Back in Business

I am back from my travels, and back into the world of blogging.

Although - this post has taken me way longer than I anticipated it would to write.

In short, I came back from an great trip visiting my friend Loren and decided to shake my life up a little bit. As a result I feel like I am juggling quite a lot, but really am eager to get posting and back in the community.

I am back in the Gym, and enjoying it! Back working the 9-5 & studying hard for my Human Biology exam in May! All of those activities are taking a lot of time out of my week, so I am going to have to reduce the amount of posts I publish - maybe 3 posts a week instead of the every other day routine.

Let me know how you are all doing? Are there any new blogs I should check out?

New posts to follow this week!

Be Back Soon - On my Travels

Hello Hello & Happy Valentines!

Tomorrow I am going to be boarding a flight to the Philippines to stay with one of my good friends for a couple of weeks! We are going to be shopping, exploring & adventuring & I am so excited about it! Can't wait to get away from chilly England and experience actual sunshine!

Whilst I am away there is only a small chance I will be posting.  However I thought it would be nice to let y'all know that if you do comment / wish to contact me, I might reply later than usual! Yes, this is my nlmorgan.com out of office essentially.

Rememeber though there are lots of posts from past weeks, so sign up via email, Bloglovin' or even add me to your G+ circles, to keep up to date. If you want more instant updates, feel free to follow my Instagram / Twitter (links in sidebar), I am more likely to be checking in on there when I can.

On another note, I would like to say thanks to everyone of you who read, comment and support this blog, the beauty blogger community is a great one to be a part of!

Ps. leave your own blog links below if you fancy! 

January Favourites

We made it through the dismal month of January!
Let's all buy ourselves beauty treats as a reward, yes?

Here are my top five Beauty products which got me through January in one piece;

Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Enzyme Masque
Available in much much larger sizes, this was a skincare sample provided to me by my local Skin Clinic after having a treatment (blogging about this later in the month). My skin being hyper-sensitive means exfoliating scrubs are not always the best treatment for my skin. I was recommended to try this sample by my skincare specialist and i've now used it twice, savouring every last bit that is left in the tiny pot. It exfoliates through use of powerful enzymes, yet hydrates your skin. I am going to be getting my hands on the full size for sure. This is similar to the REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask in it's function, but is perhaps more hydrating and more suited to sensitive skins.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar A I Blemish Corrector
Having used this throughout January and reviewed it here. I have been really finding this spot on corrector a benefit to my routine. I have had quite nasty breakouts on my chin through January and routine application of this has kept them from getting worse.

DermaQuest Skin Therapy Advanced B5 Serum
My skin was suffering from dryness in January (wasn't everyones?!) so I was foraging through my skincare stash and found this product which I never finished up as part of an old routine. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the second ingredient in the makeup of this serum (the top being water) was Sodium Hyaluronate, (the amazing hydrator and glow giver Hyaluronic Acid). I have been applying this all over my face each morning instead of my Silver Serum or Hydraluron (the B5 Serum is less sticky) and my skin has been loving it. You can see my morning & evening skincare routines here: Morning / Evening.

Kevyn Aucoin Candlelight Essential Eye Palette #8
This is one of the fabulous products from the Limted Edition Kevyn Aucoin Candlelight Kit, which is STILL on sale on SpaceNK -  you would be mad not to pick this great value kit up. This five colour eyeshadow palette enables you to create such a soft and gentle eye look and is really fun to play around with. This has been my go to eye shadow combination in January.

Bare Minerals Ready to Go Complexion Perfection Palette
I have been experimenting with mineral makeup more. I think it's generally better for my skin than layers of liquid foundation. This change was all brought about as my mum gifted this to me in January in preparation for my trip to the Philippines this month! This kit is so compact and so easy to use (although it does come with a booklet if needed), you can achieve amazing results with all of the products here, designed to even out skin tone and provide a natural finish even the brushes are worth using to maximise coverage!

