Five Fun Products Worth The Money...





Now it's nearing the end of the festive season but New Years is still looming, I thought I'd share five fun products worth spending a little more money on. 

Mac Reflects Glitter in Antique Gold - If you can't wear glitter on New Year Eve, when can ya? I have a few of the Mac glitters and pigments but this is my most loved. It's one of those shades that pretty much goes with any eye look. It's a golden brassy colour glitter which is somehow cool and warm toned at once. Really eye catching, I wear this every time I'm having a night out. For Christmas I received a gorgeous sequin jacket from Topshop which is the same colour, I cannot wait to wear them together, I think it's just going to look stunning and really tie the look together.

YSL Rouge Pur Couture The Mats in 205 Prune Virgin - Everyone needs a party lipstick, and tis the season for dark lips. When you're on the dance the floor the last thing you need to be thinking about if whether your lipstick has smeared across your face especially if you're going in for that cheeky midnight kiss. This YSL one in Prune Virgin is gorgeous in every sense of the word. It's definitely worth splashing out on, the longevity is great and the packaging it absolutely stunning. 

Benefit Hoola Bronzer - Is there a better bronzer out there? I don't think it's possible. This is a completely matte bronzer, which naturally warms up any skin tone. I wouldn't use it as a contour because it's slightly too warm. But for that super bronzed party look, this is perfection. If you buy one thing this month, get this. 

Nars Mekong Single Eye Shadow - That almost black, brown. I'm sure this would suit all eye colours, and make green eyes really pop. If you're scared of black then try this one out. It's a really deep brown with gold glitter running through it. This and Antique Gold are my ultimate party look when I want my eyes to do all the talking. 

Essie Summit Of Style - It's that must have raved about glitter polish. Glitter is for life, not just for Christmas. If you want effortlessly striking nails, get this. It won't kill your bank balance but it's ultimate glam in a bottle. It's unlike any other glitter polishes I've got, it's more bronze toned rather than a yellow gold which makes it much more stunning. You can pretty much put any colour underneath this and it will look amazing. 



Jess xo

NYE, Three Looks, Three Plans...



The Night Out - It's probably the biggest night of the year for partying, so you gotta look the part. I'd go for a subtle smokey shimmery lid, big lashes and a statement lip. Your dress is probably gonna be a wowzer so make you make up match. If you can't wear glitter on NYE when can ya?! I'm going to go for the Charlotte Tilbury Dolce Vita Palette on the lid, with the glitter shadow pressed over the top and YSL Rouge Pur The Mats in Prune Virgin all over the lips. Nude liner makes the eyes look brighter and more awake when you know it's going to be a long night, then a tiny application of dark grey shadow along the lower lash line makes eyes look bigger and defined. Got to rock my Diva attitude!

The Girls Night In - Grab your pamper products and head to your friend's place for a movie night and a gossip. It calls more minimal make up if not any, but if you still want to feel glam put more effort in with your outfit. Throw a sequin top on and jeans for a festive feeling. Or throw a cosy jumper over a sequin dress or skirt, outfits like this are glam but effortless. Your skin will love you for the extra pamper and it will definitely show it in the next few days. 


The Food Date - Whether you're going for a date with your boyfriend or your friends a smokey eye is a winner. No need to worry about it ending across your face or looking patchy. A smokey eye is sexy and seductive without being crazy. I would throw on Clinque's Black Honey Shadow all over the lid and under, then Nars Mekong Shadow in the outter corner and through the crease. Apply some subtle lashes for a super smokey look. Then go for something really neutral on the lips which needs no maintenance but makes your lips look kissable, incase you secure a midnight smooch.



Hope you all had an amazing 2014!

Jess xo

2014 Make Up Faves ...






*Warning* This is gonna be a loonnngg post!


Nars Sheer Glow Foundation - I could not leave this out, It's probably my most used foundation and I just keep going back to it over and over again. Great for all year and very buildable so you can achieve whatever coverage you desire. Definitely still my most loved foundation. 

