Happy New Year!

The festive season is slowly disappearing, hoards of people are coming together to celebrate, with many drinking far too much alcohol, (and loving it) only to wake up the next day and regret everything they did the night before. Yes it's New Years Eve!

It's safe to say I was spoilt rotten this Christmas by my friends and family.

I received a lot of beauty goodies (as well a sickly amount of chocolate) this year, some of which I will be making posts about and I'm also taking requests if anyone would like to know what I think about ANY of the items in the image (yes that includes the bear slippers).
I was also bought a new laptop so thankfully I will be able to make a lot more posts in 2015, hopefully this one won't have a break down every two minutes.

I hope everyone has a brilliant New Year whether you're out on the town or sat at home watching the countdown in your pajamas (I'm the latter of the two).
I don't make any resolutions because I know I won't keep to them, naughty Vicky.
Have a lovely 2015!

Victoria ♥

Merry Christmas! ❄

Happy Christmas everyone!

I hope everyone has a fabulous day wherever you are and whatever you're doing.

My list for today:

• Listen and watch too many Christmas songs/films
• Stuff myself silly
• Enjoy time with the family

Christmas is also a time to remember those who are no longer here and to think of those who are struggling at this time of year.
So please spare a thought for others who may not be having the best time this festive season.

On a lighter note, I hope Santa brought you all everything you wanted and I hope your friends and family appreciated their gifts - no matter how big or small.

Lot's of love,

Victoria  ♥

P.S. for all you Scrooges out there - there's always the sales ;)

Attaining a natural glow | Maybelline Cream Touch Blush

I admit, I did join in with the phase when many young girls put on a ridiculous amount of blusher and may have slightly resembled a clown (oops).
Nowadays, however, I have toned down on my use of rouge A LOT. For the past year I haven't even worn any at all, but this has changed since I discovered cream blushes - specifically Maybelline's Dream Touch Blush.

I was initially worried about using a cream blush as I thought it would cause the skin on my cheeks to break out. With this product however, I have been proven wrong.
While many powder base products can look heavy and caked on, I find that the texture of this blush slides on beautifully and not a lot needs to be used to achieve a healthy glowing effect.
The shade I am using is 07, a classic pink, which on my fair skin gives a nice natural luminosity to it.

I honestly can't believe I haven't tried these products sooner and can't recommend them highly enough!
From my experience the product stays on for a long time (granted I did use a primer) and just gives that edge to any make up look.
I don't even have to used a make up brush as a few swipes from the jar gives a great base that you can build on if you so wish.

It's safe to so that this will be my absolute go to blush for a long time to come.

Victoria ♥

Winter Pastels ❄

Most people associate pastel colours with spring/summer and darker colours for autumn/winter.
I however, do not do too well on following colour trends and enjoy mixing it up for every season!

For a change to my winter wardrobe, I incorporated these lovely pastel shades.

Both items are from New Look and I think are a great addition to liven up any wintry outfit.

• Shell Pink Coat £49.99
• Pale Blue Polar Bear Jumper £11.99

I have become obsessed with wearing this coat almost everywhere as it is so snug and looks fabulous teamed with a white/cream scarf.

This is my first festive jumper I've owned (I know how boring am I) and I soon as I saw it I knew I had to have it. The colour is beautiful and the polar bears with diamante noses look absolutely adorable - a must wear for Christmas day! 

Let me know if you have found anything to give your winter wardrobe a splash of colour.

Victoria ♥

Walkies!

I find that there is something very therapeutic about dog walking.

(Providing that your dog doesn't thinks it's Mike Tyson or Mo Farah, both of which I have experienced).

There is just something very calming about strolling around an open area which lacks the noise of traffic, and your only concern is that your dog doesn't do a no. 2 on a pavement.
Granted some people may find this a tedious/stressful task, but I truly believe one of the best ways to help reduce a stressful period in life is by walking a dog.

Because of this, even if you don't have a dog, (there's always friends, family, volunteer regimes and neighbours) I would highly recommend going to an open area for your dog to roam in as I find it's a brilliant way to clear your head - no matter what situation.

Hope you're all having a fab time in the run up to Christmas! ♥

(I also learnt where the phrase 'a steaming pile of sh*t' comes from yesterday, while walking the dog in freezing temperatures. It's safe to say I was cry laughing by the end of it).

