Garnier Ultimate Blends Delicate Soother

Some shampoos can be very drying on my scalp and can make it itchy or result in dry skin as well, which is why I look for shampoos with gentle cleansers in the ingredients. Garnier just came out with a new ultimate blend for sensitive scalp & fragile hair, which I would really like to try as soon as I finish my current shampoo and conditioner. 

The Garnier Ultimate Blends Delicate Soother promises calming and soothing the feel of a sensitive scalp and giving you gorgeous, touchably soft hair thanks to a unique blend enriched with delicate oat milk and rice cream that has a soft, creamy texture & delicate fragrance. "Itchy, sensitive scalps feel soothed and hair feels protected, and irresistibly soft to the touch. Shiny and intensely nourished, hair never looked so beautiful!"

Will you be trying Garnier Ultimate Blends Delicate Soother?

xo

Soul Love

At first I refused to believe it. I have no words to express how sad these news make me feel. I adored David Bowie and am heartbroken.

xo

Night Skincare Routine

As the current weather is cold, skin can get dehydrated or feel dry and tight more easily, which is why I try to use products a bit more moisturising than I would in the summer. My night time skincare routine consists of the following products: 

Good Things Manuka Honey Creamy Cleanser: I start off by cleansing with this creamy and hydrating product after removing my eye makeup with a micellar water. This cleanser does not foam up so if you only use foaming cleansers it might take a bit to take used to. It leaves my skin feeling soft, clean and moisturised. 

Lierac Luminescence Illuminating Serum: This serum is meant to even out skin tone, diminish the look of pores, fade redness and dark spots. I have been using this serum for a few months now and can definitely confirm that it does fade redness. One of my favourite serums. 

Origins Make a Difference+ Rejuvinating Moisturiser: To finish it off, I apply this anti aging moisturiser from Origins. It has a texture between a lotion and a cream, glides on easily, is absorbed fast and moisturises well, plus it smells like oranges. 

What products are on your night skincare routine?

xo

New in: November & December

Because I didn't purchase many things in November, and it feels a bit too late to do a post about it, I've merged my November & December purchases, as well as my Christmas gifts, into one post.

I needed a new deep conditioner so got the Garnier Ultimate Blends Glow Replenisher 1 Minute Treatment to try it, also purchased the Nivea Q10 anti wrinkle Eye Cream and Energising Day Cream with SPF 15, as well as the Palmolive Honey and Milk bath milk and the Nivea Pure & Natural Regenerating Night Cream. 

For Christmas I received some money, 2 H&M gift cards, YSL Black Opium EDP, a David Bowie CD collection. Earrings, a Topshop leather clutch, Dove shower gift set, new pjs, slippers, dressing gown and microwaveable warmer. 

A photo album, watercolours and brushes, colouring book and pencils, 2 agendas and a notebook. Also a cupcake shower cap, DIY crochet key rings, dark chocolate brazil nuts, mirror, hand sanitizer and a little toy rabbit. 

Razors, shaving cream, bath sponge, Disney bauble with chocolates inside, bubble bath, shower gel and 2 sets of the Kellogg's bath duos. A Dove, Simple, Vaseline and Kelloggs gift sets, and socks. 

Then in the sales I got a couple more gift sets from Boots with my points, so they were free: the Sanctuary Favourite Florals tin with shower gel, body lotion and scrub, and the Crabtree & Evelyn hand cream 2 set (as well as a gift for my husband, not pictured). 

And given my love of stationery, I couldn't pass up the cutest pair of Moleskine notebooks from TK Maxx. And not one but two sets of Paris themed sticky notes from The Works. 

Absolutely love everything I got for Christmas, I am obsessed with gift sets and I got all my shower gel and baths sorted for the whole year.

What did you get for Christmas?

xo

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, I wish you lots of love, happiness and good health!

xo

Find Your Perfect Fit With SizeStyler

How many times have you seen something that you absolutely love and have to have it, but since it is only available online, you can only hope for the best when you click the checkout button. You wait for a couple of days for your order to arrive and when you finally try it on you realise it doesn't fit quite the way you want it to. You can either keep the uncomfortable/unflattering fit item or return it, not before wasting your precious time and money sending it back. 

