideally I would have big, floaty curtains throughout my house as they make for a magical feel, but they still keep a space light and bright. 

Natural Hues | As someone who has continued to incorporate a lot of monochrome into my interior, it can be hard to tear myself away to sport some new natural, wood hues into my rooms. Wood is a great way to add a cosy, rustic feel with minimal effort, however the muted colours can go with a wide variety of interiors. My Habitat Drew Bamboo Side is one of my favourite pieces as I can easily pair it with other pieces and it contrasts well with plain walls, yet it still goes with my natural wood floor boards. 

What Makes You Cosy? | The most important part of your bedroom is adding your own spin to it and making it a place that you want to fall into after a long, hard day. Books are what makes me feel the most relaxed, so I always make it my mission to have a book on my bedside table and then find a way to strategically place books around the room too either on a bookshelf or ladder. Whether it's copper, mirrors or one of my favourites, blush pink, it is important to make space for your own guilty pleasures to ensure that you love your room.  

How do you make your minimal bedroom cosy?

5 Things To Do When It's Raining At The Weekend

Although I love walking out in the rain and exploring, sometimes I just want to snuggle up under the duvet indoors or head out to a local event to shield myself from the rain outside. Today I am sharing with you my top five free things to do at the weekend when it's raining. 

Go For A Cute Pub Lunch | I don't know about you, but a cosy pub with a fire, possibly a live-in dog and one that serves food all day long is the perfect find for chilly autumnal days. On a Sunday, I like nothing more than to have a roast with lots of yorkshire puddings and parsnips, and what better way than to spend that in a cute local pub - Plus you get to people watch too. 

Netflix & Pamper | If I'm really stuck for ideas, I always turn to having a bubble bath, grabbing a pile of sweet treats and having a binge watch of my favourite TV show or film. Harry Potter marathons are a regular in my household and one that never fails to put a smile on my face, however with the Gilmore Girls Revival just around the corner I'm sure that will be what I'm watching to relax. My favourite pampering picks are currently the new Lush Christmas Collection, however I have been enjoying slathering the Laura Mercier Creme Brûlée Soufflé onto my body to nourish it and keep it smelling good enough to eat.

Go Outside | I always talk about how walking is my favourite activity to do year round and searching for your nearest National Trust spot is a great way to find local events or just browse the area. When its raining, I like to head to the woods as the trees help to stop the rain slightly, however there are other activities to do outside your four walls without getting wet. Going to a museum is one way to pass the time, however I'm sure there are more unique ways to fill your weekend like going indoor sky diving, exploring caves or exploring an indoor Christmas barn. 

Get Creative | Rainy days just call for scrapbooking, cross stitching and generally just getting your hands on a creative project. If I'm not feeling like getting the needles or colouring pencils out, then I usually get my Hygge on and go for a game of monopoly, scrabble or banagrams to get my brain working - It's definitely a great way to spend a slow Sunday whilst the roast is cooking! 

Start A New Read | After quickly making my way through my current book collection, I have been on a hunt for a few new picks to read this season. Christmas At The Comfort Food Cafe is currently my festive top pick and I can't wait to pick this up come December. Although if you're super organised you can get your books  by ordering them online ready for a rainy day, however there's something so satisfying about spending an hour or two browsing the aisles of a local book shop. 

What do you like doing when it's raining outside? 

Where To Save and Where To Spend With Your Skincare

When it comes to skincare, I've always had the motto that you need to spend more to reap the benefits. However, when looking through my collection I noticed a recurring theme; there are some areas that I like to splurge in, whilst in others I like to save my pennies. 

Save | Micellar waters are a must for me and luckily, aside from my beloved Bioderma, they are all affordable too. The Garner Micellar offering has been a regular in my routine for some time now, however I have been enjoying using the Good Things Acai Berry Multi-Tasking Water* for a quick freshen up in the morning. 

I never seem to opt for a high end facial exfoliator as I can easily find great alternatives on the high street. The Superfacialist Vitamin C Micro Polish Scrub is one of my go-to's when my complexion needs brightening, however the Nip+Fab Glycolic Acid Pads are super easy to use and as they are usually on offer, they're a great bargain for under £10. 

Although the Pixi Glow Tonic is a saviour when my skin is breaking out or needs something to heal it fast, I tend to reach for the budget options like the La Roche Posay Serozinc* to help finish of my skincare routine and soothe my skin before makeup application. Toner helps to get rid of any traces of makeup left after double cleansing and genuinely calms the skin before moisturiser.