What products are you looking forward to trying throughout February?



If you liked this post, why not follow me on Bloglovin' 

Evening Skincare Routine

Back in the early days of 2014 I posted my Morning Skincare Routine - I am now pleased to follow this up with my Evening Skincare Routine. Tadaah!

This is my day to day standard before bedtime.

Cleanse with Emma Hardie Moringa Balm cleanser: Distribute a small amount all over a dry face of makeup and massage the skin. Take a Emma Hardie damp wash cloth, and remove all the daily grime. I am not too overly bothered if a bit of mascara is left etc, as I double cleanse it up.

I complete the 2 step cleanse with the Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Cleanser to ensure everything has left my face. The cream texture means it doesn't leave my skin feeling dry or stripped, or that is has excess product that it can't absorb - instead it feels comforted.


Once I have dabbed my face dry with a fresh towel, I take a pipette full of my Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair serum and distribute evenly over my face. ANR is one of those products that I wonder what I was using before it came along, it makes your skin feel revived each morning. January saw me buy my 2nd bottle!

When the serum has sunk into the skin, and your face has lost it's tackiness I apply a 10 pence sized slathering over Vital C Hydrating Repair Creme - my skin loves this product and just seems to drink it in and show me a not so irritated Rosacea like complexion in the morning.

I will also pop on some eye cream if I think of it, but generally I am so ready to sleep that it does get missed. I must remember I am only getting older and one day under eye bags will creep up on me!
Because I am not always consistent with eye creams I don't think it's fair to recommend one here, based on my 'once in a while' usage.

If I have been wearing really stubborn makeup designed for long wear - perhaps I've sprayed my Urban Decay Setting Spray over the top, or I have quite heavy eye makeup. It is then that I target those areas with some Micellar water first, pre - cleanse. I currently really rate the La Roche-Posay Micellar offering, have never tried Bioderma but am keen to try the high street dupe from L'Oreal.

Let me know if you would like more information on any of the products mentioned in this post! Leave a comment below with the favourite part of your evening skincare routine!

Travel Bag Essentials

With January and February being the most depressing time of the year, many of us are looking for a quick getaway to sunnier and more relaxing climates. Whether you are grabbing a quick selection of stuff to stay at a friends for the weekend or jetting off across the continents, here are my travel bag essentials.

I will stress at this point, the amount you take is obviously adaptable. I aimed at this post as if going away for a long weekend in Europe. 

1. A review on this La Roche-Posay product is coming up this week so I won't say too much, but this is a great little tube to have if you are susceptible to odd breakouts which you need to keep under control. Whether you have sensitive skin or not this is a great clearing product which stops breakouts in their tracks. La Roche-Posay Effaclar A.I Targeted Breakout Corrector | £10.30

2. A slim, compact, battery powered tooth brush which fits into a funky cylindrical container and comes in a variety of designs with an additional brush head and batteries - is so ideal for on the go! The container not only looks stylish but keeps your toothbrush head from being contaminated amongst your other travel goodies. Violife Slim Sonic Tooth Brush (Pink) | £25.03

3. I have two cleansing products in my travel bag in this post, so this would be a non-essential for many. I normally like to cleanse twice, (you can see my AM cleansing routine here). I take my travel Darphin Intral Cleansing Milk which contains calming Chamomile and leaves your skin feeling comfortable and ready to go. This is a good travel size (50ml) which I brought in a travel kit, and helps to bring that little bit of luxury with you on your trip away - it's a product even the most sensitive skins will get on with and it smells great. Darphin Intral Cleansing Milk | 200ml | £27.00

4. It is a known fact our skin doesn't like to be dehydrated, it is also known that travel dehydrates the skin. If you can whilst you are soaking up the sun or enjoying the snow use a product such as a serum which contains the holy grail ingredient sodium hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid). This will penetrate deep through the layers of skin to give you the best shot at keeping your skin happy and full of moisture. This sample of Vinosource (Caudalie's Moisturising range) I received in a beauty box is ideal at 10ml. Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S. Thirst Quenching Serum | 30ml | £26.10

