5 Things: Brands To Try In 2015

I'm late to the party to the whole New Year's Resolution facade but better late than never, hey? After much deliberation, I've decided that my only resolution for 2015 is to try new brands - a pretty simple (& relatively easy!) one to keep. It's also surprisingly easy to find yourself stuck in a rut with your makeup and sticking to the brands you know and love. This year I'm making it my mission to try more brands and here's a few at the top of my list...

Estee Lauder: I think 2015 is the year to find my perfect foundation. I've loved Studio Fix, Photoready and Healthy Mix for so long but I feel like they're missing something. Estee Lauder's Double Wear looks like a gorgeous one for everyday wear - the perfect amount of coverage and a gorgeous finish. The only thing putting me off is the price - so expensive!

Illamasqua: Another foundation on my wishlist is Illamasqua's Skin Base. I remember way back in the day I saw that Illamasqua had a sale on so I ordered a concealer that I later realized was about 50 shades darker than my skintone. I'd love to see what else they have to offer that is in my shade! Skin Base has been on my wishlist for such a long time that I think it'll have to be a purchase in the near future... It can be justified, right?

Makeup Revolution: A slightly different brand on my wishlist for this year is Makeup Revloution. Their blush & contour palette in the shade Hot Spice has been on my list for what feels like the longest time and I can't put my finger on why I haven't picked it up yet. I looks like a stunning palette and I'm hoping it could make contouring my hamster cheeks that slight bit easier!

Smashbox: How could I feature a wishlist without including the Smashbox Full Exposure palette? A stunning matte & shimmer palette with 14 gorgeous shades, how could I say no? I've had my eye on this for what seems like the longest time but in the words of KathleenLights, das expensiiiive.

Zoeva: I think it's pretty astonishing to say that I made it through 2014 without owning any Zoeva brushes. Everyone seems to have gotten their mits on them lately and I can only look at the Rose Gold set so much before I buy them as an early birthday present to myself! I also love the look of the 'Close to Heaven' Graphic Eye pencil.

H A V E  Y O U  T R I E D  A N Y  O F  T H E S E  B R A N D S ?  W H A T  B R A N D S  W O U L D  Y O U   L I K E  T O  T R Y  T H I S  Y E A R ?

In The Shopping Basket

Being a beauty-obsessed blogger comes with a permanent, never ending wishlist. The wishlist has become even worse now that Sephora have opened their gates to the UK and we can finally get our little mitts on all of the products we've longed for so long. I'm still yet to make my first Sephora order - the pressure is too much & I don't want to forget anything & regret it later! - but here's what's on my shopping list for when I do decided to take the leap.

The first product on my Sephora wishlist is the Sephora Cream Lip Stain in Always Red. I've heard so many people rave about this (mainly Amelia!) and as big a fan of a red lip I am, I'm surprised I haven't gotten my hands on it yet. Apparently, these have the perfect matte formula - an amazing pay-off for the price. The fall collection of OCC's Lip Tars are new to the ever-growing list, within Lament and Manhunter looking like perfect Autumnal lip shades. What would a beauty blogger be without a tonne of lipsticks coming out of her ears? I have no idea!

Brows are also a feature that require a lot of time, energy and work. Therefore we need to try a lot of products to see what works best; brows make or break a face, after all! The first thing on the list is the Make Up For Ever Aqua Brow. One of my favourite beauty vloggers, Chloe Morello, mentioned that she used this a few months back and they made her brows look incredible. A product that's been on my wishlist ever since I bought the Brow Wiz is Anastasia's Dip Brow Pomade. I'm new to the whole gel liner-like consistency for a brow product so am so intrigued to see how it fairs out. I told you, brows are an important thing!

For the face, I've been itching to try the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. Who doesn't have skin-envy of Lauren Curtis? (And figure, teeth and fashion envy, but that's beside the point). This has become one of her staple makeup items and every time I see her apply it, I love the results. The perfect amount of coverage, highlight and non-creaseness, I need to have it!

What's currently on your wishlist?