Eylure 015 Natural Lashes - I mean, I wear these every day. I would hate to know how much money I've spent on these over the year. really natural but still really pretty, just gives you that extra wow factor.

Eylure Nadine Lashes - My go to night out lashes, very full and sexy. They create a really sexy smokey look to the eye. They're just a wow lash. (Didn't have any to include in the photo). 

Charlotte Tilbury Dolce Vita Palette - My Ultimate travel palette. I know I'll always love my eye make up if I use this palette. The glitter is outstanding, it really makes any eye make up look stunning. The whole palette is just stunning, it feels so luxurious and really worth the money.

Nars Eye Shadow in Mekong - My lovely boyfriend bought me this last year and I've worn it to death. It's the perfect deep dark shimmery brown. I always wear this when I want to go for a striking smokey eye. Then I pair it with my next fave...

Mac Paint Pot in Constructionist - My go to smokey eye base, it's a lovely bronze wet look shade. I wear most of my brown shades over the top of it. It gives the shadow something to stick to and makes it last all day and night. There have been a couple of occasions, where I have accidentally forgotten to take my make up off in a drunken state and woke up in the morning with my smokey eye still perfect. That is a dedicated paint pot.  

Mac Antique Gold Reflects Glitter - I bought this at the start of 2014 and I've worn it for every night out since. I haven't seen a loose glitter as stunning this one and it really makes an impact. This year I found my love for glitter and it started with this. 

Sleek Brow Stylist - Ever since I tried this I've not used anything else. It's the perfect shape for getting the intense brow arch but doesn't look over the top at all either. Spooly the other end making it the perfect travel companion. Also a dupe for the Hourglass Brow Pencil thingy majig. 

Maybelline Brow Drama - I've tried a lot of brow gels over the past year but this is by far my favourite. It is tinted which means it doesn't leave that weird white crispy feeling to your brows but is strong enough to keep them in place all day without worry. Super wallet friendly too which just adds to the greatness. 

Benefit Hoola - Not going to lie, I thought Nars Laguna would fill this category but ever since I found this beaut I haven't used anything else. It's completely matte which looks a lot more natural. I find shimmery bronzers often can highlight my pores which I really hate. I bet this will be in a lot of 2014 faves.

Seche Vite - Can anything beat this? I think not.

Real Techniques Buffing Brush - Now this was a hard decision. It was between this and the Expert Face brush but after rekindling my love for this, I had to throw it in. It makes foundation application so effortless and perfect for a busy girl like myself.

Real Techniques Deluxe Crease Brush - Also a lazy girls best friend. Does everything, applies and blends at once, I probably use this everyday without fail. I need to buy more of these brushes.

Mac Patisserie Lipstick - My perfect nude, gorgeous pinky peachy nude. I know loads of other bloggers also love this, it's just perfection in lipstick form.

Mac Diva Lipstick - Whenever I have felt the need for a dark lip this is the only want I gravitate to. It's super matte and long lasting. Every Mac lover needs this in their collection. I love that Diva attitude.

Maybelline Colour Sensational Lip Elixir in Rose Defined - This is a newy for me, but I've worn it constantly for the last month so I thought it deserved a mention. It's just perfect.





I've tried to only include things that I've found this year and really loved otherwise this would be a looooooooott longger. I've not included any products that I really liked but thought they could be improved. I've tried to keep it quite minimal but there will be a few different parts to this edit. Honorable mention to the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer, Soap and Glory Kiss Ass Powder, Collection Liquid Liner, Urban Decay Primer Potion,  I'm only doing a make up faves because my hair and body products have mostly stayed the same from the year before so didn't think it would be worth it.

New Look's New Make Up - Review ...




