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Tuesday 30 December 2014

Year by Instagram

Hello! I thought I would share 2014 with you through my Instagram (@hansaddiction) as I post pictures with great memories throughout the year on Instagram.

Top to bottom (January): Swedish ginger snaps / in Trafalgar Square, London taken on my friends film camera / Lush face masks and bath bombs / the arrival of Naked 2 / Lush's Phenonix Rising / Kindle Fire / taking my new Hunter wellies for a test run / Dior Rosy Glow and Dior Addict / my new coat before a trip to Bluewater

Top to bottom (January): tickets for Dan Croll @ Scala, London / filming YouTube videos for Tom Harvey / a trip to Tate Modern / a late New Year's Eve photo / a picture before a late Christmas dinner with my best friend / filming again in the Church for Tom Harvey on YouTube / starting up my blog (again) with an eyes post / a 'girls with class don't need a glass' hipflask from the UO sale / my first friend to pass her driving test!

Top to bottom (February): the last day at my old house and moving / a post all about my purchases / being in my new house with my friends / bombay bicycle clubs new album / my croc slip-ons / a very chocolatety pistachio cake / finding old cameras when moving house and searching the attic / my first post on my blog / a picture from the art rooms at school among installations


Top to bottom (March): attempting to read Clockwork Orange with Lush's Easter goodies / a homemade pizza with an egg / an outfit for the day from when I met celebrity stylist Gemma Sheppard / a selfie with my new Rayban's from Gemma Shappard and VisionExpress / a Wishlist / seeing Bastille with my brother at Alexandra Palace / Tanya Burr's lips and nails / crepes while revising and the sun comes out / pre-curry

Top to bottom (March - April): making summer salads while revising / finding BN's in a French supermarket / passport and driving licence photos / falling in love with Nuxe Reve de Miel / filming one again for Tom Harvey / Wear What You Like Day at school (everyone dressing up) / Dan Croll @ Scala / having a bath to rid myself of a cold / Reve de Miel blog post

Top to bottom (April): a favourites post / a skincare routine / a very large prawn at dinner with my mum / finding a little snail while having the first BBQ of the year / my friend passes her driving test 4th time lucky / a birthday wishlist / a sunglasses post / finding the Filous Remix of High Hopes / having dinner at the best Thai restaurant in my town

Top to bottom (May): having hot chocolate at a cafe in town / Elizabeth & James White Nirvana / a Sephora bag from my dad on his return from New York / homemade pizzas with @catslifewithfood on Instagram the day that I got sunburnt in my garden! / my angry post about Urban Outfitters hiccups / making smoothes to get me through revision / my friends giant birthday card that I made her / my co-ord which I had been after for ages! / an outfit and make up post

Top to bottom (May): my friends cat in the moonlight / my very pretty orla kiely journal and I love white nails / my new kimono for summer time / a Polaroid from my birthday meal with ny dad and brother at Bill's / a girly night with my friends / NARS sheer glow / birthday Polaroids / my instax mini 8 / a birthday selfie

Top to bottom (June): my favourite summer outfit / a holiday or festival packing guide / eating the best beef stir fry by a quiet part of the river in London with my best friend while taking a break from a university talk / Nuxe rose cleanser / seeing the fault in our starts at a premier showing with my mum / my friend from Canterbury comes to visit / more Nuxe cleanser / a trip to Brighton to stay with my dad with my best friend / a smokey eyes post

Top to bottom (June - July): white and new Bershka shorts / making Salmon en Croute with my friends and blogging about it / the banana tree in my garden goes super green / a try and crack my dry skin problem with The Body Shop vitamin E serum-in-oil and tell you guys about it / having a lovely day at a talk at SOAS university and taking in the sun with a great deal of ice cream in Russel Sq. Gardens / taking the tube / telling you guys about NARS sheer glow / Polaroids from my 17th birthday party / trying to recreate the best beef stir fry (I failed)

Top to bottom (July): drinks at hickories with my cousins in Chester / in a fountain with my friend at Spanish festival Benicassim / in the sea at Benicassim / in the campsite at Benicassim / with the gang in the campsite at Benicassim / sea swimming in Spain / rounding up the week in Spain in my journal / pre-Spain drinks / fro-yo in Brighton