5. Not an essential, but nice to have is a good face mask which you can rely on if your face just isn't playing ball. One of my favourite travel sizes is the Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque | 75ml | £34.50

6. A good travel friendly brush is a must have. I love the Tangle Teezer and it's handbag friendly sizes. Tangle Teezer, Compact Styler | £11.99 

7. Whether you are staying at your fella's place, a best friends or even just had a long flight, no one likes bad breath. This is ideal for refreshing throughout the day or using the morning after the night before. Corsodyl Mint Alcohol Free Mouthwash | £4.65 (Full size, travel friendly sizes available in store.)

8. The Model Mirror, I think I first saw this in on of SWalkerMakeup's videos. This is such a great invention, available in plenty of designs you can have a thin, compact, quality light up mirror which gives you the perfect excuse to apply makeup on the go. I think a mirror like this is essential for traveling, or as an everyday handbag essential, you never know when you might need it.
Model Mirror Compact | £19.00

9. Moisturiser is a must have whether its just for your face or your body, a good quality cream is going to bring your sallow or travel tired skin back to life. This is also great if like me your skin is hyper sensitive and shows your tiredness from travelling.
I like to use this intensive Darphin Intral Soothing Cream | £40.00

10. A good wash cloth is ideal to travel with, whether to be used for removing the daily dirt and grime in combination with your cleanser or as a cold press for headaches, burns or scrapes. I love the Emma Hardie Wash Cloths for the duo of micro-fibre and muslin.
Emma Hardie Amazing Face Dual Action cloths | £8.00 

11. I forgot to include hand sanitiser in with the OPI Avojuice hand creams, but I think both are necessary for any handbag or travel kit. Applying hand cream can be quite therapeutic and also refreshing, not only for the skin but the mind. You can find out more about my hand care routine here.

12. My favourite way to get the hair out of my face. The Popband - you can read more here.

13. Revlon Lip Butters are for me the best way to ensure lips are left nourished and good colour pay off is achieved. My favourite is Strawberry Shortcake, and there are now even more shades available to the UK! You really can feel good and look great with these. Revlon Colour Burst Lip Butter | £5.00

14. Transporting your hair care regime can be a bit of a struggle when travelling. I can not compare dry shampoo with the feeling of freshly washed hair so I like to use samples when travelling. Sachets of shampoo and conditioner I was given at once upon a time at Boots, come in very useful when travelling - very handy if on a beach trip too! Bumble & Bumble Thickening range 

15. Emma Hardie Amazing face Moringa Balm - this cleanser is an absolute staple. Whether you love  or hate the hype surrounding this product, I have never stayed faithful to a cleanser for so long. This travel size which you can get with other Emma Hardie kits is worth keeping for traveling as you don't need much per application to get a good cleanse in. Again this product is mentioned throughout my blog, most recently on my Winter Mid-Week Indulgence post.

16. Travel size toothpaste, every man and women shouldn't be without this toiletry kit necessity. I love the dinky travel size tubes, and you can always throw away before you return home from your trip!

You are likely to have realised 1) I forgot the ever important deodorant and SPF products 2) If I can take samples, testers or travel sized products away with me I will.

I am that person in the line at the airport for security forcing the plethora of small sized cosmetics into my zip loc transparent bag to make them fit. You can take so much more with you if you think 'How much am I really going to use?' and take those newer sampler products you want to try out on your trip with you!

I hope you have enjoyed this super long post,
be sure to check back in the week or subscribe using Bloglovin'.

Winter Mid-Week Indulgence

It’s mid week, and it’s mid-January. Enough said, you need a Mid-Week Indulgence! 

