Tag: Photography

5 TIPS FOR SELLING ON DEPOP

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date May 10, 2022
No Comments on 5 TIPS FOR SELLING ON DEPOP

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! Recently, I’ve been having a clear-out of my wardrobe. There’s lots that I don’t wear anymore and I could do with an overhaul as my style has really changed. I also seem to have developed an addiction for gym wear since starting my fitness journey so I’m going to need to make some room for that!

Over the last few months, I’ve been using Depop to sell my clothes. At first I didn’t have much success but after picking up a few tips and tricks here and there I’ve managed to make quite a bit of money. So, if you’re organising your wardrobe or want to make some extra money, here are 5 tips for selling on Depop!

1. Make an effort with your photos

If you want people to even notice you, let alone purchase what you’re selling, you need to put some time and effort into your photography. Consider lighting, background and how you want to display your item. You can lay things flat on the floor or your bed, model them or show them hanging up. If you’re able to model the clothes yourself, do it. It’s a great way to give customers an idea of how an item will look on them. Depop recommends that you use all 4 photo slots to increase your visibility, so make sure that you do this! Take a picture of the front, the back, the label and any other details you want to capture. Always include a photo of any signs of wear or damage to the item too!

2. Upload regularly and consistently

This is key for getting people to notice you and your shop. I personally find that batch uploading is a great way to do this. I take a load of photos in one go, quickly make them into drafts on Depop and include information like the material that the items are made of or the condition that they’re in. This means I have the photos and information ready to upload wherever I am. It makes it so much easier and quicker to do! The more regularly that you upload, the more your shop gets shown to potential customers.

3. Refresh your listings

This might not have crossed your mind. It didn’t cross mine for weeks and I was missing out on a lot of sales because of it. Depop is a big place and there are millions of items being uploaded every single day. People are very unlikely to see your listings weeks after you’ve uploaded them. Refreshing your listings is really simple. Firstly, select an item, perhaps the one furthest down in your shop and choose the “Edit this item” option. Then you want to type a space somewhere that it can’t be noticed, like at the bottom of the description that you’ve written. Once you’ve done this, press save. Your listing will shoot right back to the top of your shop and will go back into the Depop algorithm as if it were brand new. I like to do this a few times a week whilst I’m watching TV or whenever I have a few minutes spare. You’d be surprised at how much this helps!

4. Don’t forget costs & fees

Depop take a 10% fee for every item sold. Make sure that you keep this in mind when pricing your item and whether or not you want to charge for postage. Depop sometimes remove seller fees for a short period of time which I highly recommend making the most of!

5. Use relevant hashtags and keywords

This is a huge help for getting buyers to find what they’re looking for. If you’re selling a pair of pink leggings from ASOS that someone wants, how do you help them find it? Make sure you’re using keywords such as “ASOS”, “Leggings” and “Pink”. Do the same with hashtags; “#ASOS #Leggings #Pink”. You want to try and include all of the terms that someone wanting to find them would use. Avoid using irrelevant hashtags. It is misleading and also actually prevent you from being found.

So there you have it, my top five tips for selling on Depop! I hope you find them helpful. If you’d like to have a browse for yourself, check out my shop here. Do you sell on Depop? What about other selling apps? Do you have any tips to share? Let me know in the comments!

N xxxx

Tags Depop, eBay, FASHION, Lifestyle, Making Money, Photography, Photos, Selling, Thrifting, Tips

FITNESS LIFE

THE FITNESS DIARIES: GETTING STARTED

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date September 29, 2021
No Comments on THE FITNESS DIARIES: GETTING STARTED

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! Today’s post is the start of a new series here on my blog called “The Fitness Diaries” (not the most creative but it is what it is). I decided this summer that I was going to give my life a makeover, starting with my mental and physical health. I want to track and share my progress with you so I thought I’d begin with the hardest part, starting.