Top to bottom (August): a beginning of a strong love with Soap and Glory's Brow Archery / Brighton pier with my boyfriend, best friend and her boyfriend / a wishlist / film photos from my party / film photo of me in Russell Sq. Gardens eating the best pistachio ice cream / the beach on the first 'date' with Will / reunited with Archie after a long while and drinking Pimms at the pub / a summery favourites / hickories in the sun

Top to bottom (August): Seche Vite love / cacti from IKEA / Sissinghurst Gardens with Will before it turned too wintery / throwback to being on the Reading & Leeds festival homepage / a monochrome outfit / my favourite nail polishes / throwback to Paris with my best friend / Polaroids / glowy and bronzed

Top to bottom (September): peaches & cream by soap & glory (review) / a smiley Polaroid / a trip to Rye with my boyfriend and taking a look in the sweet shop (eggsellent) / a nail duo (review) / Hyde Park @ BBC Proms in the Park / with the girls at Hyde Park / a throwback to Benicassim - too posh to mosh / penis shaped pasta and meatballs... / penis shaped pasta

Top to bottom (September - October): Clean Bandit @ De la Warr Pavillion / a cute (but unsuccessful) tester / a seemingly annual day with one of my closest friends / a successful Brighton pier panorama / a make up look fit for an 18th birthday-come-poker night / a time lapse of the busy Brighton beach / an early morning in Brighton / visiting the jellies at Brighton aquarium / finding nemo and his family

Top to bottom (November-December): La Roche Posay's festive event & UK launch of Serozinc (available Jan 1st) / homemade chicken teriyaki donburi - my wagamama favourite / a Christmas dinner at school / a Christmas dinner photo with a childhood friend / a giggly taxi ride with my best friend / a Christmas wishlist / my favourite nude lip look / cocktails at my friends 18th complete with flamingo / a dog wanting his dinner

Top to bottom (December): my beautiful Christmas gift from my boyfriend / a La Roche Posay review / a very fun evening with Polaroid evidence / a Christmas trip to London to ice skate at the Natural History Museum / a butterbear Lush bath / a 5turtle neck selfie / inside Canterbury cathedral / stain-glass windows / a Hogwarts like corridor @ Canterbury cathedral
So that was my lovely year in photos via Instagram posts. Leave your instagrams below as I would love to see all of your pictures! I hope all of you have enjoyed this year and look forward to 2015! Happy New Year!


Thursday 18 December 2014

La Roche Posay: Toleriane Ultra

Hello! As I've mentioned before, my skin at the time of a change in the weather (although it's becoming even the times in between) is a force to be reckoned with. It's dry and uncomfortable and requires a lot of TCL, particularly on my forehead. Enter Toleraine Ultra: a promising little bottle promising intense smoothing care.







Everything in this bottle is kept separate from anything outside with a twist top lock and the product inside is kept in a bag so nothing is getting in. It's secret is Neurosensine, 'an active ingredient which targets cutaneous irritation mechanisms' - whatever they are. With its soothing promise, it's ultra protective bottle, it's secret weapon and the fact it's for ultra-sensitive or allergic skin, I incorporated it into my routine very swiftly.

This product is not something which I now find essential or impossible to live without but it definitely helps. I find that my discomfort is taken away after a while, although it isn't a cure. I find application at night is the best thing as if you're out and about during the day it can be a little bit on the greasy side. If you do have dry skin all over and find your skin needs more than your daily moisturiser you could get away with mixing this in with your foundation but I don't need this hydration during the day and find it too heavy for my skin. At night this isn't a problem for me and it does help to soothe the irritation and make my skin smoother where it's become dry and scaly almost.
I can't say whether it's something I would repurchase after just under a month of use, but for the moment it seems to be working for me so I will see whether it becomes a skincare necessity. Perhaps in summer this will be too heavy and it's a winter product but I will have to get back to you all when it's warm again.


Have any of you ever tried this product? Or is there anything from La Roche Posay that you love?
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE!