New Look Pure Colour Shimmer Shadow in Truffle and Chestnut - £2.99
New Look Pure Colour Lipstick in Pink - £3.99

So New Look now do make up?! So obviously I had to try some out. It's all very aesthetically pleasing and they've got a really large range of products, so I was excited to try it. 
I bought two eye shadows, and one lipstick. I wanted to pick up some more bits but they didn't really have much by the time I went to pick some up. 
Eye shadows - I'll just be honest, I think these are a bit crap. They're really pretty shades but the pigmentation is not great. I felt like I was just applying the same shade over and over again without getting any good colour pay off. The shades I have are Chestnut and Truffle, lovely shades but I just wish great the colour that they are in the pan.

Lipstick - I bought the lipstick in Pink (very creative name) and this is better than the eye shadows but still not brill. The colour is really pretty and applies nicely but the scent really puts me off. It smells like that fake lipstick weird smell and makes me feel a bit rough. Also the packaging is strange, I've pulled it out my bag or pocket a few times and opened it and the bullet has been all the way rolled up so it squashes into the lid (my pet hate) which is really annoying. I have no idea why this happens but it really puts me off. I love lipsticks and it's awful when they end up everywhere and squashed. Just makes the whole application really messy and gross.

Sadly, I'm not impressed, in fact quite the opposite. I'm glad I didn't buy much from this range.


Jess xo


The Perfect Time Of Year For Glitter...



I love glitter all year round but, if you can't wear glitter at this time of year when can you?! Here's my easy guide to glitter for any type of girl. 

Let's Start Big - Mac do the best glitter, they're great and are available all year round. Any glitter you can think of, I'm sure they do. They come in quite a large pot which I'm sure will probably last forever! Really festive, really eye catching. Apply with a finger and a brush, just pat it over any eye shadow look to make it instantly festive. 

Prime, Prime, Prime - A primer is key to stick glitter, I've got this Too Faced Shadow Insurance Glitter Glue and it's brill. It leaves your lid tacky which perfectly sticks glitter onto the eye shadow. There are loads of great glitter glues out there, including mixing mediums so do some research into what kind of glitter look you want and get the appropriate one. 

Newbie? - If you're a newbie to glitter and don't want to go too intense and end up with glitter all down your face try a pressed pigment. You can use these like eye shadows rather than using a messy glitter. I have one from Mac called Day Gleam and the Charlotte Tilbury Dolce Vita Palette has an amazing one in which is just stunning.

A Festive Hint - Not feeling the full of glitter look? Try just using a glitter polish to add a festive hint to your favourite varnish. I have this amazing one from Essie called Summit Of Style, I've seen this everywhere and I can totally see why it's so loved. But a cheaper similar one is Treasure Chest by Barry M. 

Metallics - If you're still not feeling the whole glitter look but want to try something more effortless, try metallics. Glittery but not so in your face. Metallics always look really pretty and really grab the light, so pretty.  

Jess xo

Wishlist #49 - Christmas Day...

Wishlist #49 - Christmas Day...

Falling Back In Love...



Topshop Eye Shadow Palette - Sold out (similar)


We all know how brill Topshop make up is, it's gorgeous inside and out. It's purse friendly and they have a really great range. I've been shopping my stash recently and I found this treasure in there. I fell in love with this palette when I saw it in the shop but didn't really use it much when I actually bought it. The shades look different new and I wasn't too sure. But recently I've been applying the cranberry shade all over the lid with a fluffy brush then pressing the goldy shade over the middle of my lid for a little more dimension and I just love the way this looks. Then the lightest shade is the most perfect highlight for the inner corner or a brow bone glimmer. The gold is a really unusual antique colour unlike anything I've seen before and that's what drew me in first, but not my favourite shade is the purple. It remains me of Mac's Cranberry but slightly deeper and less pink. The eye shadows themselves are really lovely quality and actually surprisingly long lasting for a highstreet brand.
The only downer with Topshop make up is that they discontinue it continuously, they swap and change the packaging all the time but however, they always bring back very similar shades in newer collections so keep your eyes peeled. 