As someone with clinical depression, I have highs and lows that often seem to come from nowhere. However, I have noticed that some things can trigger a dip in my mental health. One of those is around identity. If I don’t feel a sense of purpose I tend to get really down. I had a really bad dip in late 2019 and early 2020 which I never really recovered from. Taking care of my mind and body had completely stopped being a priority. I gained some weight and I looked tired and miserable. Every time I looked in the mirror, I didn’t like what I saw and I didn’t recognise myself. I tried some home workouts but I never stuck with them.

Joining the gym was something I had been debating for a really long time. Despite wanting to get fit, I was scared of walking into a fitness focused environment and feeling intimidated and overwhelmed. I was worried I would end up comparing myself to everyone else and losing sight of my own goals. Secondly, I had completely forgotten what to do in that environment. Would I would stick out like a sore thumb around people that knew what they were doing? What if I drop a weight? What if I look stupid? Sigh, we really are our biggest critics sometimes.

In terms of goals, I have none other than to lose a little bit of weight (no amount desired – just until I feel comfortable), tone up and improve my mental health.

Week One (1 hour of cardio/day)

June 2021: Eventually, I came to the conclusion that I had to at least give it a go before decided I’d hate it. So I walked in, signed up and I went to the gym that evening. To make me feel more comfortable, I covered up in a baggy t-shirt and leggings so that I wasn’t bothered about how I looked. I walked straight over to a treadmill, jumped on, put my headphones in and marched away for an hour. I was sweating like you wouldn’t believe but when that hour was up I was so proud of myself. Just to keep it real, I literally had to sit on the floor in front of a fan afterwards to catch my breath. A member of staff even came and asked if I was okay (dying laughing as I write this). I was so embarrassed but we’ve all got to start somewhere.

I decided that I was just going to to use the treadmill every day to begin with. No weights or machines, just me and my legs walking for an hour or so. I went every evening, and slowly I stayed for longer, listening to podcasts and music that I loved. If I was really enjoying what I was listening to, I would increase the incline and speed, so I was distracted whilst working harder! Within a week I had lost some weight and I was looking much happier and healthier. I found it easier to eat better too as I could literally see my hard work taking effect. I didn’t cut any food out, I simply made better choices.

It wasn’t all easy, it’s hard to do something like this when you don’t love yourself. There were definitely some low points this week. I was fighting my own demons all the time and I could barely look at myself in the mirror. The last thing I wanted to do was get changed and walk to the gym but I did it.

Week Two (2 hours of cardio/day)

June 2021: It was in this second week that I started to look and feel like a different person. The weight was practically dropping off me, my mind was a much more peaceful place and I finally started to respect myself. For the first time in years, I had actively forced myself to think about me for at least an hour a day. I put all my energy into bettering myself and something clicked.

Suddenly I found myself waiting for gym time and I practically skipped there when 6 o’clock came around. I was no longer dragging myself there every evening, I actually wanted to go and I looked forward to it. Within such a short space of time, I started to feel a sense of community at the gym. I was becoming one of the regulars (gasp) and I started chatting to people that would go at the same time as me. I finally started to feel as though I belonged there.

Week Three (40 minutes of cardio & 1 hour of full body weight training/day)

June 2021: This week I ordered myself some leggings (linked below) and some new gym gear. I was now going every day and the wash loads were becoming ridiculous! By this point, I had definitely noticed a lot of physical changes. The weight I had gained during lockdown and through depressive bingeing was nowhere to be seen. I felt good about myself. I was still starting each session with about an hour on the treadmill but I now felt confident enough to start using machines. A whole session dedicated to one thing was something I still wasn’t sure about yet, but I felt I could manage a bit more. I started using the leg press machine, seated press machine and lots of other equipment to work my whole body.

Here are the links to the red leggings and the navy leggings!

Two months (20 minutes cardio & 2 hours of focused training/day)

July 2021: Excuse the moody face and hand gesture. The first picture was sent to my best friend BUT take a look at those abs please! I was in such good shape at this point. I looked lean and toned and my skin was the best it had ever been. At this point I was doing dedicated training days; legs, glutes, core, arms, back and chest and I could see the difference. It was at this point that other people were noticing a change in me, physically and mentally. I was receiving compliments which made me feel great about myself and encouraged me to push harder.