I thought I’d share a simple but luxurious mid week pamper routine with you all. It doesn’t take too much energy to do and you can adapt it to suit you, great for use within the working week!

Take your favourite bath product, whether that be a bath bomb, or bubble bath and plop a good amount into a running warm bath. 

It sounds silly, but burning yourself is such an easy way to ruin that ‘perfect bath time’ you were longing for so, to save yourself the pain and the lobster look, keep checking the temperature of the bath.

I used my all time favourite bath product in my mid week routine, it’s Laura Mercier’s Creme Brûlée Honey Bath - which smells edible, is moisturising for the skin but also the bubbles last well!
It has lasted me 2 years I would say, but I only use it one the odd occasion it's one of those special products.

Once you have hopped into the tub, I make sure I’ve got all the products I want to use lined up ready to go. 

I start with a cleanse of my face/neck using the Emma Hardie Moringa Balm cleanser, and then mix in some Emma Hardie Exfoliating Seeds (available in starter sets only) which give you the ability to make your exfoliation as harsh or as subtle as you like - it’s a bit like making your own product up as you go. You just add more or less balm to the seeds to change the exfoliating effect.

Once scrubbed on the areas which need it (I tend to avoid the cheek area) concentrating on the chin, forehead and jaw line, I take a clean Emma Hardie cloth and gently wash that away, 

I let my face just rest after and then apply a mask of choice. 

Any product you use on your skin will always work better when exfoliated as it can properly penetrate the deeper layers of the skin, if you use warm water this will also help open up pores.

My favourite masks are more enzyme or glycolactic based masks, these exfoliate without the scrubbing action - I chose to get a good double exfoliation in,  as I hadn’t properly for a good while, and i was feeling it. If your skin tone looks uneven, feels bumpy or your makeup just isn't applying like it used to - try exfoliation! 

 I slather on the REN Radiance Renewal Mask (review here), but you can go ahead with whatever your favourite might be, for instance a hydrating mask would be great if you have dry skin. 

I leave that on for the required time, you could even add in a hair mask at this time too! Something like Philip Kingsley's Elastisizer would be ideal. 

Grab a fresh flannel, and gently rinse the mask off once your time is up, and allow your skin to just sit without further use of products. 

I then went ahead and washed my hair with a good shampoo and conditioner. 

Once done with that, I pop my hair up in a towel and once damp, I apply a scalp conditioner or leave in product, like the Bumble & Bumble Tonic Lotion (review here)

Finally, apply some good skincare of your choice to your face to finish… 

Hop into your favourite pjs and light your favourite candle, and you’ll be sure to have a great sleep and wake up feeling fabulous! 

Current Favourite Fragrance: Tom Ford Violet Blonde

Tom Ford Violet Blonde 30ml | £50.00

I received this perfume as a Christmas gift. It was one of many beauty items on my wishlist and I am so glad to now be the owner of three of Tom Ford's finest perfumes.

Tom Ford does not scrimp on ingredients or intensity of smell, and you only need a spray or so to get through the day and that's worth what you pay for in my book. Many of his fragrances are unisex - but this one I would say is especially for women. It's full of glamour and has a femininity that I think will take you from day to night and still remain smelling as classy as ever.

The bottle itself is similar to the other Tom Ford designs and they all have a touch of 'The Great Gatsby' glamour about them. The 30ml size is a great handbag size, but still makes a statement on your dressing table.

Whilst I still use the ever famous Black Orchid from Mr.Ford it is a really heavy duty scent that I think is best for winter - Violet Blonde i think its lot more wearable throughout the seasons.

As the name suggests Violet extracts are one the main notes you pick up from this scent creating an uplifting, yet sexy fragrance on your skin.

I think it has become my ambition to one day own all the Tom Ford fragrances!

Do you have a fragrance favourite for January?

This or That? #beautyTAG

Get to know my priorities with this fun 'Beauty; This or That?' tag!I was at a bit of a loose end today, so decided to #beautyTAG it up. Do comment below if you decided to do this tag too! 