Book/Film Recommendation - Gone Girl

I fully realise that I am slightly late on this bandwagon, (I mean the film has even stopped showing in the cinemas), but after finishing the book last week I knew I had to make a post about it.

"On the occasion of his fifth wedding anniversary, Nick Dunne reports that his wife, Amy, has gone missing. Under pressure from the police and a growing media frenzy, Nick's portrait of a blissful union begins to crumble. Soon his lies, deceits and strange behavior have everyone asking the same dark question: Did Nick Dunne kill his wife?" 

- Twentieth Century Fox

I had initially heard about the book from other bloggers sharing their opinion on the ending with a definitive divide between being disappointed or finding it reasonable, without giving spoilers I am the latter of the two.

I then saw the film trailer on YouTube and it immediately caught my attention with the intriguing story line. I am also a massive fan of whodunnit styled dramas so as you can imagine, this was right up my street.

I read half the book then went to see the film with my grandma. I DO NOT recommend this unless you're very close, like we are, due to the sexual scenes/language used.

Seeing the film which was UHmazing and made me eager to finish the book and I honestly cannot choose which was better. They're both so very immersive in their each individual way and I feel the ending was suited to the characters personalities.

If you're 16+ I thoroughly recommend this book, but only if you have a more mature reading style. The film is rated 18 but lets be honest, who takes note of that as long as you're of an appropriate age to watch.

Let me know what you thought of the book/film - thank you! ♥

Festive Nails - Barry M

I think it's a well known fact that most people associate glitter and sparkles with the festive season well I do anyway. For this reason, one of the ways in which I get into the Christmas spirit is to buy glittery cosmetics such as nail polish and eye shadows etc.

Barry M has always been a staple for me when it comes to nails, as they always have such a variety of colours and textures at fab prices. There always seems to be some form of deal on as well so four for you Barry M!

When I went into the Boots store in Leeds with my gran last week, to do a bit of Christmas shopping, my first pit stop was the Barry M section in the hopes of me finding some sparkly delights and I wasn't disappointed. 

• On my nails and first on the left is Pink (Princess)
• On the right is Ruby Slippers

The colours really do look fabulous on and I can't help but playing festive tunes while applying. I know it's still November Vicky stop.

There are however so many more polishes within the Barry M range with different effects and they do make great little stocking fillers (I noted my gran sneakily purchasing starlight).

So if, like me, you feel the need for that bit of extra sparkle while enjoying the festivities I strongly recommend picking up these gems from Barry M ASAP. 

Have fun Christmas shopping! Insert nervous looking emoji here ♥

P.S. if you don't already know this Boots do a 3 for 2 on selected items around this time of year with the cheapest being free!

Product Review - Benefit Lee Lee's Beauty Secrets Set

Ever since I purchased Benefit Lee Lee's Beauty Secrets set I felt I had to review the items bought as I can't praise Benefit highly enough.

The item that drew me into buying the set in the first place was the Benefit They're Beyond Real! Mascara. I had read many people praising the product due the length that the mascara gives the eyelashes, instead of looking like creepy spiders legs.

(I apologise for the quality as I don't own a swanky camera)

The set includes the full sized mascara, not the miniature ones as some others do. 
My lashes are naturally rather dark so I really look for a mascara that can give my lashes length and it's safe to say that this mascara does that. It's easy to see which this is such a popular product and probably one of the best ones on the market as I feel, with my eyes, the volume makes my eyes appear more awake and the overall look is rather flattering.
If you teamed this product with some individual lashes and a highly contoured face, you could easily replicate the vastly sought after make up look sported by Kim Kardashian.
I do however feel that the individual price of the product is rather high (£19.50) and while I do feel it is a must have to a least try, if you're on a budget look around and see if you can purchase it in a set or maybe ask someone to buy if for you as a gift for a birthday or Christmas etc.
A good dupe of this product is the Maybelline Falsies Mascara if you still feel you cannot splurge on a mascara - it gives volume and length but I feel does not have the lasting power compared to Benefit's.

Another reason I felt this set was a must have purchase was the POREfessional primer (miniature version) that was included. Along with the mascara this is also a product that I had been wanting to try for quite some time.

I have a combination skin type so while my cheeks are normal, my t-zone and my forehead can become oily though out the day so I feel a primer is pretty much a necessity when wearing foundation. (especially a liquid one)

Another factor that does not help is that I am also a glasses wearer, hello all my fellow four eyes, which means oils can easily build up on the bridge of my nose.
I have been applying the primer to t-zone and my forehead for a while now and have found the mattifying affect whilst applying brilliant, it does not clog your pores yet leaves your skin smooth to touch. This product is perfect if you have a long day ahead, or an eventful evening, meaning you want your make up to stay put for just that bit longer without looking like someone from The House of Wax.