Jess xo

INSTA OOTD #1


 Dress - Asos (similar)
Boots - Missguided - £25 (similar)

Style isn't about sticking to the rules, it's about breaking them to suit you. When it comes to items being more appropriate for Summer, I love to layer them up and whack them out on those Winter days. A thick knit jumper or cardigan and some chunky boots can make any item Winter ready. I've fallen back in love with this tropical print strappy dress from Asos. It's quite unusual and gains a lot of attention. It is quite low and short which can make it revealing but with thick cotton tights and a jumper it doesn't look too risque at all. If you layer a thick over sized jumper over something like this then the little tropical hem just sticks out the bottom which creates quite an interesting twist to an otherwise boring outfit. These heeled boots are from Missguided, I love the buckle details. It gives them a more rock chick vibe. I really love grunging up an otherwise girly outfit. I love finding that middle ground between the two. I also paired this outfit with a chunky black chain to add to the over all look I wanted to achieve. 


Jess xo

A Must Have Homemade Beauty Hamper For Last Minute Gifts - High Street Version...



We've all had that moment where Christmas has arrived too soon and we're not ready. Whenever this fear strike me and it's for a female friend or family member I throw something like this together. Hampers are always a really fun and creative present to do and it's quite thoughtful too. I throw a hamper together of my favourite beauty picks, I love buying make up for people and thinking what will suit them, it doesn't have to be too expensive and you can get it all from your local Boots or Superdrug in one easy trip. I've grabbed a few things out of my collection as a simple guide if you're rubbish with make up. 

Think Festive - Think of the stereotypical make up looks you see around Christmas time, red lips gold eyes, glitter, etc. Interchangeable depending on what skin tone and hair colour your receiver has. 

Eye Shadow Palettes - Eye shadow palettes must be one of the easiest things to pick up for someone. They can be really gorgeous and you can't really go that wrong with one. 

Personal Touches - Think personally about your friend, colour and tones you see them in. If they like pink lipstick, get them your favourite pink lipstick, or coral blush, etc. 

If in doubt go for minis - Sample sizes and travel minis will be your best friends. They are a perfect way for them to try out products they might have never tried before. They're also cute and won't break the bank. 

Get Creative - Decorative paper and sequins will make everything more fun. I've just used an old piece of fabric in the photo in a pretty box but ideally I would of had pretty crumpled up paper inside and layer the products throughout it. Maybe even individually wrap everything to make it even more special. 

Jess xo

Too Faced Glitter Glue Shadow Insurance - Review...


I love glitter. There I said it. I'm an addict and I love it, especially at this time of year. Any opportunity I have to wear glitter I'm straight on that! Anyway, there's always one problem with glitter and that is sticking it to your eyes without ruining everything. This is actually the first 'glitter glue' I've tried but I've pretty impressed with this. It's not just a glitter glue, it is also a shadow primer. It makes shadow much more vibrant and also really gives it something to stick to. When you apply it, it feels very tacky on the lid which I thought I would really hate but actually it doesn't feel too weird. I also was worried whether it would actually make glitter stick to it once you've applied the shadow but it really does work. Glitters that I haven't been able wear before because of them not sticking to my lids before, I've been taking full advantage of now. The box that it comes in is huge which is annoying but besides that I really like the packaging, it's really pretty and I love the holographic details. You only need the tiniest amount of this otherwise things end up clumpy and weird but that means it'll really last a long time which is great. It's really annoying when you buy expensive products and they run out really quickly. I definitely think you get what you pay for with primers, there are rare occasions when you find fantastic primers in the drugstore but mostly I think it's something you're better investing in and getting something you love and really works for whatever you're wanting. 


Jess xo

My Favourite Lip Launch Of The Year...





