New Years Eve Sparkle and Shimmer

Hi everyone,

I just want to say I hope you have all had a lovely year and you  are looking forward to 2016 just as much as I am. I know I am a bit late on the new year sort of posts but this following week will be packed full of 2015 favorites and 2016 events. Today, as it is New Years Eve, I thought I would share with you some eye shadows that are perfect for the long night ahead. All are drugstore and are super affordable, Enjoy.

Rimmel Quad in Sun Safari

This is one of the more neutral looks but all four shadows are extremely shimmery and creamy. I comes with the perfect shades to create a brown smoky eye, maybe if you use a matte brown with this quad.

Freedom Eye Shadow in Brights 230

This is a super bright single shadow for all the adventurous people. It is a mid purple with blue glittery undertones. This would look amazing on the lower lash line or on the outer lid blended well.

Technic Eye Shimmer Palette in Set 1

This is great for on the go as it comes with a great mirror and all the shadows are cream so no brushes are needed. There are some bright shades and some neutral. All the colours work really nicely together and will last the whole night.

MUA Luxe palette in Plush Plum and Copper

This is a really versatile palette as there an brights and neutrals. Even thought there are brights they neutrals included really complement them. I would highly recommend this palette as it is super affordable and has amazing quality for the price.

Home Bargains Eye Shadow (Comes in a trio)

Ages ago I did a review on these shadows and honestly, I don't wear these enough. They are incredible and would look amazing for the new year. Review is linked here.

I hope that this post has came to some use. Let me know what you are doing on New Years Eve and look forward to all new posts coming very soon. Have a great day!

Grace xx

OOTD - Casual Burgandy

Hi everyone,

Just thought I would do a quick little post for you today. Enjoy!

Top - Topshop Petite

Jeans - Topshop 

Watch - Michael Kors

Bracelet - Tiffany

Ring - Claires

Shoes - Timberland

I hope you enjoyed this short little post. I really liked this outfit so I thought I would share it with you. Let me know if I should do more of these. Have a great day!
Grace xx

What I Got For Christmas 2015

Hi everyone,

As Christmas was a few days ago, I asked on my instagram whether this is a post you wanted to see and all of you said yes. That's why today I am ding the What I Got For Christmas post. As you can see by the pictures above, they aren't great, that's because currently it's raining and the lighting is unless and I have to get the pictures taken today otherwise I will forget. I hope you enjoy. This post is just going to be from my Family as I don't want this post to bee too long. It is also a colab with two lovely girls, Prettily Painted (blog link here) and Charlotte Crowder (blog link here). Definetally go a check out their posts.

Disclaimer - In no way am I trying to brag or boast. I do know that this is a lot of stuff and my family did really spoil me and I could not be more grateful and blessed. I am so so so eternally happy and grateful to have received all of these gifts. If you do not celebrate Christmas, I am sorry but a proper post will be up later this week.

From my Mum and Dad

- Timberland Boots

- Daisy Dream Perfume set

- Michael Kors Handbag

- Michael Kors Purse

- Tiffany Bracelet

- GHD Straighteners set

- Zoella Makeup Bag

- Zoella Soak Opera

- Zoella Wonder Hand

- Soap and Glory Get a Smooth on Gift set

- Soap and Glory Soaper Star Gift Set

- Soap and Glory The Whole She-Bang Gift Set

- Ballerina Ring Holder

- Jewelry Box

- Benefit Pucker up and part Gift set

- Three Mac Lipsticks in Creme Cup, Velvet Teddy and Kinda Sexy

- Mac Painterly Paint Pot

- No7 Light up Mirror

- Shay Mitchell Bliss book

- Twist and Pout Lip balms

- Burgandy Topshop Joni Jeans

- Topshop Ribbed High-neck top

- Adidas Leggings

- Adidas Beanie

- Hype Cropped Jumper

- Hype Joggers

- Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish

- Lush Festive Friends Gift set

- Pajamas and Underwear

From My Brother and his Girlfriend

- Elizabeth 8 Hour Cream

- Sephora Palette

- The Body Shop Born Lippy in Watermelon

- Mini Paris Notebook

From My Granddad

- Real Techniques Deluxe gift set

- Pajamas

- Hot Chocolate and Cake in a Mug Making Kit

- Selfie Stick

- Zoella Reed Diffuser

- Zoella Lip Balm Duo

From My Godmother

- Pajamas 

- Tickets to see a musical (forgot the name)