* This product was given/sent to me or bought with vouchers provided by a company. All views are completely my own and honest.

Wednesday 10 December 2014

La Roche Posay Launch & Festive Event

Hello! I was extremely excited when I heard I would be going to the La Roche Posay Launch and Festive Event. I have spoken about their products before and I am a huge fan of what they can do for sensitive or allergic skin as I find that, particularly as the weather changes, my skin becomes really hard to work with. They were launching a new product into the UK market and I was really excited when I found out what that product was.

As La Roche Posay is a French brand, it can be extremely hard at times to get hold of although it has come increasingly easier during this year to pick up products like the Effaclar Duo + and the items which are incredibly popular all around the world. However, there is one product that beauty bloggers and 'YouTube-ers' alike have been crossing the channel to get their hands on for a very long time now and I have heard nothing but amazing things. Ladies, (and gentlemen!) Serozinc is here.

Serozinc is a toner with the main ingredient being zinc sulphate solution (there are only two more: water and sodium chloride). It aims to cleanse the skin and soothe irritation from razor burn to redness as well as reduce oil on the skin which goes on to prevent acne and skin imperfections. As it comes in an aerosol can it makes it so easy that it's difficult to miss out and although this is my preferred method, if you wanted to use a cotton pad for a bit of exfoliation or just because you prefer it then go for it. It's 'toner' title suggests use between cleanser and moisturizer but you can use this to freshen up in the day also if you're becoming a little oily in places or are in need of a cool down. I'll get back to you on how effective this is for me, which I'm hoping it will be because I have heard nothing but good things (except the idea that perhaps it isn't worth the journey across the channel but now that is eliminated!) It will be available to purchase from the 1st of January on Escentual.com but you can head over there now and sign up to the waiting list!


 




The event itself was lovely (despite it taking a while to find). There were festive drinks and little canapés which were cicuating the room all night and now allowing anyone to go hungry. There was a great talk by those who worked at La Roche Posay and Dr. Leslie, a famous dermatologist which I found so helpful because sometimes I am kind of like 'so... what does it do, exactly?' There was a human-sized bottle of the Serozinc which perhaps was a little bit of a giveaway when you first walked in about what they were launching and a blue carpet which Katy (therawrdrobe), Emma and Emily (emandthem) and I all had a photo on with my polaroid camera. I have some products from La Roche Posay that I'm currently trying out but my thoughts on all of them will be with you shortly, including Serozinc!  

Have you been across the sea for a bottle of Serozinc before? Or have you tried much from La Roche Posay before?

Wednesday 3 December 2014

CHRISTMAS | Friends + Money Saving Gifts

Hello! My friends and I always do Secret Santa between us as it means that we can get a larger gift for one person, rather than something small for everyone. We normally set a guideline budget (that none of us really stick to) but I have put together this list as some things you could get if you're on a smaller budget or want to get something special for a friend. The final phase of Christmas ideas.

CHRISTMAS | friends

1. Lush Products or smelly stuff. Lush has something to suit everyone. Shower gels, bath bombs, face masks and gift sets. Whatever it is you can probably find something that is a special little present and you could also make your own little hamper of products you know are their favourite or a selection of the Christmas Collection. Lush is your oyster.

2. A charm. If your friend has a Pandora bracelet you could get them a christmassy charm or a charm that reflects something they love. It's pretty simple but it builds up a bracelet beautifully. Likewise, you could buy them a bracelet from elsewhere that they will be able to wear all the time.

3. Slippers. After Christmas I always have a slippers phase. I'm not sure why because I generally hate wearing socks or having feet that are hot but they make me feel super Christmassy. Primark is a great place for really comfy slippers that won't break the bank so it's always worth a look!

4. P-jays. Again, Primark is a great place for really comfy pyjamas. I love matching sets of pyjamas and you can find loads in various different shops. You can get matching with your friend or just something similar, whatever floats your boat. It's just an idea.

5. Perfume. Zara perfumes, to be exact. All of Zara's perfumes smell really good and they're pretty cheap so they would put you out too much. Last year I got one with glitter in and I really loved it! I have a couple of others as well for a couple of seasons and they come in really pretty bottles. Just saying.

