February 2018 Beauty Favourites

February Beauty Favourites

February Beauty Favourites

INGLOT 10 Pan Freedom System Palette

I have spoken about my love of INGLOT quite a few times and featured this palette a lot on my blog over the past couple of years, I really do use it all the time so it is only right that I keep putting it in my favourites. The shadows are fantastic quality and the range of colours and finishes is almost overwhelming, it took me ages to finally decide on the 10 shadows to put into my palette but the process was a lot of fun.

I love the palette itself, the magnetic lid which does not budge or come off in your makeup bag, and it is also actually quite slim. The pans are a very decent size and I pretty much have all of my favourite shadows with me in one cute palette. Let me know if you have tried INGLOT eyeshadows & if you have built your own palette too.

Essence Fresh & Fit Foundation

I can’t believe I haven’t spoken about this foundation sooner, I bought it whilst in Amsterdam last September (you can get it in the UK) and it has become one of my most used foundations. It’s a nice creamy consistency, it’s easy to blend and buff into your skin. I’d say it gives a nice even medium coverage, it covers imperfections and blemishes but still feels lightweight on my skin. Which is everything I look for in a base – decent coverage but that feeling that my skin can still breath!

This foundation is enriched with a complex of vitamin b3, e, pro-vitamin b5 and cranberry water, it is fantastic to see a budget-friendly foundation with such fantastic skincare benefits added to their formula. These ingredients are going to help your skin glow, look refreshed and awake.

The staying power of this foundation was for sure better when I used a primer but that is true for most foundations on my skin as I tend to get an oily t-zone. I would say this gave my skin a natural radiance and didn’t settle into my pores. It looks fresh, as the name would suggest and it’s just am easy to wear medium coverage base! I love it.

It comes packaged in a lovely glass bottle with a handy pump, the only drawback is the shade range, although I managed to find a good match for my skin tone this foundation only comes in 4 shades which isn’t so great. I hope they add more options in the future. Overall if you’re looking for a new cruelty-free, vegan foundation then I highly recommend checking out this Essence offering and it is only £5!

Essence Cosmetics Fresh and Fit Foundation

NIOD Photography Fluid Opacity 12%*

This is nothing short of liquid magic! It has been dubbed airbrush in a bottle – so what is it I hear you cry? It is a skin perfecting serum which uses refracting prism technology to even out all skin tone and gives you the most amazing natural healthy glow. It is flipping amazing.

This is a highlighter, primer and serum in one, it instantly blurs imperfections and gives a healthy dewy, even-toned radiance. Designed to create a photo-ready finish on all skin types, this complexion perfector creates a lit-from-within glow in seconds with a wide variety of light-refracting prisms, tone and hue correctors, and photo-finishing technologies.

Apply to your skin alone or under foundation to add sheer radiance and correct discolouration. It can also be mixed with other products for subtle radiance. Used under, over, or mixed with liquid foundation if you prefer more coverage.  It’s such an easy product to incorporate into your makeup routine. I haven’t ever used a product quite like this & I just can’t get across to you just how incredible it is, although I am trying.  I should do a whole post on this one product!

It is also vegan, cruelty-free and alcohol-free.

INGLOT Eyeshadow Palette Makeup

Benefit Dandelion Shy Beam Liquid Highlight

If you’re looking for a subtle more natural highlight then this is the one. It is a nude, pink semi-matte liquid highlight that gives your skin a refreshed, healthy radiance. It is easy to apply, I just use the brush to place the product on the tops of my cheeks and down the centre of my nose – it also looks pretty on your brow bones and I blend it is either with my beauty blender or just my finger. It looks pretty when the light hits it and what I really like is the fact there is no glitter or shimmer. It is a great everyday radiance booster and also looks pretty mixed with your foundation. These little Benefit liquid products last forever and are so easy to throw in your handbag, I often like to reapply throughout the day to refresh my makeup.

MUA LUXE Glow Beam Cushion Highlighter

Not quite as subtle as the Benefit highlighter, this MUA Cushion highlight offers more of a peachy – golden, warm-toned glow. The packaging is pretty although a little bulky and the puff is handy, but I just don’t reach for it. I prefer to use my beauty blender to ensure I apply it evenly. It is a liquid cushion product and I am waiting to see just how long it stays moist as I have a feeling it will dry out pretty quickly, that being said I do love using this as an evening highlight and it can look quite subtle or if you want more on an intense look you can build up the colour & effect to be more intense.