Off my Uncles and Aunties I got money, which I am putting toward my savings for Florida.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Comment below what you got for Christmas. Have a great day!
Grace xx

Blogmas Day 24 - W7 Advent Calendar First Impressions

Hi everyone, 

Can you believe tomorrow is Christmas, I certainly can't! If you have read my Q&A (linked here) you would know that I had a W7 advent calendar this year and a few of you are curious to what I got in it. As today was the last day of advent I thought I would share with you all the lovely products I received from this advent calendar. I hope you enjoy this post, comment what your advent calendar is this year and what you would rate it out of ten. I don't remember what I got on each day so I am just going to go through the products and shades.

Packaging

I really love the packaging of this product, it is red (very festive) and it has a London theme to it. I don't have a picture of the inside but when you open it, the doors are in order going from left to right and then the same on the other side. The advent calendar is not massive which I like because then it doesn't take up a lot of space.

Eye Shadows

If you have been keeping up with my blogmas (round of applause if you have) then you will know that I have already done a post dedicated to these, so the link for that post is here. Without going on about them for too long, I received three which I really like the colours of, and just really like them. Again to find out shades and more detail your best reading my other post.

Nail Polish

Shades - Left to right:
Top row - Multi Dazzle, Silver Dazzle, Gold Dazzle, Red Dazzle and Pink Dazzle

Bottom row - Tinkerbell, It's Pink, Fuchsia, Fluorescent Pink and Pillar Box Red

As you can see from the third image I received ten nail polishes in total. I honestly wasn't expecting great things but they are actually super nice. All ten polishes are minis so they are more precise when it comes to applying them, which I would rather not have, but apart from that the formula is brilliant. They are super long lasting and only need two layers. My favorite shades are Multi Dazzle, Tinkerbell and Pillar Box Red.

Lipsticks

Shades - Left to right:

Perfect Pink, Party Pink and Spending Spree

Personally the two pink shades are not shades I would wear but I really like the shade spending spree. These lipsticks are pigmented and leave a glossy finish on the lips. The packaging of these are quite cheap looking but they are only minis and are good for traveling. 

Lip glosses/ Foundation

Shades - Clockwise, starting with top left:
Pink, Clear, Natural Beige (Foundation) and Red

I haven't tried the colored glosses but I have tried the clear one and the foundation. I have tried the foundation and the shade is actually a nice shade for me. It is a little dark so I am saving it until I get a bit of colour in summer, but usually foundation samples are always too dark for me. The foundation is light to medium coverage and it leaves a satin finish on my skin. For the lip glosses they are very thick and feel very oily on the lips. It's not a bad thing that they are oily but the do feel super smooth and they do look super glossy on the lips. For the colour lip glosses they look really nice shades but I though it was a bit strange that the lip gloss called red is actually a berry pink, which is very misleading.

Glitter

Shades - left to right

Pink, Silver and White

I am honestly not sure what these are meant to be used for so please comment if you know. I assumed they would be used for super dramatic makeup or for nails. Currently I haven't tried any of the glitters but from looking at them in the containers they are small and circular with a holographic look to them. I am sorry I an't really give you a full review on these but please let me know if you want a hot or not on them.

Mascara

You can probably all tell that all other products apart from the mascara are all minis. I received the Mascara today (24th) as n some advent calendars you get a bigger door on the final day. Since I received it today, I haven't managed to use it but I can tell a few things from the wand. Firstly, it's in matte yellow packaging which I quite like with very plain and simple writing on it. The wand itself is a plastic applicator with a thick base and lots of little bristles coming off it from all around. To me it looks a lot like the They're Real by Benefit so a possible dupe there, but apart from that there is nothing else I can say about it.