Although masks can fall into both the save and splurge category, I've got to pay homage to Lush and their amazing range of fresh face masks. I personally would recommend Don't Look At Me if you want to brighten and refresh your complexion, whilst Mask of Magnanimity would be perfect for those suffering with sore breakouts. 

Splurge | I've never trialled anything too expensive when it comes to skincare, however I do like to delve into Aesop, Kiehl's and Origins to treat my skin. In general, I like to splurge on cleansing products as they treat the skin the most, making for a clearer, brighter complexion. The Zelens Z Detox Cleanser* is a foam offering that removes impurities and helps to battle troubled skin. The Aesop Parsley Seed Cleansing Oil* is a must have in my routine especially if I want to remove my makeup fast, whilst giving my skin a boost of hydration and make the most of this antioxidant enriched formula. For extremely quenched skin, I always reach for the Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel to perk up my lacklustre skin. 

Moisturiser and face oil are another duo I like to splurge on as I find my skin reaps the benefit more when I invest in a moisturiser that suits my skin type. Although there are a few budget options I love, I can't help but always opt for the Aesop Fabulous Facial Oil* and Avene Hydrance Optimale Serum* to prep my skin before moisturiser to give myself a serious double helping of hydration. 

Where do you save and where do you splurge with your skincare? 

*PR Sample/Gifted 

Autumn Makeup

Autumn just screams dewy skin and matte, berry lips to me, especially when I'm wrapped up in several layers of clothing and drinking a steaming hot chocolate. Today I am sharing with you my top picks for this Autumn season. 

My base makeup is so important in the chillier months as I want more coverage, but I don't want to lack glow. I have been smitten with mixing the Cover FX Custom Infusion Radiance Drops in with my usual Nars Velvet Matte Skin Tint to create a velvety finish and transform my dull, lacklustre skin. I then dust over a mix of blushers from the Hourglass Surreal Light Palette to add colour back into my cheeks, but I like to keep it subtle in the Autumn as my cheeks tend to be pink throughout the day from the cold anyway. 

If there's one product you get your hands on this season, make it the Cover FX Moonlight Enhancer Drops, a liquid highlighter that can be used in multiple ways. I personally like to dab it over my cheekbones, cupid bow and in my inner eyes for an overall "wet look" highlight and dewy base. To set this, I like to apply Processeco Pop from my Becca Champagne Split for an intense sheen that perks up my complexion. 

I've actually been enjoying just wearing a delicate winged eyeliner to open up my eyes, however the Nars Rigel Eyeshadow is the perfect champagne hue when I want to widen and brighten my eyes. If I want something more intense and I'm opting for a nude lip, the Charlotte Tilbury Dolce Vita tends to make it's way out for a burgundy eye look that is very fitting for the Autumn season. 

The NYX Copenhagen Soft Matte Lip Cream is the perfect bold, berry pick for Autumn as this liquid lipstick is nourishing, comfortable to wear and easy to top up throughout the day. As my love for dark lipstick grows, I have dug out my MAC Diva Lipstick, a matte burgundy hue that is super dreamy and have continued to lust after other berry options like the Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Train Bleu. 

What have you been wearing this Autumn?

An Eyeliner Line Up

When I first started wearing makeup, my first port of call was liquid eyeliner. Although I've come a long way with my liner, I still like to use a pen style to aid me with a straight and even winged eyeliner. Today I am sharing with you a handful of my favourite picks. 

The eyeliner I'm currently trialling is the new Rimmel London Scandaleyes Micro Eyeliner*, an easy to use offering that delivers just the right amount of precision and pigmentation for an on-the-go application. Although it doesn't smudge for day to day wear, it does claim it is waterproof which I don't think it lives up to. I'm still working my way through it and I'm sure it'll be a great back up liner. 

The Accessorise Eye Lover* has been in my makeup bag for some time now and was initially one that I didn't think I'd love. As you can tell, I much prefer pen eye liners to any others as I find I can steady my hand and can create a clear, even, winged liner with them. Saying this, the Accessorise offering has had me smitten since this time last year. Unfortunately, Accessorise has discontinued their makeup range again, however the Collection Fast Stroke Liner acts very similar and is perfect for those long days. 

The Soap and Glory Supercat Liner is a very hyped up product and although I love it greatly, it doesn't last long before drying out and it does run the risk of smudging, especially if you have oily lids. For me, my favourite eyeliner is the L'Oreal Superliner, one that I continue to go back to time and time again. It's incredibly pigmented, lasts all day and is incredibly under hyped considering I have bought it so much I'm in double figures now. 