It is always nice to see affordable brands releasing on-trend products so we can all try them and Cushion makeup was certainly popular last year. Have you tried any cushion products, if so are you sold on them or think they’re too much faff.

MUA LUXE Glow Beam Liquid Highlighter

Benefit Dandelion Shy Beam Liquid Highlighter

Soap & Glory Supercat Eyeliner

When it comes to drugstore liquid liner Soap & Glory take the top prize, their Supercat liner ticks all of the boxes. It’s pigmented, sets down the perfect amount of product, doesn’t drag and the fine nib allows you to apply either a neat line or build it up to be more bold and thick.

This is a liner that would allow even the most self-confessed eyeliner novice to create the perfect winged liner. The nib gives you full control and isn’t too firm so you can create smooth lines without having to keep going over the same spot which often leads to the product bleeding into fine lines and getting very messy. This is one product everyone needs in their makeup bag (although I am sure most of you already own it). It’s pigmented, easy to use and long wearing.

Soap & Glory Gloss Stick in Nudist

Lip crayons are my goto lip product of choice, I find them so easy to use and this Soap and Glory one is a stunning everyday shade. It is in the colour Nudist and it enhances your lip colour giving them a pretty glossy finish. It’s a natural, subtle shade which has been living in my handbag – I apply it even when I’m wearing no other makeup, it makes me feel somewhat put together. Not only do they give your lips a subtle wash of colour but the formula is also very moisturising, oh & they smell so good too – I think it is a vanilla scent.

Current Makeup Favourites

Real Techniques PowderBleu Soft Complexion Brush*

I mostly use this brush for applying powder foundation but it also works well for blush too. This Soft Complexion Brush has a small, dense head which makes buffing in the powder so much more effective. I also love the long slim handle which feels nice in your hand makes applying my makeup really easy. This collection is stunning and incredible quality, it looks and feels luxurious and that deep blue colour is gorgeous and makes me want to use them all the time.

Let me know what you have been loving this past month & if you’ve discovered anything new that I need to try. I am on the hunt for a new mascara, I’d love it if you’d leave me suggestions in the comments.

Miller Harris Rose Silence Perfume

Rose Silence Fragrance from Miller Harris

Miller Harris Rose Silence

I was first introduced to Miller Harris 2 years ago and instantly fell in love. I’ve tried four of their fragrances but for me, their Rose Silence perfume is simply stunning and has become my everyday scent. You know that feeling when you find a perfume that makes you feel amazing when you wear it? well, that is how Rose Silence makes me feel.

Miller Harris was founded 15 years ago by expert parfumer Lyn Harris who spent five years training in Paris, then in Grasse at Robertet, the world’s leader in natural aromatic ingredients. Whilst respecting tradition, Miller Harris strives to push the boundaries, creating exquisitely crafted fragrances that are innovative yet timeless. Miller Harris perfumes are beautiful, luxurious and timeless. 

Miller Harris Rose Silence Perfume

I have the perfume in all three of the sizes available 100ml, 50ml and a 15ml handbag spray. I use this perfume on a daily basis, always have the mini bottle in my handbag and even take it away with me on holiday. It has become my signature scent.

I love that this is very much a modern, romantic take on a Rose perfume. It isn’t the slightest bit old fashioned or powdery. You can make out the sweetness of the blackcurrant and I love the touch of musk too, it makes it very sexy and contemporary. It has notes of,

  • Top notes: mandarin, blackcurrant

  • Heart notes: rose

  • Base notes: patchouli, cashmere musk

I seem to be drawn to fragrances that have patchouli in them and I think it works so well with the sweet/fruity notes of blackcurrant and mandarin which give it a zesty feel. Whilst the cashmere adds a romantic softness.

The rose notes are very delicate and combined with the other notes make this a very sensual and romantic scent which is easy to wear. It smells light and fresh but also has incredible staying power, I have noticed that a couple of sprays in the morning will last well into the evening, I can always still smell it on my clothes when I get back home. The quality of Miller Harris fragrance is such that a little product goes a long way and a bottle will last you months and months.