I've already raved about these in a proper review when I only had one but I've now picked up a few more shades and I just adore them. It's a bold claim to make but these are my favourite lip launch of this year, they are amazing. If you don't own any of these go to your local Boots or Superdrug this moment and grab a few. They are like a liquid lipstick but they have a glossy finish rather than a matte one, which makes them really comfortable to wear. They have the light feeling of a lip gloss but the pigmentation and longevity of a lipstick. Out of all the shades I own my favourite is the Rose Defined shade, which is a really natural pretty pink shade. It goes with any make up look you go for so perfect for any occasion. They have a really great selection of shades and I'm sure there will be at least one shade for you, from nudes to dark purple shades, oranges and reds. You can apply one really thin layer for an almost balmy hint of colour or bulk up the layers for a really vibrant punch of colour. The packaging is just so lovely, stays really clean and is just really cute to pull out of your bag and apply. The doe foot applicator  makes it really easy to precisely apply the colour around the outside of your lips and your pesky cupid's bow. 
I'm so in love with this I think I might actually buy every shade in the collection even if I wouldn't normally buy the shade. Maybelline have really brought some amazing releases out this year and are definitely one to watch in the New Year. I'm looking forward to seeing what else they release. 



Jess xo


Freederm Daily Complex - Review


Recently I've been suffering from really sore spotty red skin and I cannot figure out what it's down to. I've taken my make up and skin care back to basics and nothing seems to be making much of a difference. It been mostly around my chin, patches of small sore spots, so if you are a skin expert and know what this might be down to, please let me know. I've tried to stay really basic with my skin care routine and only using things that I know my skin likes and removing my make up thoroughly and not leaving make up longer than it needs to be. One product that is new and my skin seems to quite like is this Freederm Daily Complex. I've been using this after cleansing my skin then leaving this on over night. I have been enjoying using this, it doesn't make a huge difference but it definitely soothes sore red skin and improves the appearance of them too. However it does not seem to prevent spots on my skin but it does over all improve the soreness and appearance of spots but that's fine. You can't win them all. Even my beloved Effaclar Duo doesn't seem to be working so I've spotted using that too incase it's that was is irritating my skin. 

Jess xo

A Combo To Die For ...




I'm sure you've all seen the hype surround this Rimmel Lip Liner in Eastend Snob and I'm fully for it but instead of keeping it matte, I've been going glossy. The most perfect pal for this raved about product is Maybelline's Colorsensational Elixir Lip in Rose Defined, I love this shade anyway but paired together is just the most perfect combination ever and I have been constantly wearing it every day since I discovered it. The two together are really long lasting too and I have worn this to work and at the end of the day it still looks really nice, so no need to touch up throughout the day, which is perfect for a busy girl. As you can see from the photo below it's a very subtle pretty shade not quite nude, not quite pink. Very pretty and unoffensive. 

Apologies for the awful iphone camera quality, need to invest!


Jess xo

Simple But A Goody...


Now, we all have those days where we cannot be bothered with lipstick/gloss whatever but want to avoid that foundation dead lip look or our lips are sore but don't want to just wear boring Vaseline. In times like this, this is my perfect go to lip treatment. It was the comfortable wear of a lip balm, the nourishing replenishment of a lip treatment and the colour of a lipstick. Now it's not very long lasting at all, but it's so easy to apply that I don't mind reapplying every few hours. It's so effortless that you can just apply without using a mirror which is perfect for a busy winter day. The colour pay off is really subtle but pretty and just gives that hint of colour, which goes with any make up look or outfit choice. Once you apply the Maybelline Dr Rescue Intense Care Baby Lips you get a slight tingley minty sensation with makes you feel like your lips are really being looked after. Unlike a lip treatment, it actually feels really light on your lips and sooth all those sore patches the cold weather creates. It's a proper gooden, so check it out. I received this as a freebie when I spent a certain amount on Maybelline so keep your eye out for that. 

Jess xo

Wishlist #47 - Sometimes you need that attitude...

Wishlist #47 - Sometimes you need that attitude...

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer - Review ...



