Product of the Month....December!

Hello My Lovelies

A month ago I at last got my hands on the Becca opal highlighter, I had first seen it this past summer when I popped into Space NK and ummed and ahhhd over it and thought I would buy it online- little did I know it would be out of stock till November! 

Originally I was going to buy the full size but when I saw this Christmas set which includes a liquid and powder mini version I decided to order it quickly so as not to miss out.

Even though they are travel sizes this type of product is going to last a long time in my make up stash as I tend to apply highlighter sparingly. 

As I have fair skin it can be quite hard to find products that look good and I was worried that this highlighter might be too dark but as you can see in my swatches they compliment my skin quite well. I especially like to use the liquid product in the day as it's a lovely soft colour. The powder is definitely for evening use and for this reason I like to add a little more to my skin.

I spent £20 on this set which I guess is a little pricey but like I mentioned it will last for some time- you might find this set in the sales which would the perfect time to snap it up.
I've been so impressed with the highlighters from Becca that I didn't hesitate recently to purchase the Jaclyn Hill highlighter which is just as beautiful.

Have you tried any products from Becca- let me know in the comments!

Till next time,
                   Tori.
                       X

What I got for Christmas 2015!

A belated Merry Christmas My Lovelies!!

I hope you all had a lovely day where ever, whom ever and how ever you celebrated!
 

I had a lovely quiet Christmas at home with my family- we ate far too much good food; watched some t.v and played some fun games, this year was 10 clues!

I was absolutely spoilt by friends and family and wanted to share some of these gifts with you as I have done every year!! 

My Parents very kindly bought me a Mulberry coin purse which will go perfectly in my Chloe handbag that I bought earlier this year. I was also super shocked to find a gold bracelet under the tree- it's absolutely gorgeous and the one piece of jewellery that I won't be taking off.

  

My sister gifted me these awesome presents.....

A wonderful cosy dressing gown which was a total surprise. I've been living in it since I opened it on Christmas Day!

And new bed set along with this lovely wall hanging from Sass & Belle- both of which I'm going to keep till I have decorated my room in the New Year.

I was also treated to a new book, Moleskin notebook and Cath Kidston sunglasses case which I desperately needed for my Ray Bans.

I also received a couple of gift cards for Boots and M & S, I already know what I'm going to spend both on but I'll probably wait till the New Year to use them.

My dear friend Manx bought me this amazing Maybelline nude set which contains a nail polish, eye shadow, lipstick and brow gel- I've never seen these sets before so I'm really excited to try these products.

 

Another friend of mine bought me this oversized Aztec scarf from Accessorise I went for a beach walk on Boxing Day and couldn't resist wearing it.

 

I was also treated to a stocking filled with these super cutes bits and bobs which included a teddy bear nightie, 'V' candle holder, Vaseline, Impulse body spray and some hot chocolate. 

I'm so shocked at how many beautiful presents I received and also super grateful! What did you receive for Christmas I would love to know- leave me a comment below!

Till next time,

                    Tori.

                         X

 

Mini High End Beauty Haul!

Hello My Lovelies

When I had finished Christmas shopping for all of my friends and family I noticed I had a little bit of spare cash to spend on myself- whoop whoop to buying yourself a Christmas present! There were a few items I didn't think I would be able to purchase, so when I saw that I could I immediately put them in my online shopping basket and pressed checkout! So here at my newest beauty purchases...

Be still my beating heart this highlighter from Becca in collaboration with Jaclyn Hill is the prettiest beauty product I have ever seen and subsequently own! I think this will have been worth the wait!

I thought this eyeshadow had been discontinued but when Lily Pebbles said on her Vlogmas video that she had picked one up I decided to google to see if i could track one down too. Feel Unique now sell Burberry and I also found a 15% off discount code!!

Finally when my Feel Unique order arrived it had a few leaflets one of which had a voucher code to win with their lucky stars- I actually almost binned it but I'm so glad I didn't as I won a £10 voucher to spend on the website, no minimum spends just the full £10. I went straight back to the website and ordered this...

I've been wanting to try this for such a long time but didn't want to spend the money and now I have a lovely mini size!