6. Knickers. Topshop do 3 for £10 I think which is a great thing to put with a couple of nail varnishes or a Lush bath bomb. You can never have too many pairs of cute Topshop knickers!

7. Frozen. Or any DVD but Frozen seems incredibly appropriate. Most people I know love Frozen and/or know all of the songs so I don't see where you could go wrong. The Fault in Our Stars just came out also if they already have Frozen. Whatever DVD you buy you can all sit down in a girl group and watch it after you've exchanged your presents.

8. Nail Varnishes. Very simple and they don't have to be Essie. I love Barry M and Rimmel for their nail polishes and chances are there is a deal on at Boots that allows you to pick up 3 for 2. If you're buying more than one friend a gift you could pick out 3 polishes and 3 pairs of knickers and give them one of each. Just a way to stretch your pounds!

9. A book. There is a book out there that will bring your friend a few hours of joy and something they can look back on. Add a personal festive message inside to make it super special and they will never forget it!

10. A photo frame or album of you and your friend. This is a good one for your best friend and you can leave space in the back so that they can add to it in years to come!

I hope this gives you a couple of purse-friendly ways to get cute and thoughtful gifts for your friends this Christmas. If none of you have a great deal of money then give the Secret Santa idea a go and then each of you will get something a little bigger. Stick to a £10/£15/£20 budget, depending on how much you are all able to spend.

I hope this series has been helpful. Happy spending!

Wednesday 26 November 2014

CHRISTMAS | Boyfriends and Brothers

Hello! I find brothers, boyfriends and dads notoriously hard to buy for. They always seem to have exactly what they need - a wallet, a watch, aftershave. So I had a discussion with my brother and we came up with a nice little list to help you along your way when Christmas shopping for boys. Second in my Christmas-ideas line up; Boys.

CHRISTMAS | boyfriend 

1. Cufflinks. Boys tend to get to an age where they have to wear a shirt at least once a year. For school, dinners and work a nice pair of cufflinks will always come in handy. Maybe if they love something like football you could find a pair sporting their interest (accidental pun, kind of) which would make it extra personal. 

2. A wallet or bag. Boys tend to stick with one wallet for a long time and be pretty happy with what it does. It holds a couple of cards, some notes and perhaps a coin or two and in their eyes it is doing what it was made to do. The same with bags. You could treat whoever you're buying for to a nice leather wallet or bag which is perhaps leather and a bit more expensive than something they would buy for themselves.

3. I don't really know if boys like Lush but they do have lots of stuff that is aimed at men like shaving foam and cleansers. If it's a boy you live with you can always steal some of the shaving cream for your legs so even if they don't get a lot of use out of it, you will.

4. As much as I hate Xbox's and Playstations, quite a lot of boys use them. My brother is an avid Xbox user and plays online and all that stuff so Christmas is a great time to get the new Fifa or whatever is coming out these days. I really don't know, I'm not down with gaming. My boyfriend is a serious Sims player if he has a spare hour so if you know a Sims player that is still on Sims 3, apparently Sims 4 exists!

5. Similar to what I put in my Girlfriend and Sisters post, you could treat a boy to a day out. A cinema trip, match or a concert is always a good idea and you don't always have to go with them. Get your dad to join your brother or vice versa and give them a ticket each so they get to go together. Perhaps you don't fancy going to a sports match with lots of cheering men (I don't!)

6. Smelly things. I think boys are less fussy with their smells and everything boyish always smells pretty good. I'm a big fan of Hugo Boss smells so I usually get my brother a bottle for Christmas but go into Boots and have a sniff. If you like it, chances are they will too!

7. A watch. If they don't have a watch then they're always something that you can buy for them that they would never think to get for themselves. If you get them something classic and timeless (another pun?!) then they will always be able to wear it, and just replace the battery in the future.

8. A Polaroid. Again. They're just such a nice idea and I would recommend them to people who like taking photos a lot so that they can capture memories!