I had high expectations for this primer, I've heard that Smashbox primers are suppose to be amazing so I was chuffed when I found this little sample and grabbed it. It's oil-free which is ideal for my skin type so i thought it would be perfect but actually I wasn't overly impressed with it. The texture of it is very siliconey feeling and actually feels slightly greasy which considering it's oil free is a bit strange. But after a few minutes it really sinks into the skin and leaves a lovely smooth feeling. It does improve the look of pores and creates a nice base for foundation application. I think a lot of people will really like this but for my oil skin it just doesn't control the oil at all and maybe even makes it a little worse. I would of probably liked this a few months ago before I discovered how amazing my skin can look with the Max Factor Skinfinity All Day Primer. I also really don't like the packaging, it looks like a super glue tube. But apparently according to the website you can apply this through wet hair to tame frizz which I haven't tried but I might.
I probably won't be purchasing the full size of this, it's just not for me, it doesn't work for my skin type. It does have a lot of awards though so maybe you'll love it.


Jess xo

Benefit Goodies A Go-Go - Review...






As I've gone on about before, I love the Christmas releases! So when I saw this I needed it, I thought it was good value for money and a really great way to try out a few products without forks our a lot of money on something you could hate. 
The set comes with four really pretty Autumn/Winter eye shadows, my fave is definitely the plummy red brown shade. But there's a great range of shades which can transform any look from day to night and can create a really great smokey eye. What I like about this kit is that the eye shadows are slightly different to the ones you normally see in palettes and sets. Right up my ally. Then it also comes with a mini Stay Don't Stray Primer which is super cute and I've really been enjoying it recently. I do think it's quite a decent primer but I'm not sure I'll be purchasing the full size basically because I don't think can replace my Urban Decay Primer Potion love. Finally it also comes with a They're Real Mascara too which I know loads of people love but unfortunately I do not. It Smudges loads on me so I don't wear it, so I gave it to one of my friends who hasn't tried it. 
I think this set would create a really great present, it comes in a really lovely tin which is super cute and way better than the cardboard that sets normally come in, which you can keep for other things after you used the set if you fancied it. 
I'm definitely going to check out the other tins that Benefit have brought out this Christmas, they're really cute and fantastic presents for any girl who loves beauty. 



Jess xo

L'oreal La Nude Palette in Rose - Review...


When a brand releases a new palette, I'm start on that. Palettes are my weak spot, I love them so much for some reason and I want them all. So when L'oreal released this beauty, I needed it in my life so that was the first thing I did. For a cheap palette this is really great, it's apparently very comparable to the Naked three palette and I can see why. It contains ten very warm rose shades, including a really pretty deep purple which is my favourite. The palette has a really lovely range of shades, for pretty much any look you would want to create, day or night. The shadows are really pigmented and great quality, they do have a slight powdery fall down but that's to be expected with a more high street, wallet friendly palette. Other than that I cannot think of any negatives. I'm not normally into these types of rose shades but I actually have been really enjoying using these shades and experimenting a lot more. 
If you're thinking about getting the Naked Three Palette then maybe try this one first, and then maybe invest in the Urban Decay one later on depending how much you love it. 


Jess xo

Easy Day To Night Nails - Festive Edition..


 Essie's Summit of Style.
Revlon's Vixen
Max Factor's Ruby Fruit 
Barry M Starlight and Moonlight.

Sometimes when you're going on a night out you just have to update your nails into party mode. Now, the easiest way to do this is simply adding a glitter top coat and this time of year is the perfect season for it. There's amazing glitter top coats absolutely everywhere at the moment from all brands so if you're looking for something specific then I'm sure you'll probably be able to find it at the moment!
Anyway, I think the most effective day to  night look is wearing a deep red/black base coat colour and then a gold glitter going into night. It's really effortless but without being too time consuming. My most loved combo for this at the moment is Relvon's Vixen or Max Factor's Ruby Fruit with Essie's Summit of Style over the top or recently I've found this glitter coat with little stars in, which is so festive and cute, which was from Barry M, so really doesn't break the bank at all.


Jess xo