Christmas Gift Ideas

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Buying gifts at Christmas can be tricky, even when you really know a person it can be so easy to get wrong. That said, I always think that it is best to give something personal and something that shows you have put a little thought into your choice, let’s face it, anyone can buy a perfume or gift card (the exception being for guys of course), buying clothes is usually a no go for most people and cosmetics and toiletries are always, in my opinion, a waste as a gift. Females usually know what products work best for them and you'll never really know exactly what she has in her glam box and therefore be at risk.

My sister once said to me that the key for gift giving lies in purchasing something your recipient will need but not necessarily buy for themselves. As a sort of tradition you can always guarantee that the two of us will always be unwrapping pyjamas from each other come the 25th, because, well who doesn't need an extra set! You'll find most girls will have some kind of list, whether they have told you or not, that said I’ve made one of my own of the things I’ll be most excited to receive come Christmas morning.

Beauty Review: H&M BB Cream Brush

I know, you read the heading and wonder is it even worth reading about a high street clothing retailer's cosmetics line? Well I've always remained sceptical over high street cosmetics. Don't get me wrong I love a piece or two from Rimmel (I even rate their nail polishes over the likes of Chanel) but as a rule I tend not to purchase make up from lower end brands purely because I have sensitive skin and these brands just don't give me the lightweight feel when compared to their luxury counterparts. 

In addition, I've never really used make up brushes, preferring to use my fingers as I always know they're clean, despite knowing it won't give me as even a coverage. Recently however, I was in Leeds when I realised I'd left a lot of make up essentials back home in London. I'd arrived too late to go shopping so a quick dash into H&M to grab a few brushes and eye liner etc left me pleasantly surprised. 

As I've said I don't rate brushes for foundation, I noticed however a 'BB Cream Brush' at the cash desk - I have to say this is possibly one of my favourite beauty purchases ever! It caught my eye as it's basically a replica of the Shiseido flat top brush but for a fraction of the price. Having sensitive skin I've found plenty of foundation brushes are too harsh on my skin. This brush however left my skin as smooth as before application and gave me an even coverage that more or less lasted throughout the day. I can't believe I've lived for so long without this little miracle! 

Beauty Review: Marc Jacobs Gel Definition Mascara

                          

Having searched high and low over the years for the perfect mascara and trying every brand from Chanel to Rimmel I honestly thought such a thing didn't exist - until Marc Jacobs launched his own beauty brand just over a year ago. As the range is available exclusively at Sephora and selected Marc Jacob's stores, my problem then became getting my hands on the product seeing as I had no trips planned to anywhere that stocked it. 

Luckily a work colleague recently took a trip to NYC and actually remembered to stop by Sephora to pick up my order - including the Lash Lifter Gel Definition Mascara. To say it was worth the wait was an understatement. My main problem with previous mascaras have been clumpiness and the fact that it comes off with even the slightest touch, to my delight I had no such problem with this latest product. 

Despite a number of negative reviews on Sephoras website I found that the mascara both lifted the lashes and added volume, I even felt confident enough to go out on a Saturday night without my lashes. My main issue with mascara is that I tend to subconsciously touch my eyes during the day, quite often resulting in my looking like I have two black eyes by the time I finish work, but thanks to the micro-crystalline powders used this is now a non issue. 

The mascara neither flakes at touch nor runs when wet, in fact my hair dresser recently came round (she's my best friend so it's usually an over the bath rinse out of hours) and instead of looking like a giant panda after washing, like I usually do, the mascara was all still firmly on my lashes. 

At $26 (£16 roughly) it's certainly one of the cheaper mascaras on the market and as I recently found out (after my friend had returned from NYC) Sephora now actually deliver to the UK - although delivery costs £10 and must be over £75 before sales tax to qualify for the flat rate charge, this however only makes it a perfect excuse to order more cosmetics ( I also highly reccomend ReMarcAble Full Coverage Concealer). 

Look of the Week: Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway is one of those actresses you either love or hate. Myself, I totally love her, even more so after she opted to wear this deep blue Richard Nicoll gown to the LA Premiere of Interstellar last night. Satin is a brave choice for many of us, it works perfectly on the Oscar winning star who accessorised with a star embellished necklace, by James Banks Designs, which draped down her bias cut dress. 

Payday Purchase

As you can see from my last post, I've become a sneaker convert. I've been practically living in my new Nike's when not at work and it's become a necessity for me to buy a new pair. I was going to treat myself to a new colour of the Air Max Thea's (if you like something buy it in bulk right?) when I noticed and entire Converse wall in Foot Asylum.

It's been a while since I bought a pair of Converse. I did the whole Converse/Skinnies/Blazer look to death in Uni and as a result put myself off of them. This style however, are the perfect pair to get me back into them.  With a snakeskin texture, leather effect laces and metallic toe cap these are certainly more feminine and stylish than your average Nikes. 

I also treated my nephew to a pair for his Christmas present whilst we were there. Whilst the star print would look more than a bit Chavvy on larger feet, they don't half look cute on his little size 12's.