Charlotte Tilbury II

  Some of you maybe aware of my love for luxurious, extravagant make up, such as Chanel, Tarte and of course Charlotte Tilbury. But unfortunately I am not able to afford a full face of these incredible products - well I could - but pizza. So instead I go for a few key pieces that I refer to as 'Forever Extras' 

By that I mean buying a few key pieces that you won't power through in a few months. For example I use Clinique make up everyday, and I have to replace my eyeliner and foundation every three months, my blusher every six. If I was spending luxury prices every time I'd have nothing left! So instead I see these pieces as an investment. A lipstick that I'll wear a few times a month, or a contour kit that I'll use for nights out. These are 'Forever Extras' the forever is obviously an exaggeration but what I mean by this is I can buy a lipstick and know it's not going to dwindle down really quickly. It will last and so is worth spending that little bit extra on.

Charlotte Tilbury's products are 100% worth it too! They all feel super silky on the skin and are full of nourishment to keep you feeling fantastic all day. Plus the rosey-gold packaging looks super sophisticated when you take it out your handbag in the bathroom of a restaurant. What I love most is they all evoke an image of the woman of yesteryear. Think Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe,  Jerry Hall, and just about every iconic woman of the last century. 

She has just released a new range alongside Norman Parkinson, the iconic fashion photographer. Using his photos of previous vogue shoots as inspiration. This is an era that I am a huge fan of. I have an epic love of all things vintage so to find a modern make up, drawing as much inspiration from the past as I do is fantastic.

This time when I went to the Charlotte Tilbury concession at  Selfridges I purchased two items. The Filmstar Bronze and Glow conturing set in Sun Tan + Sun Light. This comes in a beautiful little compact with the Jerry Hall Vogue cover for May 1975 on the top. The two colours and stunning as well and blend so easily. The Sun Tan is a lightweight silky smooth, mediterranean sand colour. You simply paint this on around temples, nose, hollows of your cheeks, basically anywhere the sun would naturally hit. The Sun Light creme is a shimmery gold with ground peal to instantly give your skin a summer glow. 

I also purchased a new Matte Revolution lipstick to wear with this look. The colour I bought however was not the Norman Parkinson collaborated Miss 1975, or the Miss Kensington. The colour I  bought is called Sexy Sienna. I would probably describe it best as a peachy, just off nude colour. Now don;t be put off by the fact it's Matte! It is the opposite of drying, your lips feel super nourished and full of moisture, and they don't look dull either. This collection of lipsticks reflect light brilliantly and give you a sumptuous, sexy pout.

I teamed this conturing holiday skin with a Matte Revolution lipstick I had bought previously. This one is called Bond Girl - sticking to that vintage image you see - and this is a dark yet muted, red wine stain colour. It's sexy and bold, and a perfect red lip if you can't get away with the glossy orange-red that Taylor Swift sports so often.  This is probably my favourite lip colour of all time. It's a subtle red, oozing sophistication and works perfectly with the majority of my outfits - especially if I'm having a goth day!

If you are unsure on all these luxury products but like me want a few key pieces I would have to direct you to Charlotte Tilbury.  I truly believe you get what you pay for and for these fantastic products the slightly steeper price is completely justified! + if you're a sucker for cute packaging like me, you won't be disappointed either!

What I'm Wearing: Killjoy

There are days when I like to pretend I'm something else. I used to dress up all the time as a child and had probably the worlds biggest dress up box.  On top of that I love fantasy, sci-fi and action films and books. So I can get very absorbed in make believe world where Intergalactic Vagabonds are all that stands between this world and total destruction. So this outfit today comes from one of those super nerdy moments. I called it Killjoy because to be honest my biggest inspiration for this sort of Back to the Future steampunk came from an album called 'The Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys' by My Chemical Romance (oh) I also studied every video super in depth for my combined story/photography project.

Leather Jacket - Vintage (similar here)

Black High-Neck Crop Top - Missguided

Pineapple Dress - H&M (similar here)

Midnight Navy Disco Pants - American Apparel

Cut Out Wedge Heels - New Look (similar here)

Violet Agate Slick Necklace - Crystal Cactus

Lipstick in Wicked - Topshop

Sunglasses - Topshop

I really love this look, it's a bit different but not overly out there. I love all the layers and how much is going on in this outfit. But if you are interested in seeing where my inspiration for this outfit came from I've posted the videos below.

