A while ago I bought an almost entirely new skincare routine from LUSH, as always the experience was amazing and all the lovely ladies in there had us chatting away about everything and anything while giving us the chance to try out products and see which would work best for us. My friend and I were in there for well over an hour and had amazing time. As well as some free samples and a free Butterball bath bomb that they really didn't have to give us I wanted to show you what else I added to my basket.

The Jasmine and Henna Fluff-Ease hair treatment is to be used before washing and was recommended to me because of my curly hair. As you can see I've made my way almost entirely through the giant tub already! I honestly don't think I've ever used a product that's made such a noticeable difference on my hair. Not only does it look much healthier and shinier but my curls look much more bouncy and defined too as well as it being much easier to manage and feeling much softer. I can definitely see myself going to pick up another tub of this very very soon. 

For evening cleansing I picked up the Ultrabland Cleanser, and I enjoy this one too but I'm not 100% sold on this one. It does leave my skin feeling nourished since it's packed full of almond oil and bees wax but I also find that I still wake up with mascara round my eyes and I'm left with an oily residue that leaves my skin feeling a little oily and heavy before bed.

In terms of the morning  I asked for something that was both soothing but would also help remove dead skin. The Angels on Bare Skin Face and Body Cleanser was added to my basket. It's a solid concoction of rose, lavender and camomile that needs to be mixed with water and rubbed over the face, the ingredients soothe the skin and even out skin tone (something that I have definitely noticed in my face) and the lavender gently removes any dead skin without your face feeling too harshly scrubbed. This is definitely a product I would recommend to a friend.

The Enzymion moisturiser I've been using both mornings and nights and has fast become my top moisturiser. It's extremely hydrating and refreshing since it has a citrus scent to it, but it sinks in so fast that other than the soothed feeling you could never tell you've just moisturised something I really enjoy as it means I can go straight in with my makeup if I ever need to. 

Last, but by no means least, is the Eau Roma Water. Again this is lavender based and so really soothes the skin. I love the feel of using this and genuinely look forward to using it before bed to soothe me. I prefer to spritz it over my face as it is so much more refreshing that way. Again this is a product I can see myself adding to my basket again very soon. 

As you can see I ended up picking up a lot of things but I honestly feel like my skin has been given an entirely new lease of life. Other than the cleanser I am head over heels with every product and my skin has never been happier. 

xxx

DollyBowBow Purchases:

I'm sure you've all already heard of Kate from DollyBowBow whether through the stunning pieces on her website or through her super cute Youtube channel. I've been a huge fan of hers for years now we seem to have the exact same tastes and styles so not only is her online store DollyBowBow a dream come true when it comes to shopping for me but her channel has added up to many happy hours of viewing on my part.

The first thing I picked up was the Libby Flower Crown, I have to say that when it arrived I didn't realise just how large the flowers would be nonetheless I love it! I'm gaining confidence lately so the fact the flowers were quite large means I had to give myself the push needed to wear it! I love the colour I chose it's such a dainty and pretty pink. The band itself is wrapped in a brown twine like material that makes it look almost branch like and I love that about it! The flowers rest in leaves too, all of this helps blend the band together brilliantly as opposed to just some flowers stuck on a band which can be what you get from some stores.

The necklace I picked up was the Evie Statement one. It is just stunning! I've wanted a statement piece like this for years but I'm very fussy. I love everything about this piece including the chain which as you can see is very different from just a plain chain. All of the colours used throughout the necklace compliment each other perfectly, also I'm a huge fan of pastels so that's an added bonus! 

I hope you enjoyed this post, let me know if you did and if you've bought any jewellery lately.

xxx

The Body Shop 3 for 2 Offer:

Who can resist an offer when it's on? Me either! I recently picked up a few bits and pieces in The Body Shop and thought why not show you now before it's too late for you to take advantage of the offer too? 

First up is a product that was raved about by bloggers for almost the entirety of 2014. The All-In-One InstaBlur, this gel formula claims to smooth the skin out as well as balance out any redness or uneven skin tone. I've only used it a few times so far and I have to say I find the consistency a strange one, it takes some real work to get into the skin although once it's sunk into the skin it really does smooth everything out wonderfully. I'll keep using it and let you guys know how it works out in terms of evening out skin tone.