Makeup:

1. Blush or Bronzer: Bronzer. I have Rosacea which means my checks are red pretty much all the time, blush has never been my friend.  

2. Lipgloss or Lipstick: Lipgloss. I suppose it's more versatile and less of a statement, I am quite basic with lip colour. 

3. Eyeliner or Mascara: Mascara as my Eyelashes are pretty short. 

4. Foundation or Concealer: Foundation, I tend to layer foundation if needed, rather than use concealer. 

5. Natural or Coloured Eye Shadow: Natural - like Mac's Naked Lunch. 

6. Press or Loose Eye Shadow: Pressed for sure, the loose ones just end up on my face rather than my eyelids.

7. Brush or Sponge: Brushes, unless is a Beauty Blender ;)

Nails:

1. OPI or China Glaze: OPI

2. Long or Short: Long-ish :)

3. Acrylic or Natural: Hmm as someone who just had acrylics for a good couple months and has now gone to natural again, I would have to say Natural. Acrylics can look great if done properly though! 

4. Bright or dark: Bright.

5. Flower or No flower: No flower. (?)

Perfume:

1. Perfume or Body Splash: Perfume. 

2. Lotion or Body Butter: Lotion. Body butter for special occasions, but mostly it's too much! 

3. Body Wash or Soap: Body Wash. 

4. Lush or other: Lush yes, but I also love Molton Brown a lot. 

Fashion:

1. Jeans or Sweat Pants: Jeans! 

2. Long or Short Sleeves: Long.

3. Dress or Skirt: Dress.

4. Scarves or Hat: LOVE scarves. 

5. Studs or Dangling earrings: 

Studs, a classic and can never go out with out them in. 

6. Necklace or Bracelet: Bracelet, I never wear necklaces.

7.Heels or Flat: Flats - heels get painful. 

8. Cowboy Boots or Riding Boots: Either?

9. Jackets or Hoodies: Hoodies all the way.

10. Forever 21 or Charlotte Russe: Forever 21! 

Hair:

1. Curly or Straight:

Straight. My hair is naturally straight and struggles to hold a curl. 

2. Bun or Pony Tail: Messy bun :) 

3. Bobby pins or Butterfly clips: Bobby pins .

4. Hairspray or Gel:  Hairspray.

5. Long or Short: Long

6. Dark or Light: Dark

7. Side swept or Full Fringe: Side swept.

8. Up or down: Down. 

Morning Skincare Routine

The day starts much better when the morning has begun with a good facial cleanse to wash off the sleepiness and start a fresh for the day ahead.

Whether you are starting a new routine as part of your 2014, or love to see peoples products and methods (yes I am with you...) lets get started. 

The morning cleanse is just as important as the evening - knowing this mantra is the first step to a good routine. Morning cleansing removes any product from your night time routine and gently refreshes the skin ready to absorb more wonderful products properly. You'll feel more awake too! 

I keep things simple in the mornings;

I take my Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Cleanser, squirt a 10 pence sized amount on my fingers and massage into my dry face. Sometimes I add a little water, because my skin does drink this cleanser in - but for the most part I gently distribute this round my face, really giving the product time to work. I like to leave this cleanser on for a couple minutes if I have the time, so will brush my teeth in between or something. 

Once ready to be taken off, I take an Emma Hardie clean flannel (pictured) and dowse with warm water. I use the muslin side of the flannel to give my skin some mild exfoliation whilst removing the product. Once I have been over my face, confident that all cleanser is removed and my face feels soft and ready to go, I grab for a towel and dab dry. 

If you suffer from irritated skin such as rosacea or have sensitive skin - never apply an extreme temperature of water to your face, ie. use a hot flannel and then go to freezing water. 
A happy warm medium is what your skin is most comfortable with, and for that your face won't go burning red! Also be sure to dab and pat the skin dry, your face will show irritation if pulled about.