Three months (20 minutes of cardio & 2 hours of focused training/day)

August 2021: I was starting to love myself. I respected my body a lot more after seeing what it was capable of and after putting so much work into sculpting it. I was eating better, drinking lots of water and I was much more confident. I’d ordered myself some shorts to wear at the gym, which was a huge deal as I never felt confident with my legs out. I had made a few friends at the gym and I was also sharing my progress on social media. The response had really encouraged me to keep going. I felt a huge sense of achievement as by this point, I’d been going to the gym on a daily basis, for three months for a minimum of two hours each day. I’d never stuck to something for this long and I’d never been this focused on myself before.

Here’s the link for these black shorts

Four months:

September 2021: long story short I went through a whopper of a breakup and I hit rock bottom but I was determined not to lose the progress I had made. I kept going and I kept showing up every day. This was definitely a moth for learning about myself. I figured out that I needed a whole lotta self-love, not the kind that focuses on the future but the kind that is content with who you are today.

I realised my worth and I recognised how much I needed to believe in myself and I spent a lot of time reflecting on different periods of my life. Having been in a relationship for the last five years, I had completely forgotten who I was as an individual. I had sort of lost myself and the gym was helping me work on that. All of that sob story aside, this month was when I looked and felt my best physically.

So there you have it, my first few months of progress after starting at the gym. My mental health has improved immeasurably and becoming physically fit was an added bonus as far as I’m concerned. In terms of my physical health, I’m really in shape, I feel good about my body and I feel much more confident than I used to in certain outfits for example. I think my next goal is to just maintain this level of fitness, I don’t want to lose or gain any more weight, I just want to keep this as a hobby and as a form of daily self-care. Do you go to the gym? Are you wanting to start? Do you prefer to workout at home? Let me know in the comments!
N xxxx

Tags blogger, Fitness, Gym, Lifestyle, Photography, Photos, Summer

MANCHESTER PLACES

VISITING THE FEEL GOOD CLUB IN MANCHESTER

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date August 3, 2021
No Comments on VISITING THE FEEL GOOD CLUB IN MANCHESTER

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! Last weekend I visited the Feel Good Club in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. I had a lovely catch up with an old friend and we ended up staying there for almost six hours. I had such a lovely time and luckily I remembered to take lots of photos, so I simply have to share it with you all!

What is the Feel Good Club?

The Feel Good Club is a coffee house but not just any old. It’s also a space for anyone and everyone. It’s a coffee shop with a real focus on mental health and wellbeing and it’s the first of its kind in the city. Their mission is to make you feel good every time that you visit! Not only do they serve delightful delicacies and cosy cuppas, they also offer the opportunity to take part in yoga classes and movie nights, to listen to guest speakers and to visit pop-up galleries showcasing local artists and businesses. If that wasn’t enough for you, their staff members are Mental Health first Aid trained to help support their customers in the best way possible. Something I was particularly impressed with was the way they displayed supportive and positive messages on billboards across the city, encouraging people to keep going. Also, get this – on Fridays, they open the space up for “Freelance Fridays”, to encourage self-employed people to use the venue for free as a place to network and feel part of a community!

Adverts in Manchester city for the Feel Good Club with positive mental health messages

What is their story?

The Feel Good Club was created by wives, Aimie and Kiera Lawlor-Skillen. They wanted to design a space where people could talk about mental health openly and honestly and where people would feel happy and safe. They originally started the initiative online, creating a huge community across various social media platforms. After being such a huge hit, the couple wanted to take it a step further and bring it to life, so The Feel Good Club opened in 2020! Despite the pandemic giving them all kinds of unexpected challenges, Manchester received the coffee house with open arms and it proved to be extremely popular.

My Experience

We ended up choosing this coffee shop because my friend said she had heard great things about it…little did we know we would end up spending the whole day there! The moment I stepped foot in the place I felt calm. It was so bright and cheerful. It’s very open, which I love as I can often feel overwhelmed and overstimulated. There were lots of seating options, including the windowsill with some cushions which looked perfect for days where you need to study or get some work done.