Favourite Perfume from Miller Harris

I love the square, chunky bottles. They feel weighty and luxurious, their simple black stencil-like design gives it them a very contemporary minimalist vibe. Everything about this brand is focused on quality, elegance and luxury. Their products make the most thoughtful, exquisite gifts.

Rose Silence Miller Harris Luxury Perfume

I am just head over heels in love with this scent and I just don’t feel like I’m ready for the day without it. It’s a scent which that lasts all day and I always have so many people asking what perfume I’m wearing, it seems to be a scent that appeals to a lot of people of all different ages.

I need to try the bath and body products from this collection too – I can imagine just how amazing the body lotion would smell on my skin.

Have you tried any perfumes from Miller Harris? Or have I managed to convince you to track down a counter and give them a go? I hope so.

You can explore their range at www.MillerHarris.com or visit one of their UK stores. To find your local store just enter your postcode here.

Free Valentine’s Day Printables 2018

Best Free Valentines Printables

  Best Free Valentines Printables

I put together something similar on my blog about 4 years ago but since then so many more amazing Free Valentine’s Printables have become available. These are such a cute way of marking Valentine’s Day without having to spend a penny. I love free printables and use them for so many things, they’re such a fab resource to have.

I have put together a selection of my favourite Free Valentine’s Printables which includes cards, printables for kids to take for their classmates, fun prints, cards to attach to sweet treats (these are my particular faves) and a couple of Galentine’s Day offerings too. So if you want to celebrate your friends you can! All the printables I am sharing are for personal use only so please respect that.

Je t’aime Mini Valentine’s Card 

These Je t’aime French Valentines Cards are from Eat Drink Chic and you can even print off your own polka dot envelope liner for your mini love card to go in! Adorable.Free Valentines Printables

I Love You Deerly Valentines Cards 

These 3 cards are from Landee and have a simple more modern theme. You can pick from 3 colour options, I love the Deer theme and think they’re super cute.

I Love You Deerly Free Valentines Cards

I Heart U Valentine’s Print 

These four I Heart U Prints are from The Craft Patch and you can use them for a Valentine’s gift or print out to hand in your home all year round.

Free Valentines Day I Heart U Print

Star Wars Valentines Printables 

These Star Wars-themed Valentines cards are from Skip To My Lou. They will be so popular with movie lovers, the Yoda Best one is my favourite. These would be sweet to give out to your kids class at school if that is a thing in the UK – I know it’s popular in America to send in sweets and cards on Valentine’s Day.

free star wars themed valentines cards

Cute Valentine Donut Printables 

These are my absolute favourite. I love the colours and the doughnut graphics on these, being a complete donut addict It’s no surprise that these are my top pick. You don’t just have to save these for Valentine’s Day, you can use them anytime you feel like sharing a little love (and doughnuts). I have already printed a set and they print very well. These are from eighteen25. cute free donut valentines printables

Printable Valentine’s Day Cards 

These printable cards from Very Jane give you so many options, there are 12 cards to pick from and they have more modern phrases. Being a tea addict I like the You’re My Sweet Tea one and the Netflix one is quite appropriate in my house!Free Sassy Valentines Day Cards

Movie Themed Free Valentine’s Cards 

The lovely people at The Dating Divas have compiled a fab selection of movie-themed Valentine’s Cards and some of them are amazing. Like the Harry Potter Golden Snitch and I know someone that will really appreciate the Batman one too. They have a lot of designs to pick from so if you will be spoilt for choice. movie themed free valentine cards

Fun Free Valentines For Kids 

These cards from Live Laugh Rose are more child appropriate and have really sweet, fruit-themed sayings them. They’re bright and quite fun.free valentines cards for kids

Awesome Valentines Day Cards 

These Awesome Valentines Cards from That’s Pretty Ace are very chic and simple. They have lovely typography and I like their minimal feel. You get four cards to pick from and again, they don’t just have to be used for Valentine’s Day they’d also make really nice note cards too.awesome free valentines cards

Galentine’s Day Free Printables 

This whole Galentine’s Day was totally new to me, but I really like the concept. So it is a day where women appreciate their female friends & I am totally down with this! These two pink themed Galentine’s Day offerings are from Pizzazzerie and super cute to send to all your lady friends! Galentines Day Free Printables

Galentine’s Day Free Printables 

Two more Galentine’s Day Cards and these are from Bravelets Blog and she has put together 5 options for you, these two are my favourites. Free Galentines Day Cards

 

So there you have my favourite Free Valentine’s & Galentine’s Day Printables. Comment and let me know if you use any of them.