9. Clothing. Sometimes boys tend to neglect clothing and forget that it is in face, a necessity. My brother never buys himself clothes but always appreciates a nice shirt or beanie so I always think it's a pretty safe option. If they hate it they can return it and you could always go help them pick it out!

10. A hip flask. I think these are always nice ideas as you can get so many designs, add a bit of leather or eve their name or initials. You can really tailor it to them and it's quite a nice thing to have around!

11. Finally, a leather book. If someone you know likes writing things down or they're going off somewhere you could get them a special book so they can record it all. It's just something nice that they can make their own and you could pair it with the Polaroid so they have somewhere to put them all!

I hope this gives you some inspiration for boys. Again, you could buy them a picture frame or make them something that is quite personal. Good luck with the hardest quest of all: presents for boys.


Wishlist: Christmas

Hello! Christmas is close now. I feel very very festive. I get way too excited about Christmas and I definitely get it from my dad. I sometimes find Wishlists for Christmas and birthdays a bit awkward when people ask but there isn't anything I really specifically want this year. I thought I would give you some inspiration for when people ask what you're asking for this Christmas. How many times can I say Christmas?

wishlist

1. Nike Air Force 1's - White/Low. I have wanted a pair of these for a while. I never wear trainers as casual shoes and sometimes I find myself needing something plain and easy to slip on my feet.

2. A magazine subscription. Specifically to The Creative Review. I wouldn't normally buy this for myself and I can't find any kind of Review's in my town. You can get Reviews of loads of things like English, History... Whatever you like, they most likely have it to just search The ______ Review and see if there is a Review that is perfect for your interests.

3. MAC Lipstick in Syrup. I don't actually own a MAC Lipstick. I never seem to have enough money to comfortably buy one and not regret it but Syrup is a really lovely shade that isn't too bold and is pretty neutral which I know I will get a lot of wear out of!

3. Beyonce Calendar. I actually made a point to my parents one year to stop buying me calendars. I never turn the page and it stays on the same picture for months at a time until a friend comes round and changes it. However, as I get more busy and start working I want to have a calendar that I can write all of my exam dates and festival dates on so I know what I'm doing all the time. Who am I kidding, I just want to see a new picture of Beyonce every month!

4. Zoeva Make Up Brushes. Because I only own Real Techniques brushes. I do love them, but I really want to try out some others and I know that if I like Zoeva brushes I will continue to buy them as they're pretty purse-friendly. I hear nothing but good things about Zoeva brushes so I'm dying to try them out!

5. Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream. This was an accident. I went into the Kielh's store in Brighton to grab a sample of Midnight Recovery Concentrate as I thought that would make it to my wishlist but the woman ended up giving me about 5 samples to take away. I ended up liking the Midnight Recovery Concentrate but I'm not head over heels for it like I hoped. Instead, I am in love with the Ultra Facial Cream Moisturizer. It works at night and in the day under make up and is so hydrating. I love it!

6. Perfume. Specifically, Escentric Molecules 01 although I would love a new bottle of any of the perfumes on my dressing table! I have actually never smelt it, but I love deep and wintery scents and actually, I never smell perfumes before I buy them (or I asked my dad to buy me one that I love.. it's actually now my favourite.) If I see it in a shop I will give it a smell but I love perfumes in general, I just like smelly things!

That's six things that I'm asking for this Christmas. I don't want anything really badly and I always love the personal touches that people include when they've thought out a gift for you. I hope you all have a lovely Christmas, even though it isn't quite here yet! Happy last minute gift buying! (If you need any help for a gift idea for someone I have lots of idea posts!)


Sunday 23 November 2014

Day to Night with Cosmopolitan Las Vegas #cosmopolitanchic

Hello! I was emailed by Cosmopolitan Las Vegas and they told me about their Vegas Day to Night outfit posts which lots of bloggers have been participating in recently so I thought I would give it a go. You can check out their website here http://www.vegas.com/resorts/cosmopolitan/ for yourself to get ideas to create your own! I really enjoyed piecing together Vegas-style outfits on Polyvore which I use a lot anyway to create looks so try it for yourself and tweet it to @VEGAScom!