My Chemical Romance - Na Na Na



My Chemicla Romance - Sing

Just look at those biker leathers, desperation to save the world, rollerblades and weird masked villains! Do you get inspired by weird things like this?

Beauty in the Gutter: Tessa Metcalfe Jewellery

Last Sunday I was at London Fashion Weekend, whilst on the first floor of Somerset House I stumbled across this gorgeous little stand in the jewellery room. That stand was adorned with a taxidermied pigeon and beautiful little gold claws grasping and precious stones. That was Tessa Metcalfe. On the train ride home I scoured the website and fell in love with almost everything on it.

They're stunning in a creepy, fairytale, slightly morbid, mythological way. Which considering the artist her self is inspired by Hans Christian Anderson's Ugly Duckling is really very apt. All the pieces are cast from pigeon feet found around the city of London as road kill or that have met their end naturally, this ties in fantastically with her 'Finding Beauty in the Gutter' approach to art and never letting anything go to waste.

Her entire collection changes the way you look at the 'rodents of the sky' and instead you see them as a beacon of forgotten, fantastical, beauty. 

The collection tends to be created out of solid silver with gold plating detail and beautiful precious stones such as sapphires, rubies and opals. To me they are directly conjuring images of an Angelina Jolie inspired Maleficent, dark, deadly but beautiful and bizarre. Imagine a taloned claw of a magnificent wicked witch grasping a crystal ball in the highest room of the tallest tower - and that's what this jewellery line is.

Some of my favourite pieces are the Pigeon Grasp Claws with London Blue and Swiss Topaz Rings and the Hexagonal Prism Aquamarine Necklace. I love this ring because of the way the claws look like they're clinging to your finger, but what I like even more is the fact that these tiny little claws have there own tiny little rings made from beloved classic stones. The necklace I think is incredible because from the front it looks like the aquamarine crystal is only held in place by these two bird claws holding it. The optical illusion make it a stunning piece of jewellery.

Some of these pieces are expensive, and probably don't suit everybody's budget. But they are the most exquisite pieces of jewellery I have ever come across - so well worth every penny. But more than that there are many pieces that are available for less that £100!

To shop Tessa Metcalfe Jewellery and have your own piece of fairytale law, click here.

All images are from the Tessa Metcalfe Website.

London Fashion Weekend

This Sunday I was lucky enough to attend London Fashion Weekend at Somerset House with my best friend. Fashion Weekend is basically a huge pop up shop. You get to see all the new designs and current trends at a discounted price. I'm serious about the discounts there was a stunning teal green bag down from £380 to less than £100! 

It's a super affordable way for all you fashionistas to get your fashion week fix. Tickets start at just £20 and depending on how much you pay determines what you get. We had a Silver level ticket which gets you in, a free goody tote bag, and into a fashion show. If you love fashion, shopping or just fancy a great day out it's so worth it.

The fashion show we saw was Sibling of London. Sibling was launched in 2008 as a collaboration between three different designers. They stand for impact and power. As the lovely lady who introduced it said; 'the sibling girl is pretty, but she's also a bit of a tomboy'. This being my persona I connected straight away. It's bright and bold but with full monochromatic looks in every shade of blue, white, orange and black. There was lots of glitter, out-there prints, oodles of raffia and hand crocheted dresses. Not to mention the gigantic bows each model wore on her head - an accessory I'm definitely after this Spring/Summer! 

I love how free and preppy all of these looks are. As the first t-shirt clad model hit the stage I was instantly transported to a Summer BBQ on sandy shores, and as the show went on I saw more and more outfits that were so perfect! Everything from crisp white playsuits, body flattering midi dresses, to little bra lets with hip-skimming skirts - even a 'monster jumper'.

The pop up shop spread across two main floors of Somerset house as well as filling each wing. Upstairs there was lots of jewellery and accessories, one of the most incredible jewellery designers I saw there was Tessa Metcalfe, who's entire collection of is cast from pigeons feet, but don't worry that there aren't any pictures - there is a whole post on this coming up later this week! 