I hope you enjoyed this post, let me know if you like these first impressions posts. I hope you have enjoyed Blogmas, I might consider doing it next year as I really did enjoy doing it this year. Have a great day!
Grace xx

Blogmas Day 23 - What to do on Christmas Eve

Hi everyone,

If you are anything like me, I procrastinate a lot (I mean A LOT!) and on Christmas eve I tend to o it more than ever. I am not too sure why, I just do. Anyway, today I thought I would share with you ideas on what you could do on Christmas eve. I hope this helps you in some way. Enjoy!

1. Have a Pamper Day

I think a lot of people do this especially on Christmas eve because you have spent the last month stressing about all things Christmas and as a reward you take time o yourself. Every pamper night is different, you could have a bath, watch Christmas films, or just have a super relaxed day.

2. Buy Yourself a Christmas Present

This is a nice idea because maybe you got all caught up in buying everyone else presents that you haven't treated yourself. I did this the other day and did a naughty Body Shop order but it is good that you treat yourself.

3. Wrap some last Minute Gifts

I usually spend the whole of Christmas eve in Santa's Grotto (my room) because I wrap everyone's presents. And I mean EVERYONE. This is super productive, calming and gets you in the Christmas spirit.

4. Bake

This again is very productive because they could be eaten on Christmas day and you could share them between your family. You could bake cakes, cookies, muffins or anything you fancy. Maybe also you could leave Santa some Christmas eve night!

5. Visit Family

You might do this on Christmas Day but sometimes me and my brother visit the family we don't get to see on Christmas day. We usually run around delivering presents for the whole afternoon.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Let me know if you have enjoyed blogmas and are looking forward to the last post! Have a great day!
Grace xx

Blogmas Day 22 - How to Survive Boxing Day Shopping!

Hi everyone,

Today I thought I would share with you some tips the will help you get through Boxing Day shopping. I think Boxing day is the perfect way to pick up some really nice things at a discounted price that you may never find again. Even though it is really exciting, it is also super stressful and thats why I have a few tips for you.

1. Dress the Part

Boxing day isn't a fashion show, do not dress like you are on the red carpet. If your priority is to pick up some bargains, dress comfortable and don't waste any time faffing around with your outfit. I would wear a comfy pair of jeans, basic top, jacket over and some trainers.

2. Go Early

If you are not a morning person this may not be easy. If you go early you are more likely to pick up the best bargains before they run out.

3. Look at Your Main Shop First

If there is one certain shop you must get the sales from, go there first. This way you get the best deals from your favorite shop instead of getting the left overs later on.

4. Shop by Yourself

This way you are not waiting for different people, you buy for yourself and then you head to the next shop. Obviously if your parents don't want you going by yourself, go with an adult and then go your separate ways and meet up later.

5. Go Online

If you didn't manage to go to a shop you really wanted deals from, check online. This way you can still get good bargains at the comfort of your home.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Let me know if you are going boxing day shopping this year. Have a great day!
Grace xx

Blogmas Day 21 - 5 Drugstore Product Makeup Look

Hi everyone,

I can't believe that it is only three more sleeps until Christmas morning! I know that most of us love to make a huge effort on Christmas day, I know I love to dress up super nice. Even though you might properly dress up you might just want a simple makeup look so you don't feel weighted down. If so, then this post is perfect for you. This is a makeup look that is super simple and light weight but still looks like you have made a huge effort. The products in this post are also all drugstore and the look in total comes to about £20.

Face:

I decided to choose a concealer over a foundation as you could use it all over your face (if needed) or just on problem areas. My concealer of choice is the Seventeen Stay Time Concealer, there will be a review going up on this in the new year so stay tuned. This works for under the eyes and on blemishes so it is a great two in one. To add definition to your face you could use the Tanya Burr Hollywood eye palette and take the shade bookworm (dark brown) and use it as a contour. For a highlighter you could use the shade gold coin (shimmery gold) just along your cheek bones. 