I also picked up a new blusher, this is not only my first powder blusher in a long time but also my first makeup product from The Body Shop. I'm very happy with this blusher in terms of the product itself, the consistency is really smooth and I like the fact it's a build-able product as opposed to it being too intense too soon. I'll definitely be picking up more colours but as for this one in particular (Flushed) is stunning! A warm toned pink with a very very subtle golden shimmer running through it. Don't be scared off by the shimmer it's very subtle and adds nothing but a glow to the face. 

Last but not least I picked up the Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil, this was another very popular product last year and I tried out the cleansing butter from the range which had a very popular review. I thought it was high time I gave the other one a go too. I'm yet to try it out since I'm still finishing off a few other cleansers at the moment but I'll be sure to let you know how it works out. 

I hope you enjoyed this post, also did you take advantage of the offer? Let me know what you picked up!

xxx

My First YSL Treats:

Ridiculously expensive I know but hey a girl needs a treat every now and again doesn't she? That's how I'm justifying it at least. These two little gems are my first ever YSL purchases and I have to say I couldn't have been happier with the choices I made. Who could resist the shiny, luxury packaging alone? For as long as I've been reading blogs and watching videos I've countlessly seen beauty's bloggers and vloggers being drawn in like magpie's and despite having only owned these products for about a week I can certainly see why. 

First up it had to be YSL's Touche Eclat in Luminous Radiance. This was the only shade available but it works well for me anyway. It's a very subtle highlight so I can see why people also use it as a highlighting concealer. The formula is fairly thick but it blends well. I'm really loving this product for more of a natural highlight lately. It gives your skin a healthy looking glow from within as opposed to sitting on top of your face. I can definitely see myself getting much more use out of this product in the next coming months.

I also picked up a Rouge Volumpte Shine in 31 "Fuchisa Tourbillon". It's a much lighter pink than is coming up on camera but it's a bright and stunning pink nonetheless. The formula is glossy and creamy but not sticky. It's also very long lasting I've worn this on nights out and long commuting days with no need to reapply throughout the day. Also, even though I've said it before I'll say it again the packaging is just stunning. I'm not usually a fan of gold but it really draws me in, it's got that heavy luxury feel to it and a satisfying click (you all know what I mean)! I definitely want to pick up another colour or two over the next few months, although maybe after my next paycheck....

All in all however, these products are something I'd definitely say is worth a little splurge if you want to treat yourself.

xxx

What I Got For Christmas 2014:

I know, I know I' really late on the bandwagon for this one but hopefully you'll still want to see what Santa bought me! 

I finally got my hands on the Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick in 107, I've been wanting this for absolutely ages so I was super happy when I opened this.

I was also given a set of three vaseline tins in the original, aloe and cocoa butter. I've said before I don't use these on my lips but instead to moisturise my eyelashes so these will certainly come in handy.

I've been asking for pyjamas for ages so I was thrilled to open these, plus anything Disney themed is more than welcome in my stocking!

My sister got me this super cute to do list pas. She knows me so well this will definitely be used up before long!

As my Cath Kidson mug from Brighton sadly broke *sobs* I was given this gorgeous one, which I have to say I actually prefer to my blue one. 

I got two small pandora charms too, the first is a plain band and he second is a cute little polar bear

My main present for the year was this beauty! I finally have a real camera! I was so grateful when I opened this because I know how expensive cameras can be. This is a Canon PowerShot SX510 HS which I have to say I have no idea what all that means but I've got something much more high quality than just my phone to take photos with now.

 Some extremely cosy socks were also waiting under the tree. I'll admit I had to stuff these back in to the packaging for this photo because I'd been wearing them!

After seeing Maleficent in the cinema all I wanted to do was watch it again and thank goodness now I can before it drives me insane! I was also given the boxset of Downton Abbey which I was super happy to get because I love the show but missed the first series.

 It wouldn't be Christmas without a mug and this one is really different from the usual ones because Santa, his sleigh and the reindeer are made to look as if they're made out of origami. 

I'm sure you guys know by now I love me a bit of vintage, and this is a stunner. I haven't actually opened up the oil scent yet but if it's half as nice as the packaging it comes in I'm sure there'll be no complaints. I love the dainty little birds.

It seems to be somewhat of a Christmas tradition for my sister and I to get a new Superdry T-shirt and so here's this years. Also I was given this super cute macaron body wash and lotion set.

One of my favourite presents of the year was this totally stunning Cath Kidson weekend bag. I was actually planning on asking for one of these for my birthday as I have been travelling back and forth a lot lately and I've just been using the same oversized old looking handbag.

I'm a huge Anna Sui fan and this year I was lucky enough to receive another one of her perfumes. This is the La Vive Boheme which of course smells delightful.