Each room or wing had something different, there was a room for blue hues, sunny yellows, high end there was even an entire room of fur! It was quite a spectacle to behold. The whole event was just stunning, if a bit crowded. Imagine TKmaxx crossed with Disneyland. 

In fact that's what it should be called: Not London Fashion Weekend, but instead Fashion Disneyland. 

I have also created a little 'What's In My Bag' for the event. The black lace top and small paper bag were part of what I bought while shopping all these exclusive designs. I have also shown the tote bag they were giving away as part of your free gift, and most of the rest of it came in that bag. So I got a new masscara, some blow out spray, a bag of urban fruit, make up wipes, and, a mini Lavazza coffee bag - which I adore being a coffee girl myself! We also got some magazines in the bag which made the two hour train ride home a bit easier. The little cards are just business cards and postcards for some of the brands I loved as I walked round.

I hope this post gives you just a glimmer at how amazing it was. I hope you all go next time, even if just for the excitement before that got me through a very busy Saturday at work. It's a truly incredible event, and one that is very well organised with completely lovely door staff and announcements to let you know what's going on where.

I hope to see you all there next time!

Herbal Essences: The Hair Greats

For the past hundred years I've been hating my hair. It's thin, it breaks, it splits, it doesn't grow, I can;t do anything with it... and so on. I used to reminisce about the old days when my hair was healthy, I tried a thousand different shampoos and conditioners and treatments trying to find something to help. I tried everything, thickening, moisturising, coloured, damaged, anything! But none of it helped. It still broke, it was never shiny and I had just accepted that this is what my hair is now.

Until one day I walked down the hair aisle in Asda, and there it was! Herbal Essences Original Sensuously Smooth shampoo and conditioner with ginger, cinnamon and banana. I think my mum used to use this on me and my sister when we were very, very young, and I thought 'hey why not, I've tried everything else.' 

It was the best purchase I ever made! on top of smelling delicious for three days straight, my hair shines like the sun's glinting off it, it tumbles in beautiful soft, shimmery waves, it doesn't break when I tie it up. + the best bit? I don't find myself clutching handfuls of hair in the shower after washing it. It's been a life changer. 

I'm sure the reason for this incredible finish is the fact that it's 100% silicone free! It leave dry and damaged hair fully replenished the best condition you ever remember. After one wash I noticed an instant change and uplift in my hair. By the end of my first bottles I wouldn't even consider going to anything else. 

Thank you Herbal Essences, my hair once again is fabulous!

Top Products of 2014

Today katherineharriet.co.uk is one year old (hooray!) and is tribute I am going to give my my favourite products for the new year, which was the first post I ever made as well. This year I have moved from the drug store products, to high end cosmetics, and danced with everything in between. So here I have the products that worked there way into my life this year.

The Retoucher by Charlotte Tilbury - This is a fantastic anti-reflective concealer. It's ideal if you like a soft, matte complexion and it's thick silky formula mean it hides blemishes and dark circles in seconds. Th fact it has a pen like shape with a brush nib means it's also really easy to contour, a dab on your chin, cupids bow, nose and each eye is all you need for a bone structure worthy of the red carpet.

Moisture Surge by Clinique - The super fast absorbing oil free compound in this little pink pot is every make up addicts dream. You all know you need to moisturise before you put on your make up, but many of you may struggle with the issues of peeling. Where the moisturiser and foundation combo makes for flaking and an uneven complexion. This however is lapped up by skin in moments, and the rest of your make up can go on without a glitch. 

Gimme Brow by Benefit - Now when it comes to the eyebrow trend of 2014, we all know bigger is better. Thanks to miss Cara Delevinge we can do away with the tweezers, however they still need to be groomed and even. These little miracle workers are like mini mascaras for your eyebrows. They fill out the more sparse bits, and set them beautifully solid.

All About Eyes Serum by Clinique - This is my most recent and most loved product of the year. It's cooling and quick absorbing serum means it's a twos second job to combat tired eyes and dark circles. However - better yet - it's the best headache reliever ever! Roll it around your temples, and the metal ball/cooling liquid combo is like heaven.

I hope you guys will try a few of these products in the new year because honestly - they have been life changing. I wish you all a fantastic New Year and I'll see you all again in 2015!