H&M Home

pillow - basket - candle - jar - tray - throw

I just don't know what it is with me and interiors lately. I'm just obsessed to the point where I shop for bits to put in my bathroom more than I do bits to put in my wardrobe. H&M Home is one of my all-time favourite home wear/furnishing places and is has traditional pieces with a modern twist. Of course, I had to conjure up a monochrome themed wishlist because that, I am also obsessed with. There's even a few bits that I've picked up for re-decorating my room. H&M is on top form for me at the moment - I can't get enough!

Currently Coveting

Why is it always just after you go on a spending splurge that you find better things that you could have bought instead? Perhaps it's just me - whenever I get money, it's usually spent on something silly like McDonalds.. Can you class that as an impulse buy?

The first thing on my wishlist is the NARS Spring Collection Larger Than Life Lip Gloss in Birmini. You should know me and collections by now - I never tend to buy into them unless I really love them, but this peachy collection is too good to miss. The MAC 33 lashes have also been on a wishlist of mine for so long but is just one of those products you always forget to pick up. As for candles, the Diptyque Figuer Candle is probably one that I'll lust over for so long but never be able to justify the massive price tag - I can't help but compare it to burning money.

Now that Spring is pretty much almost here, I'm needing to up my tanning game. The St Tropez Bronzing Spray is a gem that's been passed down from my mum but we've now run out. As for luxury makeup, I'm all for Tom Ford. The Tom Ford lipstick in Bruised Plum looks right up my street - bold lipsticks and gorgeous packaging... Need I say no more? Other luxury items that I've been wanting to try are the Chanel Sheer Illuminating Base and the Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturiser, both which I keep putting off due to the price tag.

The Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick band-wagon is one that I'm yet to jump, as well as the infamous Tangle Teezers. I often question how I can be a beauty blogger and not buy into these hypes. Finally, although I'm not too keen on Essie, their polish in Van D'go looks absolutely stunning.

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currently wishing for...

As per usual, the January sales are over and I'm well and truly skint. I've definitely spent the majority on unnecessary things like food and even cat toys - I see things that I think she'll love and can't resist picking them up. I've come to that point in life where I feel like money burns a hole in my pocket and I feel so much better when I say 'I'll pay!' instead of leaving it all to my mum. However, it's my birthday soon so here's a few of the things that are on my lust-list. Family and friends if you're reading this (especially you, Mum) here's a nudge in the right direction!

First of all we have Laura Mercier's tinted moisturizer. I've been dying to get this for so long and seen as though my beloved MAC Studio Fix has run out, I think I'll give it a whirl. I've been upping my skincare game recently with many great additions like Bioderma and La Roche Posay, but a good, hydrating mask is something that my routine is craving. Origins' Drink Up Hydrating Mask is one that I've been eyeing up but not yet purchased. With Alexa Chung being one of my favourite fashion icons, it's also a wonder how I've not yet picked up her book.

I never ever seem to find a good primer that works for my skin. MAC's Prep and Prime is one loved by bloggers everywhere so I'm hoping it'll love my skin! MAC's 217 is also one that I've been dying to get but I really struggle to justify the massive £18 price tag! I've been shopping around for some dupes but nothing ever seems to really come close. I also recently found out that CultBeauty stock Anastasia Beverly Hills, so their Brow Powder Duo is one that I've been dying to get for so long.

I've also been dipping my toes in to super-high end perfumes. Diptyque's Philosykos perfume also comes with free shipping so it's the perfect time to get your orders in. Shopdixi is a shop that I've noticed is increasing in popularity in blogger-land. This moon ring is adorable and so sweet. Now, onto the Bobbi Brown Concealer Duo - something that I've been introduced to fairly recently. Although I love my Collection concealer, it's nice for a change once in a while to indulge in a real beauty staple.

Kylie Jenner is also one of my favourite makeup icons and when she revealed that she uses L'Oreal Superliner, it's instantly gone on my wishlist. If you follow me on Twitter, you'll know how much I've been wanting to try NARS Sheer Glow so I won't ramble on about it too much. Finally is the Chanel nail polish in Dragon - who doesn't want to own a Chanel nail polish?) and YSL's Touche Eclait which my mum has been wanting to trial for so long.

Do you have any reviews of these products? Link me up!