Now I've got the all important untouched blog photo's I'm off to give them all ago! I'll let you know what I think soon.

Have you picked up any coveted beauty products lately? Let me know in the comments or by tweeting me @steaders83.

Till next time,

                   Tori.

                        X

Seventeen Face of the Day!

Hello My Lovelies

Seventeen have always been my go to brand when popping into Boots for drugstore makeup! So when I was looking through my stash of Seventeen makeup products thinking of doing a face of the day and then the lovely lot at Seventeen sent me over some more bits and bobs I knew I had to show you an almost complete makeup look with their products.

I started by using the Skin Wow 3 way highlighter mixed in with my BB Balm which I've used for such a long time now and is my go to for BB Creams- it gave my skin such a beautiful glow. I then used the Seventeen concealer stick a smooth formula that covers my horrid dark circles and blemishes.

Next up was the Define and Contour kit the most perfect shade for my super fair skin and which gave me a little extra colour. I also used the Stamp Blusher which I had never purchased before- you pop the lid off and inside is the blush which is transferred onto the applicator. When you first add it to your skin it leaves little circles of product but blended out the pink almost purple colour gives your cheeks the best pop of colour!

I finally added the most pigmented eyeshadow I've used in a long time a shimmery pink Roze Quartz which lasted all day and to finish the look a baby pink lipstick in the colour Saintly it's not my favourite colour from the collection but with a gloss over the top would make a fab evening out shade.

I did cheat a little by using an Anastasia Brow Wiz eyebrow pencil and Clinique mascara but overall the makeup look was a Seventeen one and one that I'm gong to wear when I go out for a Christmas meal this festive season!

Which are your favourite Seventeen makeup products I would love to know- tweet me @steaders83 with your picks!

Till next time,

                   Tori.

                         X

*Some PR samples were included in this post.

Alcoholic Architecture and a Christmas meet up!

Hello My Lovelies

This past weekend my old university friend and I had our annual Christmas meet up in London. Each year we go for lunch and a walk around the department stores and take in all of the festive atmosphere.

This year was no exception and we met at Selfridges so that I could pick up a new Christmas tree decoration (again another annual must!) I suggested we have lunch at the Chelsea Ivy Garden after I had such a wonderful visit in the Summer.

After a deliciously huge lunch and a bit of celebrity spotting in the form of Peter Stringfellow we make our away along to Bompas & Parr's Alcoholic Architecture which we had been planning for ages and couldn't wait to experience. 

Set in the shadow of London's oldest Gothic Cathedral we are met at the door of the former monastery by Brother Dan and given an introduction to what we are about to experience which sounds pretty epic.

Travelling down the stone steps to the bottom of the building we are thrown into dim lighting and the adventure truly begins. We find lockers and plastic macs to protect our clothes from the fine mist of alocohol and then it's time to enter the bar and a cocktail menu with the theme of spirits and beers created by Monks. 

We literally can't wait for the main event and make our way to the small room which houses the world's first alcoholic weather system for your tongue! 

A breathable cocktail of gin & tonic; the sweet smell and damp sticky mist envelops the room with a humidity of 140% it gets to the point that you can't see beyond your hand- people around me were swaying to the odd if not atmospheric music and giggling at the crazy situation they we had all found ourselves in. We breathe the Alcohol in through our lungs, skin and eyes (yes eyes!!)

Before long we are signalled to leave by the sound of claps of thunder and we quickly disrobe of our macs and make our way back up to street level.

Alcoholic Architecture is due to close in January so make sure you book tickets to visit as soon as you can, it would be a fab night out for a Christmas party. I love that London is so diverse and the opportunity to visit these kind of innovative places are out there.

After our visit to Alcoholic Archistecture the sun was starting to set so we made our way to Oxford Street and Carnaby Street to check out the Christmas lights!

Soon it was time to say goodbye and start our trips back home! Have you visited Alcoholic Architecture? Are you planning on visiting? Let me know in the comments!

Till next time,

                   Tori.