I chose a bold blazer that would work in a few situations and kept the theme black and gold. 

For day I chose something that would happily take you to a bar and out for lunch. The blazer is very bold and this specific one is rather expensive but you could pick any gold blazer. I think it adds some richness to the outfit which screams Vegas. I didn't want to go heavy with detail on the top so I picked this simple but interesting top so that if you took off the blazer you were still left with some detail on your top half. I went with jeans so that it wasn't too much for the daytime but paired it with black and gold heel-boots to dress it up - don't do it by halves in Vegas! I accessorized this with a gold watch, bangle and dainty ring but avoided a necklace as there's a lot on the top half with the blazer and the pattern on the top. Bag wise I chose a simple clutch so that you aren't carrying too much about. You can add the strap onto the bag so that you can keep your hands free but in big cities and crowded places I would always ensure that it closes properly. For nails I would go for black nails with a gold accent nail which has a gold sophistication to it but isn't too much for the day or too little for the evening - perfect transition. If you're chilling by the pool you can ditch the blazer for a light outfit and when you're heading out while it's still light just slip it back on again!

So you've popped back to the hotel after a bit of time by the pool, a shopping trip, lunch and a drink in a bar in order to get ready for some dinner, another trip to another bar and a nightclub or two. When you have this beautiful statement blazer that can be really dressed up you don't need to ditch it for the evening. For going out I ditched the jeans and pretty top for some leather trousers and a simple black shirt to enhance your blazer. I paired these with even more gold studded heels to add some detail to your bottom half. I kept my nails the same and accessorized heavily with gold. I kept the watch the same and added lots of simple gold rings as well as a detailed cage ring and a lion ring. I kept a clutch as you can keep it close to you when you're out so you won't lose it or have it taken. Just pop in your room key, phone and your lipstick incase you need a top up and head out the door. 

There we have my day to night outfit which features this beautiful gold blazer that you can dress up or down. Let me know what you think or what you would wear and check out the #cosmpolitanchic tag on Twitter to see other people's ideas and create your own!

Saturday 22 November 2014

CHRISTMAS | Girlfriends and Sisters

Hello! Welcome to the beginning of my Christmas posts. I like to get pretty organized and plan what I am going to get everyone for Christmas so I hope this isn't too early for anyone (the John Lewis was released on the 6th so this can't possibly be too early!)! I thought I would give some tips to anyone struggling to think of a great gift for different people in their lives. First of all, girlfriends and sisters!

CHRISTMAS | girlfriend 
 1. A special purse or bag. Purses are something I never seem to be able find for myself. All of the ones I want are out of my price range and to be honest, they never seem to fit all my needs perfectly. A special purse might be something that the person you're buying for would never buy for themselves and they last for such a long time on top of being pretty timeless!

2. Books. There is always a book to fit someone's hobbies and interests. Make up, shoes, fashion or even just a classical read. Perhaps get them the hardback or a special edition in order to make it super special, complete with festive message inside.

3. A nice piece of jewellery. If someone wears jewellery all the time then get them something that will fit in with what they wear.   For example if they only wear silver or gold get them a piece in that colour or if they wear dainty pieces then get them something equally dainty or contrast it with something a bit more chunky and maybe something they would wear for special occasions. Pandora is a popular choice and if they already have a bracelet you can add a charm or you can go outside of Pandora, of course. Whatever you get them, it needs to be wearable for them, just keep that in mind.

4. A fashion accessory. A beanie or a scarf are perfect for many times of the wear. I know lots of people wear beanies really often and scarfs aren't just something you can wear in winter to make an outfit look a bit more dressy. Grab something that suits their style and that you think they would be able to pair with lots of things.

5. A Polaroid camera. And somewhere to put the photos. These are brilliant presents for anyone as it's so exciting to take pictures with others and wait for the result. So old school (my mum does not understand why teenagers have these!)

6. A candle. Candles can get pretty expensive sometimes and I wouldn't spend too much on a candle for myself. If someone you're buying for is a big candle lover or just likes smelly things then buying them something like a Diptique candle would be a fantastic gift for them and not something they would splash out on for themselves.