20 Things For 20 Year Old Women

I know there are a lot of these sort of posts going around at the minuet, with helpful advice, and funny jokes for every woman everywhere. Some are funny, and they all make you feel better when you're having a hard time because it's just nice to know that every other woman in the western world is going through the exact same thing as you. I decided to do one myself for just 365 days (366 if it's a leap year) of every woman's life.  In the time since I turned twenty, a lot, a lot of stuff has happened, and I feel like I have some little nuggets of advice to give anyone newly entering the third decade of their lives.

1) The Job You're in is Not Your Life

Working in a coffee shop, or in retail or answering the phone for your Dad's window cleaning business is all fine. You are twenty, you don;t need to have your crap together yet, so you're not working for Vogue and wearing Louboutin's - very few actually are. If you have enough money to impulse buy a Topshop playsuit, go for drinks with your mates, then your'e doing great. Your job should only ever be to fund your life, it shouldn't be your life.

2) Your Family are the Best

They will always support you and love you and pick you up when you need it. They will text you at random intervals with the two words 'You ok'. They are one of the main reasons why you are the wonderful person in the mirror today. Everybody's family is different I know, but the family I mean in this sense are the people who will never let you go too far from them, that always keep you near - even if you're on the other side of the globe. Even though you are now and adult, you are forever a baby to your parents.

3) Relationships Take Two

You do not have to be in a relationship when you're 20. In fact you don't even need to have ever been in one. But one day you will be and this is an important fact. They take two people giving 50/50. Not one giving 100%, not one giving 70% and the other 30% - not even 55/45. Any relationship you enter into - and I mean any from love of your life to friends with benefits needs to be equal. If you are the one putting in all the effort you need to get out. Likewise if you're putting in less than your partner you need to get out. For your sake and theirs. You are amazing by yourself, a relationship should only enhance your life.

4) Friendships Will Always Be There No Matter How Long It's Been

I don't have a great many friends, I have people I enjoy spending time with, but as for friends, I can count them on one hand. I have two fantastic, strong, independent best friends though, who I see very rarely now. One is at University so I only see her at Christmas and Summer, and the other works office hours which conflict with my retail all day everyday hours. But no matter how long it's been, we will still talk like nothing's changed, we still debate sexism, talk about our futures and drink copious amounts of coffee. If I went a year without hearing from them and then met up for a coffee, we would still be those three fifteen year old girls on the cycle track behind the school on a Wednesday talking about bearded guys.

5) A Long Bath and a Haircut Will Change Your Perceptive

So your manager yelled at you, the guy you like won't text you back, everyones out of the house and you feel like the world just got too small? I've been there - you've been there - the girl three rows behind you on the bus has been there. Invest in some Lush bath bombs and always have some in stock. Run a hot bath, put on a face mask and listen to a playlist of Taylor Swift, P!nk and Lily Allen. Your mood will boost. Then go to your hairdressers and get your locks chopped. You will come out that salon feeling like a new woman who can take on the world. 

6) Speak Up

Just because you're that girl who likes to keep people happy doesn't mean you have to be miserable. If something happens at work, at home or on the street that makes your blood boil - say something! You were born with a mouth so use it. If the boys at work are being offensive about women you can snap at them. It is inappropriate comments made to you about your arse, boobs or what it would be like to sleep with you, you can fight back. You do not have to listen to it. If someone slams your beliefs in Buddhism, you can snap at them. If someone tries to lecture you on how bad it is to be vegan with 'facts' - you can fire back with actual facts.

7) Keep at It and You Will Get There

I know you have big, crazy dreams. What would be crazy is if you didn't. I know it's hard to get a step on the ladder of your career though, because everyone want's experience before they'll give you a job - or even an unpaid internship - but how can you get the experience if no one will take you on? It's hard and difficult - and even more difficult if your for-go university. But if you keep on working, and quietly plugging away and trying our very best, eventually you will get there.

8) Where Were You When You Were Ten?

I'm sure you once thought that by the time you were twenty you'd have it all figured out, and you feel like you're no where. But when you were ten did you have your life together? Did you earn yoru own money? Did you even know what you wanted to do? No, of course not. In those ten years what did you do? You might have run for school council and had a new water fountain put in.  You might of had your work displayed in the main foyer of the college. You might of had a new article about you in the local paper. Now look at how far you've come - you're actually pretty successful.