Well, in order to save you all of this hassle, SizeStyler have come up with a system that helps you find the perfect size for you in a range of online available brands. How? After you take a minute to set up your measurement profile - you only need to enter 4 key measurements - and click on the Show My Sizes and SizeStyler checks your measurements against hundreds of brands and suggest the best size for you. 

You can also personalise your search results to show items from your favourite brands, selecting them on your profile and then clicking My Brands on the search results. And of course you can also narrow down your search by colour, price, category and sale items. After that you can shop more easily without worrying again that any of the items fro your latest shopping spree won't fit.

Visit SizeStyler to make online shopping a breeze. 

This is a sponsored post. 

xo

Merry Christmas

I know there are still a few hours left until Christmas but let's be honest - not many people will bother going online on Christmas day when they can be enjoying the time they got with their family and friends, so I just wanted to say Merry Christmas! I hope you have an amazing day filled with love and delicious food ♥

xo

Navy & White

H&M Reefer Coat // Uniqlo Trousers // H&M Wool Jumper // Adidas Stan Smith

(Similar: Coat, Jumper)

First outfit post with the new hair! And I'm off work until the 5th of January yay! My brother's come to visit us for Christmas and New Years and it'll be nice to have him around for a little while before he goes back to Germany. My family's spreading all over the world haha. Can't wait for Christmas and watch people's faces as they open their presents, so exciting!

xo

Grey Coat

H&M Coat // Topshop Jumper // Paul Costelloe Bag // Topshop Jeans // Adidas Trainers

(Similar: Coat, Jumper, Bag)

Last outfit post with the old hair. It's been a long day at work today, ended up feeling not very well but... tomorrow is the last day of work before my 2 week holiday so I can have a much needed rest. Oh, yeah and we are having KFC at work tomorrow for lunch haha.

xo

Max Factor x Star Wars

With the new Star Wars The Force Reawakens movie out soon, it's not surprising to see lots of memorabilia being sold everywhere. This time Max Factor teamed up with Star Wars to create a small collection of special edition cosmetics, including a False Lash Effect Mascara in Black, and two Colour Elixir Lipsticks shades in Gold and Berry.

Find The Max Factor x Star Wars collection in Boots until stocks last.

xo

Save Money Online While Making a Difference with ZenPromoCodes

You know what a big fan I am of saving money when shopping, whether it is in store with a physical voucher or rewards card, or online with a discount code. Not long ago I discovered the website ZenPromoCodes, which is a recently founded site where you can find discount and promotional codes for all the top online stores & restaurants in the UK. 

Yes, I know there are lots of other discount code and voucher websites online, but the difference is that at ZenPromoCodes not only do they try to make responsible choices when running their company but also give 10% of their profits to charity, hoping to make a positive contribution to the world and support the causes that matter. 

How to search for discounts on the website? The easiest way is to type the name of the retailer in the search box and click the 'Go' button to reveal all the discounts from that store, though if you are interested more in a product or service rather than a particular store then just click on the 'Categories' option at the top of the page. 

The main categories at ZenPromoCodes are: Adult & Gambling; Books, Magazines, CDs & DVDs; Children, Babies & Toys; Days Out; Electrical; Entertainment & Tickets; Fashion; Flowers & Gifts; Food & Drink; Health & Beauty; Holidays & Travel; Home & Garden; Insurance & Finance; Restaurants; and Sports & Leisure. 

Just to make it clear, the difference between codes and deals is that the first ones are offered by retailers to generate more business, and the actual code is normally word, set of numbers or combination of the two which you type or copy into an input box at the checkout page as you are making a purchase online, and a deal is an offer or discount from a store that does not require a code, and as you complete the transaction the deal should be automatically applied to your order at the checkout. 