7. Perfumes are always a great gift as if they have a signature scent it's always something they will use after they've run out of their current bottle. Of course, if you guess a scent it's a bit of a risk but maybe have a sneak about their room/dressing table to see what they use a lot!

8. A day out. No, not literally buy them a pair of ice skates, but perhaps take them ice skating and make a day of it. I know that in London you can get tickets at the Natural History Museum, Winter Wonderland and Somerset House (I've been to Somerset House a couple of times and love skating there!) Even if you or them aren't very good it's entertaining to watch one another fall over. You could similarly get them tickets for a show or a concert. Whatever suits them/you. 

9. Some fancy bath time things. The Laura Mercier Creme Brule Honey Bath is quite a popular bath time thing in the blogging world, although I've never tried it myself. Something that they might not fork out the money for very often is always a special gift, and sometimes bath things just do not come cheap.

10. A chair. I know, weird. But the idea came from my friends boyfriend getting her an armchair last year and she loved it so much. I have no idea how he thought of it but I thought it was quite a nice idea. If they have a big room or nowhere in the house to sit and curl up with a magazine/book then this is a quirky idea!

There we are, 10 ideas for your girlfriend, sister or even just a friend. You could also make them something super cute and personal if you don't feel that any of these will do the trick. A photo frame or a little scrap book always has a super personal touch!!

I hope you're all excited for Christmas and that this has given you a little bit of inspiration!

Wednesday 19 November 2014

Christmas Lips: Rimmel & Kate Moss

Hello! Last year I had my eye on Rimmel and Kate Moss's collaboration but I never had an excuse to buy it for myself but after my first pay day I decided to treat myself to a little number from Kate's matte collection: the blogger-famous shade 107.



The hype is officially understood. This shade is amazing - a dark pinky-purple-reddy shade that is ideal for all the Christmas parties you may have coming up. The application is smooth and the matte appearance that is promised comes almost immediately although it's not drying or powdery. If you're wanting to know about lasting power it can exceed 3 hours with light eating and drinking but you will definitely need to top up after a dinner so if you're heading out pop it in your bag. If you're just popping out for a few hours you probably won't need to top up. If this isn't in your make up bag I suggest you pop to Boots at the next opportunity and pick it up just in time for Christmas!]

Have you tried any other colours from this range?


Saturday 15 November 2014

Tricky Business: Benefit's They're Real! Push Up Liner

Hello! Last month Elle sent out their magazine with the cutest sample ever. A teeny tiny version of their They're Real! Push Up Liner which I have really wanted to try but I couldn't bring myself to try until I knew it was well worth the money. All I discovered is that it is very very tricky business.


By 'tricky business' I mean I couldn't function this. It took me about 10 minutes to have the initiative to read the box after trying to get the product to even appear. Then I thought 'yes! I know I can do this!' I had faith in the eyeliner. But once I placed this on my lash line I knew this was going to flop. The gel product is not as smooth and creamy as I would have liked and it kind of crumbles more than it goes onto your eye, resulting in a waste of product and a high risk of mess. The lines I created weren't awful and I'm sure with practice I could perfect it and I really liked that I could get super close to the lash line and keep it thin. However, it just wasn't working for me and I don't have the patients. I used all of the sample simply trying to create a precise line and while it isn't the products fault that I wasn't very skilled in using it, it's meant to make it easier but just creates a bit of mess and takes a while.


With the thin and alright-looking line that I managed to create I ventured on with my day and found that when I came to take it off it was virtually impossible - similar to the mascara. This is probably why they have created their own remover but for everyday I can't be bothered to spend 10 minutes just getting off my eyeliner.

I am glad I didn't dive straight in and buy the full size of this as I don't think we are destined for one another. Perhaps if you're a huge eyeliner fan and like something that really isn't going anywhere then you'll love this and with a bit of practice I image this would be super easy and it definitely does give you great precision. It's just not for me, sorry!

Let me know how you got on with this product!

Wednesday 12 November 2014

Nude Lip

Hello! I am not one to wear something on my lips every day except a little bit of Nuxe Reve de Miel or Carmex but I discovered something recently that I've put alongside an old product and I think I found a day-to-day winner.