Time for a powerful serum to combat the day with. I like to use Indeed Lab's Hydraluron or the Silver Serum, from the Skin Shop. I find alternating between products ensures your skin will never get complacent (ideal if you have a lot of products!).

The Hydraluron contains hyaluronic acid from the Netherlands that can attract 1,000 times its weight in water and draws moisture from the atmosphere ensuring hydrated skin. This is super affordable and a huge impact on the market in 2013. 

The Silver Serum is a newer product which I purchased from Victoria Health and it seems to work well. Like a probiotic drink for the digestive system the Silver Serum promotes good skin flora great if your skin is susceptible to bacterial break outs. 

I pop either of these on my skin, and wait a couple of minutes until I feel the product is no longer tacky to touch. 

The final step for this routine is to apply moisturiser. I have a love hate relationship with moisturisers. I know the importance of a good SPF, but always find the texture too much on the skin and my eyes are very sensitive to getting SPF near them, (looking like your crying in the office on a day to day basis is not a good look). To combat this problem I am currently swapping between the IMAGE Universal Moisturiser (I think this has been replaced by the linked product) and the Estee Lauder Day Wear, which is quite thick in texture and smells like cucumbers both have SPFs of a good factor in them, but the IMAGE i would say as it has a higher SPF, is thicker and the SPF's texture is more prevalent.

If I won't be wearing makeup then I slather either on, but if I am going to go ahead with foundation etc then I apply moisturiser sparingly (so my face foundation won't just roll of on top of the moisturiser) and then apply my favourite primer ready for foundation. 

I hope you enjoyed this routine, and for those with sensitive skins this has really worked for me over a good period of 6 months. If you would like to read a review on any of the products do let me know. 

Watch out for an evening skincare routine that will be up on nlmorgan.com later in January! But in the mean time what makes up your morning routine?

New Year, New Resolutions; Happy New Year

In this post I will be sharing those obligatory resolutions for the coming year. Let me know yours in the comments below! Some of these I am pretty sure are the same if not similar as the resolutions made in last years post here. 

• Drink More Water - It's simple in theory, but in method so hard to do. I intend to be carrying an Evian bottle around with me at all times, for the purposes of keeping me hydrated & to see if the amount of water I consume affects the headaches I keep getting! 

• Save, Save, Save - this year it is happening, I am going to put my spare monies away & this year it's going somewhere I can not delve into and spend it from (stupid bank accounts!).

• Use products up, before taking to the shops to buy more! - I have draws full of body products, skincare products and nail polishes never before used. I find happiness in knowing i have a lot of products & I will be ok if ever caught in some kind apocalypse (is this hoarding?). But in reality 2014 will be a year of using up, and making space for new products.  So watch out for lots of reviews along the way!

• Keep NLMORGAN.com alive! I love blogging, and am slowly becoming more involved in the blogging community, working full time as most of you will know creates difficulty in keeping the posting momentum going, but every comment and page view pushes me on and I really appreciate any help I can get in getting my blog out there. I am aware that the beauty blogging industry is just saturated and bigger than ever. Now recognised in all different media forms - as valuable sources of information and opinion, bloggers are more recognised now than ever before. When you are starting out us newer bloggers find it tough to get recognised. This year I want to work with you, the other beauty bloggers reading this to get our readership recognised. 

Thanks for reading, I think this small but ambitious collection of resolutions is achievable and will get 2014 going to a great start...

... now where's that bottle of water?

Top Beauty Finds of 2013

The New Year brings time for a little reflection on the last one. Although we are still a day away from 2014, I thought that this is a great time to share my best beauty picks from 2013. 

The inspiration for this post came from having read around Kirstie's (of a Yellow Brick Blog's) post.

Whilst I know not all of these products mentioned were released in 2013, I was having a rummage through my collection and all of the products I am including came to my attention as a ‘must feature’ in this post for one reason or another. 