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            ♥   

christmas wishlist

Christmas is fastly approaching and it's about time we all got our Christmas lists drawn up. After taking inspiration from Anna, I've rustled up a wishlist for this year. I'll warn you - it is almost full of high-end makeup that you'll drool over, but it's OK because it's 30 days until Christmas! I love making Christmas lists and hunting through the Debenhams and Space NK websites makes it all so much more fun. Here's what I've got on my wishlist for this Christmas.

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7

Every Christmas I look forward to opening what's wrapped up underneath the tree. One thing I've been wanting for so long is the Bobbi Brown Shimmer Bricks. I have also added the Laura Mercier tinted moisturiser after hearing Lily from Lily Melrose talk about it for so long. The Soliel Tan de Chanel has been something I've been wanting to try for so long but I can't afford £31 for one primer. I've heard so many people love and rave about this and I'm dying to try it.

I've also been on the lookout for a good primer. Smashbox are known for their amazing primers so I'm hoping to trial this out. Now, the most exciting part about this whole post - the NARS lip pencil sets. I've loved NARS for so long and I'm desperately wanting to see what these are like! If you're looking to buy any of these, go for it. If you buy it for yourself, don't feel bad. Use the excuse "it's for my blog" and it works everytime. Trust me.

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winter wishlist

One of the things I love most about Winter is the change of clothes and a re-vamped wardrobe. There's just something so satisfying about clearing out an overflowing wardrobe and filling it again with coats, leggings and cosy jumpers and cardigans. For the change of season (and clothes!), a Polyvore set was in order to nosey around and see what I like the look of.

Everyone needs a nice, warm and cosy snood throughout the Winter, don't they? This one from Topshop is definitely on my list for a Winter wardrobe! Also, I saw this coat whilst browsing the outerwear section and couldn't help but put it in my set. It looks so warm and comfy!

As always, I'm always late to the party to buy a nice pair of boots. Boots are the one thing I am so fussy about - I hate them too high or too low, and they have to be the right colour. I know, it's fussy and it drives my mum mad, haha. I saw these and they're exactly the right colour and height that I would wear, so they were a winner!

Bags are one thing I never usually change, but seen as though we're going all out with all of the other items in this set, I added this one in. As you can probably already tell, I prefer beige and tan colours in Winter instead of deep reds and purples - I leave them colours to Autumn. I couldn't resist not putting one of these Christmas Yankee candles in. Every year we buy a Christmas candle and this looks perfect for this year.

Elise ♥

berry beauties

To me, berries and cherries are the perfect Autumnal colours. Deep plums and reds are my favourites to wear on my lips as well as my nails, as they look so chic and elegant without being too formal. For today's post I've picked out a few berry coloured/themed products that I'm aiming to try before the end of Winter.

Firstly I picked out the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains in Smitten. As I mentioned earlier in this post, berry coloured lipsticks/balms are my favourites to wear on my lips. I've not yet tried any coloured lip balms other than the Bourjois Colorboost which I loved, so a few more shades are definitely ones I'd like to try! Next I have Essie's nail polish in Poor Lil' Rich Girl. How strange is that for a nail polish name? Anyway, this looks like a gorgeous colour to match with the lip balm which I have to try out.

I also added one of the YSL Rouge Volupte lipsticks in Mysterious Red. There are so many amazing reviews out there on the YSL lipstick range but I just can't seem to justify the massive £24.50 price tag! This is such a gorgeous colour so it looks like I'll have to bite the bullet and try this one out. Finally I chose a MAC nail lacquer in Rougemarie. I've not yet tried any MAC nail lacquers but yet again, this colour looks beautiful and I'll have to give it a whirl.

Elise ♥

autumn nails wishlist

With Autumn/Winter being my favourite seasons and nail polish-collecting being my hobby, the two combined makes me happy. Every year I look forward to wearing the deep purples, browns and greens on my nails in Autumn and into the Winter months. These picks are my favourite for this season, and the one's I've had my eyes on for a while...