I was surprised about how well the next product looked on my skin - the Benefit That Gal Primer.

As you can see by the picture it claims to brighten the face and it well and truly does, so much so that on a good skin day I have worn the product by itself on my skin to perk it up a bit. However, although the primer does help my make up stay put and brings some luminosity to my skin, I feel that some foundations do the exact same job but with a smaller price tag. I would recommend this product but I will only maybe use it in winter just to help keep my face from looking dull in the harsher weather conditions.

Lastly is the laugh with me LeeLee eau de toilette.

Completely forgot to take a picture of the perfume before blogging, well done Vicky.

I find that perfume is very personal to each individual with people liking very different scents. I went out on a whim when ordering in the set and hoped that I would like the perfume. It is described as having a "woody floral, light blend of citrus, jasmine and lily blossoms" (I have no idea what any of that means) but I really like this perfume! The scent of it is citrusy and fresh so it is perfect for either day or night and I have found it has become one of my staple must have perfumes. Mmm.

I hope I have even slightly helped anyone considering buying any of these items or the set itself, let me know if I have and thank you very much for reading!  ♥

Product Recommendation - Witch Blemish Stick

Like most 18 year olds my skin is anything but 'flawless' and I have to contend with breakouts.. Woo! 
My blemishes range from many to a few focusing on my forehead and chin and only really flare up due to hormones, cosmetics and changes in weather. I have used numerous anti bacterial containing products throughout the years with my firm favourites being the Clean and Clear Advantage Spot Treatment and Sudocrem. 
(I do find Sudocrem quite drying on the skin so I use a sparing amount)

However, as my skin has been playing up recently I had found myself wanting to try something new and while I was at my local Boots I noticed the Witch Blemish Stick, a product which, ahem, I had never heard of before but was willing to try with the price being astoundingly low at only £2.70!

I have being using this product for the past week and I can honestly say I did see a difference overnight. I dab the stick onto any spots before going sleep and generally feel a cooling sensation on my skin. When I wake up I have found that any spots on my face have significantly reduced and any deep rooted ones feel far less sore than they did before. It's amazing how I'm not a poet

I thoroughly recommend this product if you are prone to the occasional spot on your face. Or, if you keep it in your draw and one randomly pops up before a big event the next day, apply it before you go to bed and it hopefully should shrink in size considerably.

Thanks for reading! ♥

Happy Halloween!

Meet Bucky,
This is only the second time I've carved a pumpkin so I'm pleased with how cute he looks.

Have a spo0oky day!

Beauty Bargains - Feel Unique

I do enjoy a bargain and shopping online so when the two go hand in hand I find myself seduced to my debit card. 
I always find that the best beauty buys are ones that are good quality yet at amazing bargain prices. Because of this, I felt compelled to share this website, feelunique.com. 
The website includes many beauty related items from high quality brands such as Clinique, Estée Lauder and Yves Saint Laurent to name a few.
I recently purchased Benefit Lee Lee's Beauty Secrets Set which is exclusive to feel unique.

The set includes:

Benefit The POREfessional PRO Balm Primer
Benefit That Gal Brightening Face Primer
Benefit They're Real Beyond! Mascara
Benefit Laugh With Me Lee Lee Eau De Toilette (30ml)

The set came within a few days of ordering and since my order was over £10 (£39) it came with free P&P!
I will do a full review of the items in due course but the site has many more beauty bargains for you to enjoy, though I would highly recommend buying a gift set as it works out cheaper and they'd be a perfect gift for a friend/family member with Christmas on the way.

So if you're looking to treat yourself or a friend with some beauty goodies but can't decide where to buy, head to feelunique.com! ♥

Asda homeware

I recently went to Asda (exciting times) and while I was in the home ware section I noticed some adorable pieces for your kitchen.

I felt the items were just too cute not to post and the prices for the set were amazingly low! 
So if you like charming pastel coloured accessories for your home, then look no further! ♥

• Oven glove £4
• Sign £3
• Tea cosy £5

NYC

In 2013 I went on a school trip to New York and I thought I would share some images.

It was a truly amazing experience albeit tiring and it is something I will never forget. ♥