Why not let me know what’s on your list of Top Finds for 2013 in the comments?

Let’s kick off this product packed post with a star product from Estée Lauder; 

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II 
30ml for £48.00 or 50ml for £65.00

In 2013 I began being treated with Intense Pulsed Light therapy to target Rosacea (you can read more on this here). As part of this treatment my skincare changed to a brand called Image Skincare as recommended by my consultant. Having run out of the hard to find products I needed - I had to find a substitute for my night treatment as I can not sleep without having slathered something into my skin! I took to an Estée Lauder counter on my own one weekend (fyi - this should never happen!!) and asked about the Advanced Night Repair serum. I had seen the scientifically enriched ads, and had heard other bloggers live for this stuff, so I caved and gave it a go. 

Well, I’ll just say you notice when you do not use this product, a few drops of this serum goes a long way and just needs to be patted in the skin before bedtime, and a moisturiser application. Wowed by all the patents this products has against it’s name, this is a product I have almost finished, and my skin never fails to feel lack lustre in the mornings. Definite re-purchase into 2014. 

Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Repair Creme
Available at Dermatology Clinics

One product I can not live without, along with their Vital C Cleanser, is the Image Vital C, Hydrating Repair Creme this rich creme, (introduced to me through IPL treatment) which is used at night, is particularly suited for irritated skin types such as Rosacea. Cooling, hydrating, and again it is one of those cremes that I know through how my skin feels and looks in the morning, whether I used it the night before. You can buy this on the internet I believe - but I never like to do that with skincare unless it is a reputable retailer. Most of the IMAGE products, which are created in Florida are brought my cosmetologists and skin consultants and sold only in clinics for high, high-end prices, but my skin would not be in such a good state without it. 

Sleek Face Contour Kit in Light
£6.49

Bringing the budget down a notch, but keeping the performance levels as good as you would expect from any product in the high end market, is the Sleek Contour Kit. This has been around for a good few years, and is a steal at under £7! Now available in Boots stores as well as Superdrug this is easier than ever to try out and the contouring you can achieve with this fail safe product is fabulous. Take the dark ‘bronzer like’ colour under your cheek bones (permission to make the fish face is granted) and then use the highlight under the brow and on top of the cheeks, for a slimmer looking face and cheekbones you never knew you had. I have really got to grips with contouring this year, and its all down to this little compact. 

HD Brow Palette in Vamp
£17.00

Back when I was subscribed to GlossyBox, I received the HD Brows, Brow Pallet in Vamp - this consists of 4 colours suited mostly toward the eyelids or brows - and can take my mild and meek looking brows to spruced up and face framing in no time. I use this daily and am a believer that brows are a game changer when it comes to facial features, even if you go out with no makeup take those precious minutes to put your brows in place!

Bulgari Mon Jasmin Noir Eau De Parfum Spray 50ml
£54.00 

Having already posted about this fragrance earlier in the year here, it has maintained to be a solid favourite. Not only does it remind me of my trip to Edinburgh this year, but it is so wearable for any occasion. I do think its lasting power for an Eau de Parfum is a little weak but it will keep me buying many a bottle. 

Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm
£2.99

Earlier in the year I was itching to get my hands on these, US beauty bloggers had them, UK beauty bloggers who had been to the US had them, and then finally the humble boots shoppers were able to get them around September time. My favourite is the hydrating one (in the blue) but the other colours are really versatile and smell heavenly. Its a great lip balm that feels like its not just siting there covering your lips, but actually hydrating them. Definitely a competitor with the Rimmel Lip Butters, they too are packaged in great colours and deliver the same great pigments. I only apply lip products when I know the product I am using works, and I miss not using it, and needless to say I have these in my handbag at all times. 