This lip liner is my new favourite product. Rimmel's lip liners are incredibly well priced and this is my favourite colour in Eastend Snob. Not my favourite name, but I really am in love with the colour. It's the perfect my-lips-but-pinker-and-better shade and I just think slapping this all over my lips is the perfect quick and easy way to get some colour on my lips without going over the top or having to worry about reapplying. This colour was named a dupe for Charlotte Tilbury's lip liner in Pillow Talk by Amelia Liana.. Thank you Amelia, Thank you very very much.

It fades really evenly on the lips after about 3-5 and obviously a lot quicker when you're eating or drinking but I don't mind this with a nude, even if it is on the pink side, as it is barely noticeable and super easy to apply. It isn't drying on the lips but still gives a lasting matte look straightaway, part of the reason that it lasts a fairly long time. You can draw just round your lip line and use a lipstick on the rest of your lips or it looks amazing alone for a bit more of a pink tone to the lips (or both and do a Kylie Jenner-style lip!)


I found that my Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Notthinghill Nude (and the old packaging) works really nicely over the top as normally this lipstick is almost unnoticeable on the lips due to it's complete match to my original lip colour. Over the lip liner it adds a slightly pinker tone and a glossier finish than the lip liner alone.

I do really think that I love the lip liner alone the most, but it does mean that I can now make a customized nude with the two products combined. At £3.99, the lip liners are amazing products from Boots or Superdrug and the Moisture Renew lip sticks are beautifully glossy and undrying when they are being worn and also fairly inexpensive. I'm going to be repurchasing these lip liners for a very long time to come!

Do you have a favourite 'drugstore' lip liner I should try?


Thursday 30 October 2014

CLEAN BANDIT

Hello! There has been a series  of unfortunate events... I was  only planning to stay away from blogging for a week but my laptop has decided that browsers apparently aren't a thing, meaning that I haven't been able to properly blog so I'm coming to you from my Kindle. Does anyone else really hate all of the blogger apps?... 

I saw Clean Bandit on Tuesday nightand thought I would share with you all my thoughts (clue: they didn't disappoint!)








First and foremost, the venue was great. It was held at the De la Warr Pavillion which is fairly small making it great for an intimate evening. We were about three rows back and to the right of the stage which still left us being able to see perfectly. 

The support act was Colour the Atlas which consisted of 3 boys on all of the instruments, one of which also sang and a girl who was playing the keyboard and the main vocals. You may have heard them on radio 1 recent just if you're a big fan of their introducing bands. They went really great with the act to follow although they were all very slow sings whereas I would  have liked to seen someone with a bit more  energy and movement. They have a lot of stuff on YouTube and iTunes so go check them out!

Clean Bandit started of with A and E, a personal favourite of mine. Florence Rawlings and Elisabeth Troy are the vocalists on their current tour who I have seen do live lounges with them in the past on radio 1 and I think that they know the group so well. The dynamics between Clean Bandit and their vocalists are really great and it adds to the enjoyment of watching them perform. 

I found it really amazing that they were on stage playing electric cellos and violins and there were teenagers (and adults) all dancing to it, enjoying it and singing along to every word. If you are not familiar with Clean Bandit's music the band does all of the music with violins, keyboards and add vocalists on the top like Jess Glyne in Rather Be and Real Love. They had a special guest join them in the stage which was Sharna Bass from a more recent song Extraordinary. Again, she gelled with the band seamlessly and was a pleasure to watch. 

My personal favourite part of the show was the last two songs. They sang a cover of You Got To Show Me live which was a lovely surprise and they still put their own Clean Bandit twist on it. They finished up with Rather Be which the whole audience was singing along with and you could hear that everyone was enjoying themselves. 

I had an amazing evening and they're just as good live, if not better which I love from an artist. Go see Clean Bandit live if you get the chance, especially if it's in a small, intimate venue! 

Hopefully I will get to sort out my laptop soon so I can start blogging properly again but I will try my best from my Kindle!

Lots of love, Hannah xxx