As Christmas is only just under 2 weeks away, I would like to share with you my favourite discounts and deals I have found on the site to help you out with that last minute shopping: 

-Get 15% off if you are a new customer at Emma Bridgewater, great for stocking fillers.

-If you're looking for a party outfit, get 15% off at Miss Selfridge.

-Keep warm and cosy with cashmere jumpers up to 50% off at The Edinburgh Woollen Mill.

-Get personalised gifts and print out holiday pictures with 50% off at Snapfish.

-Treat somebody (or yourself) with an extra 5% off on top of Deal of the Day at Thorntons. 

-Smell amazing with 10% off any fragrance purchase at Perfume Galaxy. 

-Get everything you need for Christmas dinner with £30 off your first £100 Waitrose shop. 

If saving money online, helping out by supporting charities and having a functional design and easy to use website wasn't enough, ZenPromoCodes also host competitions and have downloadable freebies available. 

Help make a difference by using ZenPromoCodes deals, codes and vouchers.

This is a sponsored post. 

xo

Not for me: Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm

As you might know, I do love trying new beauty products quite a bit. Next to my bed I like to keep a lip balm to apply constantly throughout the day and before bed. Some time ago I received the Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm as a giveaway or competition prize, but it was finally time to put it to the test.

First of all, it's all good that it has a protective seal to avoid people opening and contaminating the product in shops, but it's made of an extension of the tube label and so it's not the easiest to open, plus it leaves uneven packaging residue that diminishes aesthetic appeal for me.

The Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm looks very smooth before applying, when I put it on I discovered that since it is wax, it is very hard but it does apply smoothly to the lips. What I didn't like was the smell, which is probably the lanolin and rosemary combined. Plus because of the peppermint there was an extreme tingling on my lips that wasn't pleasant and lasted for about 10 minutes before finally subsiding.

About the lip conditioning properties? Well it seems like it moisturises the skin on my lips but I can't tell about long term use as I doubt I will continue to use this product because of its scent and tingling sensation. It was quite disappointing as I have tried other Burt's Bees lip balms and really love them.

Find Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm in Boots.

Have you tried this lip balm?

xo

Follow

Navy Coat

H&M Wool Coat // Uniqlo Cashmere Jumper // H&M Scarf // Uniqlo Down Jacket // H&M Trousers // Topshop Brogues 

(Similar: Coat, Jumper, Scarf, Brogues)

Penultimate outfit with my old hair! Sometimes it feels like there is not enough hours in the day but I will have 2 weeks off from the 19th so that should be plenty of time for doing more of what I love: taking pictures, painting and blogging :)

xo

Wedding Dresses at Cocomelody

With the colder months finally here, some people think of escaping to a fabulous warm destination, especially for their wedding, which is a very memorable event in everyone's life. At Cocomelody they specialise in wedding dresses, including beach wedding dresses, as well as accessories and for your bridal party. Here are a couple of my favourite dresses that Cocomelody has to offer:

The dress on the left looks oh very simple upon first sight, it might make you think of it as boring but if you look closely you start discovering all these gorgeous details that make it very special. It features a V shaped neckline with wide shoulder covering 'straps', neckline which is mirrored at the back and uses a discreet hidden zip closure. The bodice has a pleated texture and a faux wrap dress finish which ends in a subtly sparkly and minimal belt for an elegant touch. The skirt opens up and looks very fluid and comfortable. Last but not least, the neckline also has a very subtle touch of lace on both the front and back for an even more romantic look. As you can see in this case, less is definitely more. 

Another lovely example of their 2016 wedding dresses range is the dress one on the right, which is almost like a bolder version of the left one. It has a very feminine sweetheart neckline and is covered in a delicate tulle overlay all the way down to the skirt, the tulle is used for the sheer straps. The bodice also has a mock wrap dress look on the top half, and the neckline has a lace detail connecting the straps. At the waist it features a thin sash made of a fabric that matches the dress, and a hint of sparkle is added in the form of an off-centre cluster of flower embellishments. At the back it has a deeper V shaped cleavage, framed with lace fabric. The skirt is longer and features an elegant train.