Barry M High Shine Gel Finish Nail Polish
£3.99 

As a self confessed nail polish junkie / snob, I was pulling myself back from trying these Barry M Hi Shine Gelly nail paints, because to be honest I thought the application and the staying power was not going to be up there with OPI, Essie and your other salon brands. I have always brought Essie, OPI, Orly, Leighton Denny and my collection is bursting at it’s seams, however, this never stops me! I was pleasantly surprised with these and thought the application was so great, simple, fast drying and long lasting - just what you want in a polish - I am definitely hoping for more great things from Barry M in the next year!

NARS Sheer Glow foundation in Mont Blanc
£30.50

I consistently swapped between two foundations this year, one being Laura Mercier’s Silk Creme, the other Nars Sheer Glow in Mont Blanc. I like everything about this glass bottle of skin tone evening, and concealing joy. It’s lack of SPF means true colour and less shine in photos, it also has a hydrating consistency and feel on the skin. Above all the GREAT coverage and good staying power got me dipping back into the bottle for more - I will be getting a pump dispenser in 2014 though! 

Maybelline-Fit-Me-Concealer in 15
£5.99

Having only discovered the Maybelline Fit Me range quite recently - the good things I had heard about this concealer pushed me to the checkout with shade 15 in hand. This concealer does not dry out, or cake around the area I am trying to conceal, it works well covering the red areas around my nose and it stays there like you would not expect a high street concealer to do. The colour is a great match and after hearing how similar this is to the NARS Creamy Concealer I have been continually using this through the festive season and it has not disappointed. 

Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray

£19.50

I always go fail safe on a night out or in tough weather conditions with my Urban Decay Makeup Setting spray, after your look is complete for a dewy glow hold the product about 4cm about from your face and spray away which ensures your makeup stays as is ,until you want to take it off. Its been a hero product in 2013. 

It’s been a rather long post, to commemorate an equally long year. Enjoy the New Years celebrations and make sure you look fabulous to welcome in 2014! 

2014 Inspirational

Really enjoying Into The Gloss' 'Best of 2013' posts in the run up to the new year. 

Filled with some of the best tips and tricks from their selection of posts published in 2013 - 
my favourite piece of advice is from Tom Pecheux: 

It’s not pleasant for the skin to be dirty. 
Hair, fine. Mind, yes. Skin, no.

So true & definitely something to live by in 2014, yes?
It's also brought to my attention how much I have neglected my Clarisonic. 
Check out Into The Gloss' Skincare tips here. 

What are your favourite blogs right now?

Current Favourite Fragrance; Bvlgari Mon Jasmin Noir

All of my favourite perfumes are discovered through samples. I love a great sample, especially when you get those little atomisers. They are great for traveling and just keeping in your handbag - and they last forever. 

I had a sample of this particular perfume, Bvlgari's Mon Jasmin Noir - and hadn't touched it. When traveling to Edinburgh for a short break with friends, I packed this without hesitation for some reason. Sometimes I think its nice to go on holidays, and travel with a totally new scent - that scent will then remind you of all the experiences it was worn with you on. I am a true believer in buying a new one at every duty free oportunity! 

It was no exception with this one either. Flying back from Scotland I brought the full size of this gorgeous bottle. 

Launched in 2011, this fragrance is addictive, sophisticated and yet musky. 

I don't find it heavy, but at the same time no one stops & says 'What perfume are you wearing?!' as a result I use quite a lot! There is something about this which is elegant, feminine and classy all in one go. I think this might be my new signature scent, replacing Emporio Armani's She. 

The 75ml size of this perfume is available at CheapSmells for £38.99.

The 50 ml size can be found @ CheapSmells too for £30.15.

I have found the 75ml size on other sites, for A LOT  more, over double the price offered at CheapSmells. It totally makes sense to go for the 75ml if you are already a lover of this perfume and need a top up! 

Or if you haven't tried this scent yet, give it a whiff the next time you are near a fragrance shop. It will brighten your day! What's your favourite fragrance right now?

Natalie x