Eyes:

Again, the Tanya Burr Hollywood eye palette would add a little something. I choose this palette because it has four shadows which could make a neutral eye look or a bold one. To finish off the eyes the Revlon Lash Potion would be my mascara of choice. It works well on upper and lower lashes and adds volume and length that will last a long time. To neaten up your eyebrows a gel is just the best way to go. My favorite on is the Primark brow gel because it is just cheap and cheerful, but if you have more spars eyebrows you could use a tinted one as an alternative.

Lips:

It would not be a Christmas Makeup look if it didn't include a red lip so my product of choice is the MUA Lip Liner in Red Drama. This is super good and long lasting but it's only £1 so it couldn't get any better!

I hope you enjoyed this makeup look post. Let me know if you have enjoyed blogmas and whether you are  looking forward to the final few posts! Have a great day!
Grace xx

Blogmas Day 20 - The W7 Sparkle...

Hi everyone,

I am super sad that Blogmas is slowly coming to an end, but I hope you have enjoyed it. If you have read my Q&A (linked here) you will know I got a W7 Advent Calendar. I love W7 products so I was super happy to receive the advent calendar. Anyway, I received three eye shadows in there and they are all beautiful, so today's post is going to be like a first impressions.

W7 are known for there brilliant dupes for the Naked palettes by Urban Decay and I actually own the In The Nude Palette (dupe for Naked 3) before getting this advent calendar. The eye shadows in that palette are amazing so when I found out you got eye shadows in the calendar, I was super excited. 

The packaging of the shadows are very similar to mac, but the one thing I don't like is the fact it doesn't say the shade anywhere on the product. All of these shadows are shimmer shadows and are extremely pigmented. There is a warm chocolate brown shade called burnt plum, a darker cool brown called hot chocolate and a black called carbon copy. All of these shadows are super wearable and look lovely as a lid colour, not so much a crease colour because they are not matte. I was super impressed with the pigmentation, they blend really nicely and are very creamy. 

I am not sure the price of the shadows individually but I don't expect them to be much. I think that shadows like this would look lovely for a Christmas party and just generally great for this festive season. I would highly recommend these shadows if you are looking for new ones to try.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Let me know if you have tried anything from W7 and whether you want to see what else I got in my advent calendar. Have a great day!
Grace xx

Blogmas Day 19 - Which Red Lip Product?

Hi everyone,

In case you have been living under a rock, it is almost Christmas!!! And that means the red lips. Obviously at Christmas most people pick out there best red lipstick to wear for all events that relate to Christmas. When it comes to red lipstick there are so many to choose from, glosses, crayons, liners, lipstick or matte, creamy, glossy, the list never ends. If you are trying to decide the perfect red lipstick then this is the post for you. I am going to be sharing with you the different shades and finishes of red lipstick and they are all drugstore. I hope you enjoy!!!

Swatches: Left to right

Rimmel Colour Rush Balm in Not an illusion:

This is the nude, red lip. It is super glossy and is great if you don't want to be too bold. 

MUA Luxe Velvet Lip Lacquer in Zest:
This is more of a orange/red shade. It is super pigmented and also gives a super matte finish.

Freedom Pro Lipstick in Red Wine

This is the typical red lip, it's not to dark or too light, it is the perfect shade. This is very pigmented and gives a satin finish.

Freedom Pro Melt Lip gloss in TGIF

This is a dark, blood red colour. This formula is very thick and glossy. It is long lasting but sometimes difficult to apply if you don't use a lip liner.

MUA Luxe Metallic Lip gloss in Blaze

I think this is the most unique red lip. From the title of the product it does give a metallic finish. Very glittery and pigmented and is a purple/red shade.

I hope you enjoyed this little run through of red lip products. Comment your favorite red lip product. Have a great day!