Oh, the Collection Extreme Felt Tip Liner brings back memories of wearing extremely nude lipstick and little to no product in my eyebrows, but thinking back, Collection solved most of my eyeliner woes in my teenage years. This liner is fantastic and at under £3 it is an absolute steal. It's easy to use, fast drying and gives you the ability to create a defined wing. Another budget offering that is perfect to throw into your handbag for on-the-go top ups is the H&M Precision Eye Marker. 

What are your favourite liquid eyeliners? 

*PR Sample/Gifted 

An Autumn Essie Duo

Essie are no doubt one of my favourite nail polish brands; from the range of muted nude hues to bright colours, you have every season and occasion covered. Today I am sharing with you a dreamy duo I have been wearing since the start of Autumn and one that will have you smitten in no time. 

If there's one nail shade that reminds me of Autumn, it's Essie's Bahama Mama, a deep plum hue that is perfect for everyday wear. Although it takes two coats to thoroughly cover all the nail, once applied it lasts for several days before fading or chipping. I often top it with a top clear coat or glitter, but I have been enjoying applying Penny Talk for a quick accent nail design. Essie's Penny Talk is a discontinued shade that was hard to track down, but luckily Amazon came to my rescue. This rose gold hue looks perfect paired with Bahama Mama on an accent nail, used to add a design or just all over the nail for a luxe look. Despite it being a metallic, I find this dreamy offering quite understated and it looks great with a simple outfit. Although my nails aren't in the best condition right now, I would recommend checking out Rosy Chic's blog for swatches of Bahama Mama and In Love With Life's for Penny Talk.  

What Essie shades do you love? 

5 Ways To Make The Most Of Nature This Autumn

Now that Halloween is over and Bonfire Night is just around the corner, I am in full of Autumn mode. Getting up a little earlier and spending my morning reading has quickly become part of my daily routine and I often spend the evening either exploring my town or curled up in a bundle of blankets. Today, I am sharing with you the ways I try and incorporate nature into my life during the Autumn months. 

Go For A Walk | Going for a hike is the perfect way to get an Autumn glow and a bit of colour to your cheeks. I have been exploring my local RSPB centre lately, looking for wild fungi, bright plants and walking around in the crisp leaves. Although there is a chill in the air, once the Winter comes I can't wait to wrap up warm and go for a brisk, early morning walk. Once December hits, I am already planning to take a long walk around where I live to peek at the Christmas lights in the streets and through people's living room windows - So cosy!

Bring Nature Indoors | Pine cones, leaves and conkers are just a few of the things I like to bring indoors during the Autumn; whether that be to add to my blog prop collection or to do a clever DIY that I found on Pinterest like this one. I have a fire in my front room, so am planning to keep a stack of wood logs by my fireplace too.

Wildlife Watching | This Autumn and Winter, I have given myself a handful of animals that I want to see, from deer to seals, I have been researching the best places and best time of year to see them in the UK. I currently want to see Puffins at the Bempton Cliffs, but it looks like I'll have to wait til April - July to see these, so I have planned a trip to Norfolk in late November to see the seals. Badgers, foxes and hedgehogs are all common in the UK, but I know a lot of people that have never spotted one. In my county and the surrounding areas there are quite a few hides where you can sit and wait at twilight to spot them - Super cosy and a great Autumn evening activity. 

-Despite seeing deer every year, they never stop being majestic and a must have to photograph, especially around the festive period. Despite deer being shy, which can often make it hard, there are a many places throughout the UK which you can look at them perfectly from afar anyway. 

Seasonal Fruit and Veg | Every new season I make it my mission to research and learn more about the seasonal veg on offer and the different recipes that I can use to incorporate them into my diet. Although I do my weekly shop and stock up on the best fruit and veg there and then, I do like to go to a pick your own every now and again. Apples, parsnips and mushrooms are just a few of the items on the menu at the moment and this site is a great way to inspire yourself, although I do prefer to scour the pages of Pinterest instead. This roasted parsnip and garlic soup looks like one to try to warm you up on a chilly evening and these rosemary sweet potato stackers look right up my street. 

Photographing | I'm an avid photographer, who loves to make the most of the changing colours and nature around me by snapping away. I have been looking at various techniques I want to play around with on the weekends and evenings, like photographing the stars in the sky at night and catching animals in the early morning fog. These tips for beginners and guide to photographing stars are a great place to start. 

What are you looking forward to doing this Autumn/Winter?