Books Waiting to be Read

Books to read in 2018

Books to read in 2018

For me, books make the perfect gifts. I love buying my favourite books for people & the thought that someone else might get as much joy as I did from reading a certain book is such a nice feeling. I also really like discussing my favourite books with people and listening to their take on it. Receiving books is so nice too, adding a book to your collection that you may never have picked yourself but it ends up becoming a favourite read is exciting to me. It is safe to say the book fairies were very kind to me this Christmas and I received quite a few new books to kick off my reading list for 2018.

St Petersburg by Jonathan Miles 

I have always been fascinated with in Russia because I feel like it’s quite a dark, unknown place with a very interesting, rich history. It’s so different from anything I have ever known and I love learning all about its past. This book spans three centuries from Peter The Great right up to Putin. It is a hefty book but I started it on Christmas Day and I’m flying through it at some speed. I’ve read about 150 pages and so far it’s very interesting and quite shocking in parts. It’s described as ‘An epic tale of murder, massacre and madness played out against squalor and splendour. It is a remarkable portrait of a city and it’s people.’ What country sparks your interests?

The Little Book of Lykke by Meik Wiking

I’ve read the first book in this Scandi series, Little Book of Hygge & I have to tell you I’m 100% onboard with the whole lighting candles, drinking hot drinks and snuggling under a warm blanket (even when it’s not Winter). I also read The Year of Living Danishly which is a similar book but it takes a more in-depth look at the reasons people in Denmark are inherently happy. It was fantastic, a real eye-opener to learn what almost simple pleasures and small changes in your life can bring you that sense of happiness. This Lykke book seems to be in a similar vein so I’m excited to read it to learn just what happiness means to the people of Denmark and see if I can adopt some new behaviours to increase my own happiness.

Lagom by Linnea Dunne

This is another Scandi inspired book and although written by a different author to the Lykke and Hygge books is it similar in that is discusses the art of balanced living and just how important that is to our relationships and happiness. It is not about the Danes this time but focuses on the Swedes, who also rank very highly on the happiness scale. It looks like a refreshing take on how to find a healthy balance in life to ensure you have time to relax, be sociable and not let work become your entire life. It sounds very interesting and something I think we all strive to achieve a healthy work-life balance is the dream and Sweden appears to have it all worked out. I really like the simple illustrations in these books, they make so nice to flick through even after you’ve read them.

Berlin Style Guide by Ellen & Petra

I adore Berlin and have visited 5 times over a 30 year period and it is safe to say I have seen Berlin go through some major changes and some more subtle changes. It is a mysterious City and one that nurtures creativity. At face value, it feels very quiet, stark and utterly freezing in the Winter but if you get to know it and take time to seek out its beauty it is a city that welcomes you in and gives your soul doses of creativity and inspiration. I love exploring its city streets and each district is very different. This Berlin Style Guide takes you through 8 of Berlins suburbs and in each you get so many recommendations of delicious places to eat, stylish, quirky places to shop, beautiful places to get coffee and many hidden gems that will get your creative juices flowing. It has been so well curated so that you feel like you’re an honorary Berliner (for a few days at least). I love flicking through this guide and bookmarking places I have to visit on my next trip.

Hag-Seed by Margaret Atwood 

I don’t know much about this book, it was a gift from my friend Hayley (who has excellent taste in books). What I do know is it written by the same author that gave us A Handmade Tale so I am expecting great things.

Orwell on Truth

This was bought for my husband but I will be reading it after he has finished. ‘This selection of George Orwell’s writing, from both his novels and non-fiction, gathers together his thoughts on the subject of truth. It ranges from the discussion of personal honesty and morality to freedom of speech and political propaganda. Orwell’s unique clarity of thought and illuminating scepticism provide the perfect defence against our post-truth world of fake news and confusion.’

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