The place is filled with joy and colour. It’s such a positive place to be and the vibes were immaculate *chef’s kiss*. Towards the back of the room, they had a little section dedicated to their own merchandise and some goodies from local businesses. One of which, Fruit Loop Studios, need a shoutout of their own – check out their Etsy page here. There was even a little affirmation station where customers could write a positive and encouraging note for someone else to discover. It was such a human place, with a real focus on mental health at the core.

Biscoff stuffed cookie at the feel good club in Manchester

Avocado on sourdough bread at the feel good club in Manchester

Tea and stuffed cookies at the feel good club in Manchester

Obviously I had to be all millennial about it and order myself something avocado related (with a sprinkling of radish and spring onion) but let me tell you this was DELICIOUS. I also had some Earl Grey with vanilla supplied by local business Tea Keepers, which was heavenly. We were there so long that we needed to eat something else later on, and that ladies and gentleman is when I fell in love with a biscoff stuffed cookie. I mean look at it? I limited myself to a bite every few minutes to make it last as long as possible. I haven’t stopped thinking about it since.

What did I think?

I absolutely love this place. It set me up for the week and that was on a good day so I can only imagine how fantastic it is to visit on a bad day. I felt calm, relaxed and comfortable enough to spend the day there which is unusual for me as I normally feel a bit boxed in after a while in a coffee shop or restaurant. The prices weren’t stupid either which is always a bonus for a city-based hangout. I love that they encourage freelancers to use the space to create a community of their own. It’s also lovely to see somewhere promoting local businesses in almost every aspect of what they do. I will absolutely be going back, maybe with my laptop to do some work, in the future. I can see myself being in there alone and feeling safe and totally chilled, which again is rather unusual for me. I look forward to seeing what else they do with the space and whether or not they open up any more Feel Good Clubs across the country. I can see them doing very well in other cities too – especially as a place for people to take a break after a stressful day or to stop by in their lunch breaks. I’m excited for them, I really am. If you’re visiting Manchester, or you’re here already, be sure to go and see it for yourself!

N xxxx

Tags Cafe, Coffee, Lifestyle, Manchester, Mental Health, Photography, Photos, Review, Summer, Travel, Travel Guide, Wellbeing

LIFE

THE BEST SHOWS TO WATCH ON NETFLIX IN 2020

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date March 20, 2020
No Comments on THE BEST SHOWS TO WATCH ON NETFLIX IN 2020

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all as well as you can be in these difficult times. I know that the majority of us are self-isolating right now so our good old friend Netflix is getting plenty of use. Given the circumstances, I thought now was the perfect time to produce the ultimate list of the best shows to watch on Netflix whilst we’re all at home… I’ve included shows that I have watched and loved as well as recommendations from friends and family – enjoy!

Also if you’re looking for a new skill to learn in lockdown, check out my post all about how to do gel nails at home!

CRIME DRAMA

Unforgotten
Breaking Bad
Better Call Saul
Happy Valley
You
One of Us
The Sinner
Line of Duty
Peaky Blinders
Bodyguard
Collateral
Criminal
The Alienist

Mindhunter
Manhunt: Unabomber
Prison Break
Sherlock
In the Dark
Unbelievable
Luther
When They See Us
Narcos
How To Get Away With Murder
Power
Fargo
Elite

DRAMA

Gossip Girl
Vampire Diaries
Doctor Foster
Spinning Out
Safe
Broken
Dirty John
The Stranger
Riverdale

Orange is The New Black
Bloodline
Mad Men
Suits
The Crown
Living with Yourself
Sex Education
The Society
Shameless

TRUE CRIME

The Staircase
The People vs. O.J. Simpson
Three Girls
The Investigator: A British Crime Story
Making a Murderer
Cold Case Files
Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem & Madness

The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez
The Pharmacist
I am a Killer
The Keepers
Don’t F**k With Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer
The Confession Killer
Who Killed Little Gregory?