Find more gorgeous dresses at Cocomelody.

This is a sponsored post. 

xo

Christmas Gift Ideas Under £50

YSL Black Opium Perfume Gift Set £45 // The Body Shop Shea Gift Set £18

Fleece Sweatshirt £30 // Sanctuary Black Rose & Cassis Candle £6 // Bailey & Quinn Leather Purse £35 // Sterling Silver Triangle Necklace £49

Ben de Lisi Minimal Watch £25 // H&M Lace Triangle Bra £13 

Nuxe Reve de Miel Hand & Lip Set £17.50 // Paris Sticky Note Set £2

YSL La Nuit de L'Homme Perfume Gift Set £50 // The Body Shop Party Rescue Kit £16 

The Works 2016 Diary £2 // Smartphone Lens Set £10 // Better Call Saul Book £10 // 

Dove Men +Care Mini Set £5 // Tweezerman Multi Tool Keyring £20

Sony Extra Bass Headphones £40 // All Saints Wool Gloves £48 // Uniqlo Star Wars Hoodie £25

December is already here, say what! But worry not, here are my top 10 suggestions of Christmas gifts for him and for her - all under £50 and from prices as little as £2, perfect for stocking fillers, your significant other or even for treating yourself, I won't tell ;)

Have you started your Christmas shopping?

xo

Lierac Luminescence the Best Serum Ever?

A little while ago I purchased the Lierac Luminescence Serum as the one I was using ran out. I have a small dark spot under one of my eyes/around my cheekbone area and thought that this would be a good product to try and get rid of it, as it mentions that it helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and redness. 

As well as diminishing the look of pigment spots and redness, it also promises to help reactivate light reflection, refine skin texture and smooth and even out the skin, with the help of a unique combination of plant molecules (Siegesbeckia orientalis + Rabdosia rubescens + micro-alga) and botanical extract (Lens esculenta lentil seed extract). 

The packaging feels quite luxurious, with a heavy glass bottle and a dropper on the lid. The serum has a milky consistency and an iridescent look to it (which doesn't leave my oily skin looking shiny), as well as a strong smell which was very noticeable but I got used to it after using it a few times. 

I had only used the serum about 3 times and already started noticing a difference on my skin: the redness was visibly diminished, as well starting to fade old acne scars. I though maybe it was my imagination but every day I look in the mirror again my skin looks even better, which is amazing!

My skin tone looks less red, much more even and scars are so faint now, even older ones. And as of late I am noticing that my pores are starting to look smaller. As for the dark spot on my cheekbone? Sadly it's still there, so I don't think it fades dark spots as good as it does redness and acne marks. As I had many more scarring than dark spots, I don't mind it hasn't done much for it as my skin looks better than it has in years. 

I would definitely recommend the Lierac Luminescence Serum if you are trying to even out your skin tone and fade redness, pores and acne pigmentation, though if your main concern is dark spots, I'd look for something else.

Find Lierac Luminescence Serum on Ebay. 

Have you tried this serum?

xo

The Best Black Friday Deals

You must know by now how much I love a good bargain, and these are the best Black Friday & Cyber Monday deals I've found, perfect to do some Christmas shopping or treat yourself:

Superdrug: Triple points for all Health & Beautycard holders. Save up to 65% on selected items and get free delivery when you spend £10.

Boots: Up to 1/2 price on fragrance, plus get £10 worth of points when you spend £60.

The Body Shop: 40% off with code 14670 plus free delivery on orders over £5.

Debenhams: VAT free prices on perfume & aftershave, including gift sets.

ASOS: 20% off everything with code CYBER, ends 8 am Tuesday.

Uniqlo: Many lines up to half price, plus free delivery on orders over £20.

GAP: 40% off full price styles with code FRIDAYGAP, ends Sunday. 

Topshop: Up to 50% off on selected lines.

New Look: Up to 50% off and free delivery on orders over £45.