9) Move Out

I do not mean this in anyway that if you haven't you are Wolowitz from Big Bang Theory. If it makes sense, and you can afford it and you have someone to move in with - do it. You learn so much about yourself and just what your capable of once you say goodbye to your parents. Yes, I do still go home for at least one night a week, but I am finically independent and I am out in this big wide world. I still feel scared because for the first time in my life I'm relying completely on myself, but it's also rather freeing because I'm completely relying on myself.

10) Pilates and Yoga are Life Long Friends

Your body when you twenty is likely to be the best it ever has been or ever will be. If you want it to stay like that you do need to lead a healthy lifestyle. I'm not saying cut the chocolate and Two for Tuesday's at Domino's, but if you remember to exercise at least once a week you will be the better for it. Plus yoga is really calming, makes me feel much better and happier after a long day.

11) Cut the Neggy

There are some people in your life who's soul purpose is to drag your right down and make you feel small. You do not need these people. They are poison. Cut them loose now before they make a lasting effect on your life.

12) Money Does Not Grow On Trees

Believe me, and that last week of the month os going to be a hell of living on porridge and getting up extra early to walk to work if you aren't careful. Save money when you can, because you never know what might happen. You might loose your job, in which case you would be really glad of some savings. Or you might get offered a fantastic job opportunity in New York and you will need that money for starting your new life. Budget everything, save everything else, and you'll be ready for anything.

13) It's Okay to be Wrong

You are going to cock up a lot. You will argue a point to the death only to have someone show you the evidence to the contrary. You will say hurtful things that you will regret and have to apologise for you. You will make huge devastating life choice that you regret. It's all okay. Just keep going through, one day at a time and always be humble. You will be fine.

14) You are the Only Person Who Really Cares About Your Body

Honestly. Think about how much you care about your body - everyone else cares about theres just as much. In fact they're all so wrapped up caring about their body that they really haven't got the time to care about yours. 

15) Let It Go

No, not the song. That thing you obsess over at 1am when you can't sleep? The one that still make you hang your head in shame? Yeah let it go - no one even remembers it anymore, only you.

16) Wine By Yourself at 3 pm is Perfectly Acceptable

Life sucks sometimes, pour some red wine, watch friends, have a little cry. It's normal. Sometimes you have a crap day and your friends are all busy, or your having a normal day but you just need an alcohol induced lift. It's fine, I promise you.

17) What You Class as Fun Might be Different to Everyone Else

Some people like to be home by 11, have a shower and read a book. Others like to spend money to get into a club and spend more money. Both have their merits. But if you enjoy one, and your friend enjoys the other, leave them to it. Maybe join them a couple of times, and they might join you next. But do not shame someone because they say 'I'm going to call it a night' when the party's just starting.

18) Having Emergency Chocolate in Your Sock Drawer is Fine

It is better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it. It makes us all feel slightly happier. But invest in the good stuff. A bar of Lindt dark chocolate is going to make you much happier than pound shop cheap rubbish.

19) Good Skin Care Now is Going to Save You in Another Decade

Like your body, your skin is probably in the best condition it ever has or ever will be. Post acne, and Pre wrinkles. But to prolong that for as long as possible, moisturise with a good brand now, wear spf all year round, and always take off make up. Your skin will thank you.

20) Everything is Always Okay in the End

Sometimes shit happens. But it will always be okay, everyone has shit thrown at them, and it's how you respond that defines you. If everything is truly awful, call your Dad or your Mum and make a plan. Once you have a plan everything is much better. Plus you can always get out. Yes you can get out of that job you hate even though you need to pay the bills. Yes you can break up with the person who is making you feel awful. Yes you can be incredible. Yes you can be the role model your daughter will look up to. If it's not okay - it's not the end.

What I'm Wearing: Layering Grey

I'm sure you're all getting sick of this oversized burgundy shirt I keep wearing, but it's just so universal! It's my favourite item of clothing and in one of my favourite colours. This deep red colour compliments pale skin and dark hair fantastically as well as being right on trend at the minuet. I usually wear it as an over shirt, but I decided to mix it up today and put it under something else. So I used this super cheap grey jersey dress and went for a different take.