Grace xx

Blogmas Day 18 - NOTD

Hi everyone,

Today I am getting very organized especially with Blogmas, so look forward to some of them posts. Anyway today I am going to share with you my current favorite nail polish duo. This could work for a Christmas party, it may not be the most christmassy but I think it is very sophisticated and dressy. I hope you enjoy!

Topshop Nail Paint in All I Need Is Aniseed

Gorgeous berry, wine colour, perfect for winter.

Barry M Matte Nail Paint Topcoat

Adds that little bit more to the nail in my opinion, and makes them last super long. 

I hope you enjoyed this short little post. I am not a nail expert and I can't paint my nails extremely well, but I hope this has inspired you in some way. Have a great day!
Grace xx

Blogmas Day 17 - Top Five Christmas Films

Hi everyone,

Today I was sort of stuck for ideas, so make sure you comment what you want to see. Anyways I thought today I would share with you my favorite Christmas films. Most people who are also doing blogmas has already done this post, but I am going to do it today. The films will be in no order as I love them all the same!

I also just wanted to say that this is my 100th blog post (Whatttttttt!!!!) so thank you so much everyone for sticking by me!

1. Home Alone

This has to be an all time favorite for me. It is funny, sad and most of all festive!

2. Jingle All The Way

Again this is another classic for me. This is a super christmassy film and it is also a feel good film. 

3. Jack Frost

Not a lot of people I know have seen this film but I love it. It is a very emotional film but it is christmassy and it has a very good story line.

4. Miracle on 34th Street

I have only seen this film a few times but I love it, it has a great story line and is a great family film.

5. Elf

How could I forget Elf? This is a great film, it is most peoples favorite and I can totally see why. It is so funny and it always put me straight in the Christmas spirit.

I hope you enjoyed this short post. Hopefully I will be a little more inspired tomorrow. Have a great day!
Grace xx

Blogmas Day 16 - The Christmas Tag!

Hi everyone,

Even though today's post was not planned, I am still super excited to be writing it. One of my good blogger friends recently tagged me in a tag she made up herself. Her name is Emily Rose (blog linked here) and I would highly suggest you read her Blogmas posts. I hope you enjoy!

1. Ever had a White Christmas?

Not from what I remember, in the UK we usually have snow near the beginning of January.

2. Christmas song you could listen to on repeat?

I have two, Christmas (baby please come home) by Michael Buble or Sweater Weather by The Vamps.

3. What's your outfit for Christmas this year?

A A-line skirt from New look and a high-neck, ribbed top from Primark. I think anyway.

4. Does your Christmas tree have a theme?

Yes, it is white and silver.

5. Christmas Film of Choice?

Home Alone, Elf or Miracle on 34th Street.

6. What Advent Calendar do you have?

I have a W7 beauty one and I am loving it!

7. Have you bought all your Christmas presents yet?

Yes apart from one (Oops!).

8. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?

No, my parents make me and my brother wait until Christmas morning.

9. How much effort do you put into wrapping?

More than I probably should. I take a lot of pride in my wrapping and I enjoy it very much.

10. What are you looking forward to this Christmas?

Having a relaxed Christmas day with all my family.

I hope you enjoyed this post! I tag...

FloraalEmily

Petite Ellie

White Interiors

Have a great day!
Grace xx

Blogmas Day 15 - Neutral, Long-Lasting Makeup Look

Hi everyone,

Today's post is going to be ideal if you have been invited to a Christmas party and don't know how to do your makeup. This is a very neutral look, with dewy skin, rosy cheeks, brown smokey eye and a nude lip. I hope you enjoy!

Products used:

Freedom Pro mattify primer - Takes away all the oil before adding a dewy foundation.

Collection Lasting Perfection concealer - Applied before foundation to conceal spots and redness.

Rimmel Match Perfection foundation - Favorite foundation, super dewy but no greasy looking.

Rimmel Wake Me Up concealer - Highlights under eyes and chin.

Collection Speedy Blush in Cheeky - One of my favorite recent discoveries and gives super, natural, rosy cheeks.