1. Butter London nail polish in Sugar - doesn't everyone need a golden-glittery nail polish for Autumn?
2. Topshop nail polish in Brutal - A gorgeous deep matte purple which will look beautiful against the soon-to-come snow!
3. Nails Inc polish in The Mall - This colour is so gorgeous that it doesn't even need explaining. Just look. It's gorgeous, isn't it?
4. Chanel nail polish in Accessoire - A Chanel nail polish has been destined to be in my long collection for some time now.
5. Models Own Metallic nail polish - Metallics look amazing on your nails, especially in Winter.

monochrome fashion finds

Almost all of my clothes in my wardrobe are of a similar theme. Monochrome. Why? I ask myself this all of the time. Maybe it's because black is said to make you look slimmer, and that's subconsciously in the back of my mind when I buy clothes. It probably isn't, but here I am again, waking up and finding myself picking out monochrome fashion pieces that I love.

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 

Leather jackets are one of my favourite items of clothing. They can literally be paired with close to anything, and they're so surprisingly comfortable! I personally hate slim, skin-tight and fitted dresses, but if you're confident enough to wear them, I have no doubt that this cut-out dress from Topshop will look amazing on you. I'm such a fan of dainty jewelry, and when I saw this floral necklace from Humble Chic, I fell in love. The only thing that I'm not a fan of in the monochrome theme is bags. I prefer tan or beige bags, maybe because they don't get as dirty as white bags! With that being said, I think I'd be able to cherish this one, and make sure that it doesn't get dirty! My wardrobe is almost over flowing with simple printed tees. I love band tees and tees with a simple pattern. They're so easy to wear with leggings or jeans! Take your pick :)

orange loves

With orange being my all-time favourite colour, an orange Polyvore collage was in order.

These sunglasses from Asos are on my late-Summer wishlist. Oversized sunnies are my new favourite things to wear and style. This Sunset Orange eyeshadow from Etsy has been catching my eye whilst browsing the beauty section. How gorgeous is this Rag & Bone bright orange blazer? A white t-shirt and plain trousers would go perfectly with this. Butter London's nail polishes has been on my lust-list for so long, and this orange shade would look gorgeous in the late-summer. I spotted a gorgeous orange pair of shorts similar to this in Zara a few weeks ago, but these from Rebecca Taylor definitely  need to be in my wardrobe.

currently wishing for...

Real Techniques Starter Brush Kit - £21.99

Sigma Brow Gel - $12

Soliel Tan De Chanel - £31

Benefit Coralista Blush - £23.50

Urban Decay Naked Palette - £36

Yes. I'm a beauty blogger and I still don't have the Naked Palette.

How shocking is that?

It seems I have almost every Real Techniques brush except some of the ones in the Starter Kit. This is one of my favourite brush brands because I actually think they're really inexpensive for good quality brushes. Also, they're made by a fellow beauty blogger. :)

The Soliel Tan De Chanel is the product I've been eyeing up for so long. I've read so many reviews on it because I think it's important to before splurging over £30 on one single product!

Yes, I am a beauty blogger and I don't own any Benefit blushes. Hopefully I will not be deprived of one for much longer.

What is one product that's loved but you still haven't got?

a pop of colour

Dress - River Island // Shoes - New Look / Asos // Sunglasses - Topshop // Bag - Topshop // Lipstick - MAC in Russian Red // Gel Eyeliner - Bobbi Brown // Nail Polish - Models Own in Black Magic

Everyone loves a good pop of colour to swish up an outfit, right?

weekday wishlist

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

001. A girl can never have too many purses. This one from River Island is so pretty.

002. Good Morning Hope by Essie is such a gorgeous pale pink colour.

003. Very cute and pretty gold charmed bracelet. 

004. This gorgeous little tea light holder will be perfect for when I get my bedroom redecorated. It will be accompanied by my beloved Baby Powder Yankee Candle tea light!

005. I love the smell of this and the aroma of Yankee Candles actually is so noticeable. It smells so fresh.

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Christmas presents for sisters

1. Disney Couture Bangle - £35.00
2. Marc Jacobs Daisy - £40.80 - £52.70
3. Nails by Topshop in Rising Star - £6.00
4. Nails by Topshop in Adrenaline - £6.00
5. Yankee Candle in Pink Sands - £15.49
6. Pink Front Bow Purse - £8.99
7. Girligo Body Moisturising Mist - £6.50
8. White Snood - £16.00
9. Pink Skater Skirt - £12.99
10. Cath Kidston Floral iPhone 4/4s Case - £24.95


Almost all of these are on my Christmas List! Do you like the look of any of these? What are your favourites? :)