Chiffon Oversized Button Up Shirt in Port - American Apparel

Grey Bodycon Dress - Missguided (Similar Here)

Brown Plaited Belt - Asos (Similar Here)

Triple Layered Necklace - Topshop

Love Note Necklace - Rock'N'Rose 

Two Saphire and Diamond Rings - Vintage

Single Crystal Ring - Vintage

Chevron Midi Ring - Astrid and Miyu

Faux Moonstone Ring - Topshop (Similar Here)

Use The Force Friendship Bracelet - Dress Code

Cat Tapestry Lita's - Jeffrey Campbell

Nails in Burnt Romance - Vinylux 

Black Liquid Eyeliner in Quill - Lime Crime

Wine Coloured Lip Pencil - Ted Baker Christmas Gift Set

Layered Earrings - New Look (Similar Here)

I wasn't too sure on how this outfit would work in my head, but after wearing it all day, I like it. It's a bit different to what my usual go to outfit is. I think the long sleeves and floaty-ness of the blouse balances the shortness of the mini dress, keeping it modern and flirty without being too in your face. This is definitely going to be a A/W'14 go-to look for me!

Lush Stuff

I have been an advocate for Lush products since I was about 14. My mum bought me and my sister a little variety box that had in a bath bomb, a sugar scrub, some moisturisers and that was it. No turning back. I've been hooked ever since. I love everything about Lush, I love the smell when you're walking down a street and coming up to a shop, I love the people who work there, all lovely and kind, I love what they stand for, I love that when you make a purchase you feel as though you've made a small difference in the world. 

They are always bringing out new products so if you're ever in there I'd try and get your hands on their free magazine, it's free and gives you a run down of their latest products and what product is best for specific issues, as well as interesting articles. However there are some things that I will just always buy in Lush. As in when one runs out, a new one comes home that same day. So much so that my roommate has had to accept that there is a 'Lush Shelf' in our bathroom.

This is a walk through of my fav Lush Stuff, and if you're unsure one what to get, give any one of these a go.

Cosmetic Warrior Fresh Face Mask - This face mask was recommended to me when I spoke to one of their helpful members of staff. Now I have pretty good skin, it's normal and doesn't get spotty too often, but when I do have breakouts they're huge. This one is a lovely gentle soothing face mask. It's packed with tea tree oil, which is antibacterial and smells fresh and clean. It has green grapes in too cool the skin after a long day. The garlic in the product is probably the best though, it cleans deep and works brilliantly with tea tree oil to cleanse skin better than ever before. Smooth over your faces once a week, and keep refrigerated. (but tell your Dad! Otherwise he might open it, think 'mm that smells quite good' and put it on toast - yes my Dad actually did this!)

Dragon's Egg Bath Bomb - This is the best thing ever! As it dissolves it changes colour like a Willy Wonka Ever Lasting Gobstopper, with lovely papery flakey scales swimming around you.  Once it's fully dissolved you feel like royalty sitting in a shimmery, glittery gold pool. It's reminiscent of that scene in Voyage of the Dawn Treader in Narnia where the sword is in the lake full of golden objects, and the water itself turns anything that touches it gold. It smells fresh and fruity with a citrus-y lemon-y scent.

Bohemian Soap - I don't think I've actually ever bought this one myself, but for every birthday/Christmas/event I tend to get at least one Lush box, and this is in almost every one of them. It's fantastic and is my go to soap. It smells amazing, clean and packed with lemon oil, rapeseed oil, and coconut oil. It's softening and smells as good as it looks, uplifting and energising.

A French Kiss Bubble Bar - This is the perfect way to send you off to sleep after a long day. Lavender aids in a restful sleep, as does being warm and cosy a good half hour before going to bed. It starts your brain unwinding and so you can drift off to sleep more easily. Break a bit off and crumble it under running water, before you know where you are, you'll have a tub full of bubbles and room full of calming scents. This bubble bar also contains coconut oil to moisturise skin in a non greasy way. Pure bliss.

Buffy Body Butter - I swear by this miracle product. I used to suffer with cellulite on the backs of my thighs and on my bum. I started using this on the problematic areas a few months a go and now you wouldn't even know I'd ever suffered with it. Whilst in the shower I just scrub this over my thighs, bum and tummy, working it in well all over and then rinsing. The ground almonds exfoliate skin leaving it soft and rejuvenated. It's also packed with cocoa butter, lemon oil and lavender oil, to make for a skin-calming experience. It leave skin feeling as soft and dewy as that of a baby. I wouldn't have a shower now without this trusty product with me. It has saved my bikini bod.