BHS: Up to 50% off everything.

Hobbycraft: 20% off full price items online with code BLACK20.

Dorothy Perkins: Up to 30% off everything.

All Saints: 30% off everything with code CYBER

Selfridges: up to 20% off online and in-store with code SELFCCE.

Dune: 20% off Dune London.

Will you be doing any shopping this weekend?

xo

New in: October 2015

Didn't really buy that much last month, I had to replace the Primark boots I got as the buckle broke and got these suede boots from New Look for just £20 down from £45. I also received a super cosy oversized cardigan from Nomads, got a pair of Next wellies from Choice for £13.50 down from £40. From Argos I got a foldable Habitat table to do my painting/drawing on without ending with stomach pain from sitting uncomfortably.

Last but not least, I got a pair of earrings from Topshop, free L'occitane Pivoine Sublime moisturiser and serum samples and won a Guinot Instant Comfort Mask on a giveaway.

xo

Pink & Grey

New Look Pink Coat // F&F Shirt with Bow // Uniqlo Sweatshirt // Topshop Jeans // Paul Costelloe Bag // Topshop Chelsea Boots

(Similar: Coat, Shirt, Bag, Boots)

Today I only had to work until 12:30, plus I had a bit of chocolate cheesecake because it was a workmate's last day, she also brought us some gifts and I got some Ferrero Rocher chocolates!

Then my husband picked me up for lunch and when we got home I forgot I had my phone on my lap and stood up to get out of the car and my cover broke :'( haha.

xo

Holiday Party Dresses

With the holidays fast approaching, it is only right to start thinking about what we would like to wear if we have any important events coming up such as a Christmas dinner or a New Year's parties. At Promtimes.co.uk they specialize in dresses for every size and occasion, including prom, cocktail, evening, wedding and plus size dresses. Here are a couple of my favourite dresses from the site to inspire you for the holiday season:

      

On the left we have this gorgeous option with a more formal approach: the full length makes it look very elegant and sophisticated, so if showing off your legs is not your thing (or you think you'd be too cold otherwise) then this dress is for you. It has a lovely true red hue all over which is flattering on most skin tones and is sure to grab everyone's attention for all the right reasons. The fitted bodice and sweetheart neckline give it an extra feminine touch which you can accentuate by wearing your hair up and adding a sparkly necklace or statement dangly earrings. 

The dress on the right, one of the many under £50 options on promtime.co.uk, is a very similar option to the left dress, as it shares the same fitted bodice, sweetheart neckline and billowy overlay skirt, only this time in black. That's right, a little black dress never fails and if you are young and like shorter dresses or the event is a more casual one then I think this could be an excellent option. Team it with a sparkly bangle or glittery platforms and you're ready to go. 

Find more holiday party dresses on Promtime.co.uk

This is a sponsored post.

xo

John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Liquid Shine Illuminating Shampoo & Conditioner

Some time ago I won a John Frieda competition where I received both the Brilliant Brunette Liquid Shine Illuminating Shampoo and Conditioner, along with the Shine Shock Perfecting Glosser from the same line, a ciate nail polish and a topshop makeup bag. 

The shampoo and conditioner both claim to have an illuminating formula with a shine infusing complex and are supposed to leave hair radiant for a long lasting, high gloss brunette. They are designed for all shades of brunette. 

The shampoo has a translucent gel texture, which surprised me a bit as I thought it would be thicker and creamier as the Full Repair one, which was my first John Frieda set of products, so compared to that I was left a bit disappointed, plus it has dried out my scalp, leaving it a bit flaky and itchy, so I think I'll have to stop using it. 

The conditioner is thicker and creamier than the shampoo but it has tiny glitter particles in it which I was worried would go everywhere but once you rinse your hair they disappear, I assume they are there to help produce a glossy shine on the hair but I'm not seeing an amazing difference in my hair. 

Overall, not a fan of these 2 products sadly as the John Frieda Full Repair range set the bar very high for me.

Find the John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Liquid Shine range in Boots.

xo