                       X

*I was kindly invited along to review Alcoholic Architecture

 

Liz Earle Empties

Hello My Lovelies

I was going through my empties and preparing them for a blog post when I realised how many products I had from Liz Earle used up so I thought I would show them to you all in a separate post....

Liz Earle has to be one of my favourite brands for skin care but recently I was sent one of their candles and I have not stopped burning it since it arrived! I will definitely will be repurchasing and also trying some of the new scents.

As a long time fan of all Liz Earle products it wouldn't be an empties without the legendary Cleanse and Polish a super soft cleanser that always removes all of my makeup and leaves my skin clear and blemish free. This is the only cleanser I use now as I can always rely on it to do the job!

The Daily Eye Repair cream is a fab eye cream and lasts a life time, my small tube used once a day has been going on and on and on which makes it super affordable!

I love using the Deep Cleansing Mask when my skin is having the occasional breakout this small travel size is great to have in my drawer or to throw in my bag when away.

The Brightening Treatment Mask is another favourite and one I use when I want to have a pamper evening, I throw a layer of this creamy mask on my face and once its removed my skin is revitalised and glowing!

What are your favourite Liz Earle products, make sure you share them with me in the comments.

Till next time,

                   Tori.

                        X

Christmas/Winter Haul 2015!

Hello My Lovelies

For the past few weeks when I've hit the shops I've picked up a few Christmas/Winter items and I wanted for you all to see them. Hopefully they are all still available and you too might be able lay your hands on them.

Firstly Matalan this year have out down themselves with such a beautiful and festive Christmas department. As soon as I saw all of their items on the shelves I found it hard to resist buying one of everything.

I saw this bauble and loved it a few members of my family have said it looks like an onion but I can't wait to hang it on my tree! I also picked up some of these bauble place card holders which will make a fab addition to our table this Christmas Day.

Every year I've been wanting to purchase a brushed cotton bed set and again Matalan didn't let me down with this deer/stag quilt and snowman mug- it's so soft and has been keeping me warm for a few nights already.

Next up is the hotly anticipated Benefit Christmas sets. Every year I don't get around to buying one and then hope it might make my basket in sales but I'm never lucky enough. So this year I grabbed one and I'm extremely happy that I have. I actually only have Hoola so I knew this set would allow me to try trial the powders before splurging on the full sizes.

I was about to go to the Sephora website and make my first order for a Becca opal highlighter set, Glow on the Go and then I noticed that Cult Beauty were selling it for the same price so I made sure I got my order in ASAP as I didn't want to miss out.
I've been trying to get my hands on the Becca opal highlighter for months and it was always sold out so this set is the best of both worlds as it includes a small travel size of the pressed powder and a small liquid version to. Keep an eye out for a future blog post all about this set! 

I still have a few things that I would like to pick up this winter so I'm sure you will see them in future posts.

Have you been shopping recently? I would love to see your hauls so make sure you share your link in the comments.

Till next time,

                   Tori.

                        X

What's in my bag-Winter 2015 edition!

Hello My Lovelies

Last month I treated myself to a new bag after having my eye on a Whistles one which was a bit pricey, I then saw this in TK Maxx which was just as beautiful. A black soft leather back pack and a steal at £35.00!

In my bag this time I have my beloved Mulberry purse and I think has been in my last few what's in my bag posts, three years on and its still going strong! I also have my holy grail lip product Vaseline.

I also have a my Cath Kidston pouch that my sister bought for me and holds all of my medical essentials; paracetamol, Imodium, indigestion pills and plasters.

Since the introduction of the 5p bag charge at most shops I've started to throw a tote in the bottom of my bag- I actually keep forgetting when I get to the till I need to use, I guess it will take some getting use to.

Also thrown inside is my go to lipstick of choice Mac Plumful, current book 'Only Ever Yours', a pen and finally my Treaclemoon #beyou band supporting BulliesOut. 

What have you got in your bags I would love to know!


Till next time,
                      Tori
                            X

Product of the Month...November!

Hello My Lovelies

My favourite product of November is one I've been using since the summer and one I've wanted to share with you for a while. The item is..... bareMinerals Complexion Rescue!