Freedom Pressed powder - To set under eyes and T-zone for any excess oil.

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk - Super brightening eye base.

Artdeco Most Wanted Brown Palette - Used a shimmery champagne all over the lid, a warm brown in the crease and a darker brown in the outer corner.

Seventeen Soft Smudge Eye Kohl Black eyeliner - Lined upper lash line for some definition.

Benefit Bad Gal Lash - Adds so much length and volume to my eye lashes.

Primark Clear Brow gel - Just to comb through my eyebrows.

The Organic Pharmacy Lip Balm - To prep lips for a matte lip lacquer.

MUA Lip liner in Ice Caramel - Lined my lips making them look slightly bigger.

MUA LUXE Lip lacquer in Tranquility - Go-to long lasting lip product.

Artdeco Hydro Lip Booster in 28 - Adding it to the centre of my lips for a 3D effect.

I hope you enjoyed this post, let me know whether you like these makeup look posts or not. Have a great day!
Grace xx

Blogmas Day 14 - Germany Haul !!!

Hi everyone,

You may or may not know, but I went on a school trip to Bremen in Germany last week. It was a great experience and while I was there I did a bit of shopping. I hope you enjoy reading what I managed to pick up.

(I will not be mentioning prices because some products you can only get in Germany and therefore in Euros not pounds)

Starting off with what I bought in the airport...

Seventeen had an offer on in Boots so when you spend over £6 you got 3 free brushes and a makeup bag and as I have been wanting to try Seventeen makeup, it was the perfect excuse to buy some. I have heard lots about there Stay time concealer, so I picked that up in the lightest shade and I have also been in desperate need of a new black coal liner. Even though I haven't heard much from their eye liners I still thought it was worth ago so that was my second purchase, and obviously I got the free brushes and bag. I was super happy with this purchase because it was so worth the money and I am very impressed with certain products.

Again in the airport, I bought myself a new Elle magazine because I needed something to do on the plane. This edition came with some The Organic Pharmacy skincare testers. Even though personally I hadn't heard much from the brand I was still going to save them for when I next travel.

Moving onto what I bought in the German shops...

Even thought are school went on this trip for the German Christmas markets we still wound up going into some actual stores.

The only clothing items I bought, were from a German brand called Tally Weijl which I had never heard of before but, I have recently found out there are a few shops in the UK and a website (link here). The first clothing item I got was a burgundy shirt with an embellished collar. I thought this was super unique and I have never seen anything like it before. It was also a super reasonable price and is great quality. Final item of clothing I bought was a grey and black stripped, high neck, mid-sleeve top. This is super basic but I really liked the quality of the material and it was super cheap. They had lots of different colours but I went for grey and black because I though it was more autumnal. 

During the trip I was sadly super ill, and I sucked it up to go shopping and my friend, Caitlin Hart ;) *bestest ever!* very kindly, treated me to an Artdeco palette. I am super grateful for this and I was not expecting it at all, and I love it so so so much. Artdeco is sold in the UK but is very expensive, this palette was super affordable (drugstore price) for a high end makeup brand. This is a very neutral palette but it includes some really unique shades that I don't have in my other palettes.

Walking through the town near were we were staying, my friends and I saw a huge mac stand and noticed it was a makeup shop selling all high end brands. Went I walked into the shop I immediately noticed a NYX counter and got super excited. I instantly picked up and bought the jumbo eye pencil in milk and a butter gloss in Creme Brule. The staff in the shop also gave me a Lancome tester which I might test out soon. This was probably on of my favorite purchases as you can't get hold of NYX in the UK easily and the products were super cheap.

Final products from the German airport duty free...

The last thing I bought was just a random purchase because I was intrigued. Another product from Artdeco but this time a lip product. It was also set at a special price which was just another excuse to buy it. It comes with three hydro lip booster lip glosses. So far I am really liking these and they are some really gorgeous shades. Again, with super good prices for a high end brand.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Let me know how you are enjoying Blogmas. Have a great day!
Grace xx