I was also given a case to go with my camera.

Another weekend bag, this time from Jack Wills and full of treats including a Water bottle, which I'll definitely be using for University. Also a body spray, a body butter, shower gel, body lotion and hand cream. 

Another stunning set of bath products came from Soap & Glory with hand and foot creams, body washes and lotions a plenty as well as face wipes, a body scrub, a lip gloss and a mascara. I think it's safe to say I won't need to go toiletry shopping for a while. 

I got some nice new studs which I was glad about since I've finally started wearing jewellery again.

That's everything I got from my parents this year. I've not yet seen my aunts and uncles but if I get anything more then I'll certainly let you know. 

Space.NK Haul 2!:

When an email popped into my inbox telling me I could get £10 off at Space.NK it was what tipped me over the edge after (no joke) months of scrolling through their website only to convince myself I didn't need anything and give in.  Well an hour or so after the email the damage had been done...

I completely blame Anna from ViviannaDoesMakeup for this one! After hearing her rave one too many times about how amazing the Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel was and with my Emma Hardie cleansing balm on it's last legs I took the plunge. According to the packaging it's packed full of lovely vitamins and minerals which should help my skin since it's been so troublesome lately.

The Sarah Chapman Overnight Facial is another one I have Anna to thank for. Again she had me desperate to try this out after hearing her talk about it. I really trust her opinion since not only is her skin amazing but she's always honest about the pros and cons of products. I'll have to see how this one goes once my current serum runs out.

The Keihl's creamy eye treatment is something I ummed and ahhed about for a while. After all it is very expensive for such a tiny product, but then I thought I've got such sore eyes lately I should give it a go it may be what fixes them. I'll definitely let you guys know how this one works out because if it doesn't it'll be money down the drain!

I also was sent some freebies to try out. I can't really talk to much about these since I don't really know much about them and I didn't choose to buy them. I was sent the Radical Bee Venom Moisturiser, Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser and Revive Glycolic Peel. Who know's maybe the full sizes will be in my next haul!

xxx

Charity Shop Book Haul:

If you don't know that I love both shopping and books by now then you never will. So when I wandered into a charity shop with my dad and found out the the books were just 50p each I went a little crazy and bought many books!

The first is The Beach House by Jane Green, from what I've read on the blurb it's about a widowed woman who begins renting out rooms of her beach house and both her and those she rents to's stories. It fittingly enough sounds like it would be a good beach read.

This was the first one I picked up and after laughing out loud simply by reading the blurb I just had to pick it up. This one is about a man who bumps into a woman on Charlotte Street who thinks she was the most amazing woman he's ever seen but she leaves behind her camera by accident. Should he develop the photos in hope of finding her or just throw it away?

My Sister's Keeper is supposed to be one of those classic books that everyone has read. So I thought I'd better keep up and give it a read too. I haven't seen the film but I'm not too worried about that since I'm a big believer in reading the books first.

Now the Bridget Jones films I have seen and LOVE! These are books I've wanted to read in so long so when I saw them both right into my bag they went. I've heard that these are just as funny as the films so I can't wait to give them a read.

A little bit of cheesy chick-lit never hurt anyone so when I read the blurb of To Marry a Prince and found it was about a woman who meets a man not knowing he's a Prince and they fall in love, well I was sold. I love this kind of thing as a break from heavier books and work and University life every now and again.

Another seemingly similar book  is How it all Began. Now I know you're not supposed to judge a book by it's cover but that's what made me pick this one up, the pretty flowers and tea cups (I know, I know I'm and 80 year old woman in an 18 year old's body). This book follows one event and how it leads on to others in other people's lives. For example it starts with someone asking a friend to fill in for them at an even, which leads the friend to have to cancel a meet up with her lover, which leads to the lover's wife finding out and so on. I thought it would make quite an interesting read.

I've read and couldn't put down One Day so I thought I'd give Starter For Ten a go since they're both by David Nicholls. I've read some good reviews about this one but that's really all I know about it. I don't think that's too bad a thing though it'll be nice going into it and just seeing where the story goes with no previous expectations.

Two Caravans by Maria Lewycka is about a group of people from many different countries who come to England to pick strawberries, some of them however are kidnapped so the others go off to find and save them. This isn't my usual kind of read I'll be honest but I liked the sound of this and I also thought it was time I branched out a little.

Those are all the books I picked up and I think it's safe to say I wont be short of beach reads come Summer! Do you have any recommendations for me? 

xxx