This makeup staple is a creamy gel that I find is easy to apply with both fingers and foundation brush- a pea sized amount covers my whole face and gives a light coverage but can be easily built up to a medium coverage. 

During the summer I hated having too much foundation on my face so this was a great in betweener as it feels more like a tinted moisturiser and doesn't feel like you are wearing any makeup at all but still covers any blemishes.

I picked my tube up from feel unique and used one of their many discount codes to get this for a super reasonable £18.00

I had never tried any products from bareMinerals before but this had been such a go to product for many months that I feel I may need to scope out my nearest counter and try out some more!

Have you got any recommendations for me from bareMinerals? Have you tried the Complexion Rescue- let me know in the comments!

Till next time,

                   Tori.

                        X

Readers near and far!

Hello My Lovelies

I'm always amazed when I check my statistics for my blog and see that people from all over the world read my blog not just those from my home country of the U.K!

                       (photo taken from Google)

Some of my readers are from countries that I have been very fortunate enough to visit like the United States, Thailand or Spain and other times they are from Australia, Canada and Sweden all of which I would love the opportunity to visit and are more than likely on my very long travel bucket list!


I would love to hear where you are from as you read this where ever in the world you may be (including the U.K). Leave me a comment and tell me what Country, City or maybe you live in a really small town or village some where just like me. You could also leave me a fact or your favourite/hated thing about where you live.


Come and join me on my discovery of the globe!


Till next time,
                  Tori.
                       X

I Love...Peachy Passionfruit Review

Hello My Lovelies

I've recently been using the most delightful bath and shower crème and body butter in the scent peachy passion fruit from the amazing brand I Love...

So...Lets start with the packaging, You're probably just like me and a sucker for super cute packaging and this really doesn't disappoint with the bright vibrant colours and heart motifs and the product colour peeping through too! 

The size of the products are huge and won't run out in a heartbeat which makes them economical too- no over spending here! The I Love... products look so good in bathroom cabinets and you certainly won't get bored of seeing them in the shower every day.

The shower crème doesn't foam up too much which does it make it a bit runny but a little does go a long way.

The scent of both the shower crème and body butter is a super sweet one that smells like fruit salad sweets and lingered on the skin for some time! If you love fresh, sugary, girly scents then these are the products for you!

The body butter is extremely soft and creamy and sunk into my skin in minutes, I literally can't stand oily feeling skin! What I also love about the body creams are that they make my skin feel really hydrated and the scent of the shower crème is extended by adding the body butter on top.
All of the I Love... items are really affordable, you can pick them up in Superdrug and primark and I think any would make great stocking fillers or even pick up one of their amazing Christmas- I would be chuffed to find these under my tree this festive season!

Have you tried anything from I Love...? What are your favourites- let me know in the comments!

Till next time,

                   Tori.

                        X

PR Sample.

Empties Number 10

Hello My Lovelies

I'm always surprised at how little items I use up and how long it takes for me to write these posts- but I do have a few bits and also a box of Liz Earle empties on it's way soon!

Co-Lab dry shampoo is now a staple in my beauty cabinet and the only brand I reach for when My hair needs a little zhush! As you all know by now I love to have a can of Impulse in my bag or drawer at work and when I saw this Charli XCX version I grabbed it- I've already repurchased both of these products!

I'm not a huge fan of face wipes but here I am with two empty packets! I love the Superdrug Micellar water ones and have repurchased three packets whilst they are on offer but I don't think I'll be using the Simple ones again as they just a bit to dry.

I was surprised how quickly I used up the Bourjois healthy balance face powder, people rave about it but I thought it was just O.K nothing fabulous about it. I trialled the Ole Henriksen skin care recently and have loved the sheer transformation- when I have some spare cash I will definitely be repurchasing! 

Finally one of my favourite brands of deodorants Mitchum- I usually use the spray but I recently picked this up to try as it's better for your skin and the environment and it's great. I won't stop using sprays altogether but this is fab for a bit of a change.

What kind of products have you been using up the most recently and which are your favourites- let me know in the comments!

Till next time,

                   Tori.

                        X