Hottie Massage Bar - A favourite of mine and my boyfriends. We have tried many of the Lush massage bars over the years and we both agree that this is the best. The bobbles on it are great for getting in-between your vertebrae to release tension. It smells warming, and amazing, great for cold winter evenings what with the ginger and black peppery smell emanating from it. Simply place on your other half's back, or best friend, or sibling or whoever to work up an oily surface, then work in. It's relaxing and soothing, and after you've done them - they do you! It aids in circulation and releases stubborn knots. It's also made with a cocoa butter base meaning afterwards your skin is super nourished. 

These are permeant fixtures in my bathroom now, and I couldn't make it through a pamper day without all of these. What are your favourite Lush products? Have you tired any of these?

*All photos found through Google Images

5 Everyday Miracle Workers

Although a stream line cat flick is my war paint, there are a few things that I just don't feel human without anymore. These five products I use every single day and they are completely incredible - I don't know how I ever made it through a day with out them. They are sort of high end, but I think it's one of those things where you can quite happily use budget make up every day of your life, but when you make that first step into premium cosmetics there's no turning back. Your entire make up collection for £50, turns into a collection worth upwards of a few hundred.

Now I didn't just splurge one day and buy all of it, this has been two years building, two years of accumulating and growing, as one product ran out, a higher price bracket one followed. But now I'm here with these wonder products and I will be loyal to these for the foreseeable future. They're perfect for my skin type in almost every way.

1) Clinique Moisture Surge - This is a dream come true for me! I used to skip over the moisturising part of my skincare routine because whenever I did my foundation wouldn't hold properly and would peel off in clumps. When I found this though I knew. The fact it's a gel rather than a lotion means it doesn't sit on the skin for ages causing clumping, or making your skin look greasy. It absorbs in seconds and you only need a tiny amount to do your whole face. The soft pink colour of the gel is lovely as well. It just looks nice on your vanity surrounded by other pretty packages. If there is one thing I'm a sucker for - it's nice packaging.

2) Clarins Ever Matte Mineral Powder Compact in Transparent Fair 02 - This is my go to sculpting powder, using a tapered blush brush I dust this in a big E around each side of my face. It gives instant cheek bones and blends out any left over foundation lines in an instant. Although it's a powder it has a creamy - almost velvety texture about it. It feels super luxurious and the little red velvet bag it comes in adds to that feeling. I opted for this colour because I wanted something a touch darker than my skin so I could contour properly. I think this does it perfectly, and considering I'm not a huge fan of glitter and shimmer the complete matte of this compact is ideal, however it doesn't look stale or dark, it reflects light brilliantly and offers users a healthy glow.

3) Charlotte Tilbury The Retoucher in 2 Fair - This little tube is the other half to my contouring trick. I sweep a little of this over the centre of my forehead, down my nose, under my eyes and along the top of my cheek bones towards my hair line, and also on my chin and cupids bow, these are all the areas that I want a little bit lighter. The fact that again this is quite a matte liquid is perfect, it doesn't reflect light as much as the compact which makes for a balanced face, rather than dazzling brightness. This lifts the dark circles under my eyes and softens the lines of my nose, and teaming that with a darker powder means I have a super easy contour without really even trying.

4) Estée Lauder Perfectionist Foundation - The one I actually have in this picture is Resilience Lift, but it's been discontinued and replaced with this one which is basically the exact same thing. Both brighten, lift and hydrate, improving the look of radiance. Both have an SPF rating, the new one actually has a higher SPF than the one I'm currently using, it is important to use products with sun protection in even on cloudy days to protect skin from drying and ageing before it's time. The formulas themselves are enriched with anti ageing properties, and although I can't speak for whether they work in that respect they do lift and make your face feel fresher and slightly more taught - and definitely more radiant. 

