Recap of 2014...

2014 has sure been a good'un. Don't we all say that, but I honestly think this year has been pretty huge for me. Without sounding like a cliché - I've definitely grown as a person. I've really 'found myself' and feel much more confident due to the past few months. And I put that down to starting sixth form. I'm so glad I've graduated from high school; sixth form is much more independent. It allows you to be you. I love all my subjects and have made some lovely friends. But earlier in the year, there was a lot of fun to be had; Taylor Swift concert, prom, my annual holiday etc. I've really been able to relax and chill, and I guess maybe that's why I understand a little bit more about me. Anyway, enough cheesy business. Here's a few snaps of 2014!

Taylor Swift concert in January

Celebrating my birthday and Mother's Day

My school prom

I met ViviannaDoesMakeup and Lily Pebbles!

I got to travel to the wonderful Italy!

Enjoying the last of summer

Visiting the Tower of London poppies

The beginning of the festive season

Having fun at the end of the year

A big thanks to everyone who flicked through, read, followed or commented on my blog this year! You are all very special people! Happy New Year - may next year be bigger and better!

What I Got For Christmas 2014!

I'm back! I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and Boxing Day - now bring on New Year's! As usual, I'm here to tell you all about my Christmas pressies. This is not an opportunity to boast or brag; but simply, I love reading this post on other blogs and hearing what they got, so perhaps you might all be interested in what my lovely family got me! Also, if any products take your fancy, hopefully you guys will be able to purchase them in the sales! Without further ado, let's dig in!

What's a Christmas without a bit of choccie, ey? As you can see, quite a few have gone already from the Hotel Chocolate Christmas H-Box and I think it's safe to say the Mulled Wine truffle is my absolute fave. With chocolate melting in my mouth, and How To Be Parisian (an incredibly funny read!) in my hand, I'm well away in a magical land.

Now onto skincare! I was recommended the Bioderma Sébium H20 by my local chemist and she obviously put a word in for Santa. What a babe she is. This product is aimed for those with oily/ spot prone skin - and I've already noticed a difference with just a few uses. 

I'm so happy and thankful for the Origins Best of Both Worlds set! You all know how much I adore this brand and their products.

I am seriously in love with this Nars Eye, Cheek and Lip Palette - everything about it is gorgeous; the colours, the packaging, the quality. In in a similar light, the Smashbox All for Eyes kit is also lovely. The set includes a mascara, under-eye primer and 3 eyeshadows. I've never tried an under-eye primer before but now, I can really see an improvement in my concealer. From both sets, the eyeshadow colours team perfectly with the Clinique Whole Lotta' Chubby lipsticks. I LOVE these - I'm hoping to do a review in the New Year.

From L-R: Smashbox All For Eyes (first 3), Nars Eye, Lip and Cheek set (next 6). Top to bottom: Clinique Whole Lotta' Chubby lipsticks - Whopping Watermelon, Plushest Punch, Pudgy Peony and Grandest Grape.

Lipgloss - Dolce Vita, blusher - Daydream, bronzer - Laguna, eyeshadows - exclusive to palette

Then finally some sleep products. Alongside chocolate, a Christmas is never the same if you don't receive socks from Santa! The Cath Kidston Bed Socks are super thick, cozy and warm - perfect for those chilly Winter nights. Speaking of nights (or writing in this case!), the This Works Deep Sleep Duo has made me fall asleep at the blink of an eye. The relaxing lavender smell is so heavenly.

And that is all I got for Christmas! I'm very happy and thankful for all I received this year!

What did you all receive from Santa? Let me know in the comments!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas 2014! Blogmas was very successful and I am most certain that I will be doing it again next year! Obviously, this means the end of daily blogging and will return to once/ twice a week! Thank you very much for reading!

Get Ready With Me: Christmas Birthday Bash...

BLOGMAS: DAY 24 

Yesterday was my sister Jess' 20'th birthday! To celebrate, we headed to a nearby luxury hotel for lunch. We dressed up all fancy and rushed out the door. But first - get ready with me!

To begin with the makeup I applied a new (to me) primer. I really like it; it feels like half-way between a moisturiser and a primer, which I rather like.

Then a quick buff of Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation and Nars Creamy Concealer. Specific spot concealing is later.

For brows, I turned to my trusty pencil, whilst the eyes were dolled up in this, finished with mascara.

To inject colour and life into my pale face, I faked a glow with Bourjois Blusher in Rose D'Or, and Body Shop Honey Bronzer.

I wanted to come back to specific spot concealing for now, as the foundation has had time to set therefore the concealer will last much longer - a great tip for oily skinned ladies like me! I dusted a little powder to reduce shine.

Et voila! Now for hair, I washed it the night before with this and this. I LOVE these two - I can't wait to do a review in the New Year!

After brushing my hair, I quickly straightened a few unruly pieces. Then, a quick dab of Lee Stafford Argan Oil, L'Oréal Everstrong Texturising Spray (as amazing as all of the range - but unfortunately not sold anywhere online!), and Percy & Reed Wonder Balm. My hair was left silky smooth, with lots of texture and volume.

^ Those sexy concentration faces though...Now for the dinner! It was absolutely gorgeous, and 3 courses for a whopping £25 each, with a cocktail, cracker, coffee and mince pie included! Here's the hotel website.

The birthday girl!

Making A Gingerbread House...

BLOGMAS: DAY 23

Today my sister and I made a gingerbread house. Not quite perfect or neat, and finesse certainly didn't play a role; but it was fun and joyful, and a great kick-start to Christmas.

Have you ever made a gingerbread house?

Last Minute Xmas Playlist...

BLOGMAS: DAY 22

There's nothing like having festive, fun music playing in the background of your family Christmas dinner. It sets the mood and livens up the atmosphere. But, if your a bit late on making your 2014 playlist, I've created one for you! Here's a list of a few songs I'll be playing non-stop come Christmas and Boxing day.

1. Let It Snow - Michael Bublé
2. Sleigh Ride - Ella Fitzgerald
3. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - Frank Sinatra
4. Jingle Bells - Michael Bublé
5. Baby It's Cold Outside - Dean Martin
6. All I Want for Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey
7. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee
8. White Christmas - Bing Crosby

What's your favourite Christmas song?