5) Eco Tools Eye Enhancing Duo Set - These double ended brushers are the best thing if you like to wear multiple eye colours at a time. I like to wear a light colour all over, followed by a mid tone brightening colour from half way along the lid to the outer corner and a darker shade around the outer corner and in the crease. The fact theres four brushes in the set means you never get a dark colour mixing with the lights. The different shape of each brush also lends itself to different tasks. A small round one for all over dusting and blending; a flat fan shaped brush for layering up colour; a small stubby flat edge brush for blending and shading; and a final angled brush ideal for either lining along the lash line, or for filling in eyebrows. 

These are five outstanding products and I would recommend them  to anyone and everyone. They're all the best at what their job is and each one is well worth the money you spend on them. I bought all of these between three - six months ago and I'm not even close to seeing the end of their lives and having to replace them. So when you're only buying two or three a year you can afford a slightly more expensive product.

What are your can't-live-without essentials? Have you tried any of mine?

Ted Baker Christmas Make Up Boxes

I know my other half will flip when he sees the title of this because it's too early to even mention the C-word. But It's coming at you like a dark horse, we're just over a month away from Christmas and it makes sense to get a jump on gift shopping or you'll find yourself panicking the week before and you'll end up buying everyone a Terry's Chocolate Orange.

These are two lovely little Ted Baker sets from Boots, they're in the 3 for 2 gift offer which just means you get more for your money. These are an ideal gift if you have a make up addict friend or sister who just buys everything for themselves anyway. For example last year, three days before Christmas I ran out of my favourite concealer and posted it on Instagram, but I bought more later that day, not realising my dad had seen the post and bought me some more as a stocking filler! Make up addicts know what they need, and they know what they want, and they probably want quality. So it's hard to buy them something they wouldn't buy for themselves without spending a fortune. However these sets are perfect!

They're pretty reasonably priced at only £15 each, and you get a lot for that money. I think some people might be put off because it's 'branded' make up. By that I mean it's created by a company that don't really do make up for a one off occasion, so it might not be as good quality as dedicated make up brands. But this is where brand knowledge comes in. When a brand like Ted Baker are involved you have to think of what they stand for. Ted Baker make quality clothes, on trend and flattering. The same therefore must be said for anything they agree to put their name too. They wouldn't put their name to something they thought was rubbish.

So with that in mind I have to say they delivered! I bought the 'The Kiss Of Ted' lip box and 'Shades In Waiting' eye box. The lip box is fantastic. It comes with a cute compact mirror and a silky lip balm on one side. The other side has a deep wine red-purple chubby lip pencil, a velvety bright red lipstick and a matte red lip liner. The pigments in each of these is just amazing! They're super vibrant and true to the colours on the packaging. The lip pencil and lip stick compliment each other perfectly so you can get the perfectly defined pout, and what's even better is the chubby pencil is a to die for glossy texture, and a colour i had been coveting from Clinque for months, but I got it here as part of a set for the same price - if not less!

The eye box is incredibly well made too. It comes with an eyebrow pencil and tweezers so your face can be perfectly framed. It also comes with a felt tip liquid eyeliner pen in inky black, ideal for that perfect feline flick. The mascara that comes with this set I really didn't think much of, I thought the brush would be thin and bristly and the product itself would be clump inducing - it was anything but! The wand had separating rubber bristles and the product was smooth and jet black - it's the best mascara I've used in a long time to be honest with you!

The three eyeshadows in this pallet I was a bit wary of as well, I usually stick to either a flat neutral pallet on my eyes or go really super smokey, but always keeping a cat flick. So the champagne, olive green and pewter silver were new territory for me. They have a lovely metallic sheen to them and go on super smoothly, they have a slight liquid texture once on skin which made blending them really easy, and actually I think the olive green tone really compliments dark brown eyes like mine, it lifts them. So dark eyed beauties - take note!

To create the look above I put on my usual base and contouring and then carefully lined my lips with the red lip pencil. I filled them in with the chubby purple colour, after this I rolled my lips together to blend the red and purple seamlessly. One my eyes I coloured the centre of my eyelid with the olive colour and blended into the inner corner with the light champagne tone. On the very outer part of my lid I smudged some of the pewter eyeshadow to create a green toned smokey eye. I finished with a cat flick and lashings of mascara.  

I hope this in someway helps with your christmas shopping, or gives you a new pallet to crave if you're a make up obsessive like me. 

Ted Baker, The Kiss Of Ted - Boots

Ted Baker, Shades In Waiting - Boots