SITCOM

That 70s Show
Friends
Friday Night Dinner
Gavin & Stacey
White Gold
The Office

How I Met Your Mother
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
The Big Bang Theory
The Good Place
Schitt’s Creek
Grace & Frankie

COMEDY

Gilmore Girls
After Life
Outnumbered
Orange Is the New Black

Derek
Atypical
The Thick of It
Arrested Development

FANTASY

The Witcher
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
Once Upon a Time
Locke & Key
I Am Not Okay With This

Lucifer
The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance
The Letter For The King
Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments

SCI-FI

Black Mirror
Altered Carbon
Stranger Things
Sense 8

Orphan Black
V Wars
Love, Death & Robots
Lost in Space

HORROR

American Horror Story
The Haunting of Hill House
The Mist
Dead Set

The Returned
Hannibal
Marianne
Scream

DOCUSERIES

Cheer
Planet Earth
Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened
100 Humans
Jack Whitehall: Travels With My Father
Dogs
Formula 1: Drive to Survive

Louis Theroux’s Weird Weekends
Our Planet
Chef’s Table
Frozen Planet
Diagnosis
Intervention
Pandemic
Babies

REALITY

Love is Blind
Queer Eye
RuPaul’s Drag Race
Sugar Rush
Next in Fashion
The Final Table
Haunted

Derren Brown – The Push
Tidying Up
Back with the Ex
Jailbirds
Death by Magic
Derren Brown – Miracle
Girls Incarcerated

There we have it folks, the ultimate list of the best shows to watch on Netflix. What are your favourite shows on Netflix? Let me know if I’ve missed anything in the comments. You can find other places to follow me below!

N xxxx

Tags Best Shows, Binge Watch, Lifestyle, Netflix, Netflix UK, Photography, Photos, Self-Isolation, Series, TV

BEAUTY MAKEUP

PRIMARK PS LIQUID EYESHADOWS – REVIEW, SWATCHES & PHOTOS

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date January 21, 2020
2 Comments on PRIMARK PS LIQUID EYESHADOWS – REVIEW, SWATCHES & PHOTOS

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! I’m back with another Primark makeup review! They have recently launched a brand new PS makeup range featuring lots of nude shades and subtle shimmers. This includes two gorgeous liquid eyeshadows that I got my hands on in my local store so I thought I would put them to the test and let you know my thoughts… Love Primark makeup? I’ve also reviewed their popular ‘Nudes’ makeup range as well as their ‘Glow’ setting spray, go on, have a read!

Sadly, the new range only features two of these dual-ended liquid eyeshadows, which is such a shame as I personally would have bought more had there been any! The first eyeshadow includes a gold and a nude shade – a winning combo for any soft-glam makeup lovers. The second includes a metallic pink and a dusky rose matte shade. I love that the shades can be worn together or worn alone.

The tubes are split in half; one end is metallic eyeshadow and one end is just matte – both sections containing 2ml of product. Each end also has a flocked wand/doe-foot applicator. I like that they contain two products and yet take up so little space. I will definitely be taking these on holiday with me to save room! The design and the packaging is super pretty too. I love the simple gold foil effect against a white background, it makes the eyeshadows look more expensive than they are. Also, I love that they made the metallic end clear and the matte side frosted – it’s those extra details that really make an impact. There doesn’t need to be any mess involved either. The products aren’t loose and the packaging isn’t going to shatter and turn my carpet into a shimmering pool of regret. Also, these eyeshadows retail at just £3 each which is amazing.

Let’s start with the matte shade shall we? Well, oh my goodness, I was not expecting that! Firstly, the formula is a dream. I had to do a double take when I swatched it. It applied so well and it was super easy to blend and work with. Secondly, can you see that pigment?! It’s completely opaque – sorry, £3 – what?! It dried nice and quickly and once it had, it was there to stay. It actually took some effort to remove which I find reassuring. I don’t want that stuff slipping and sliding around on my lids thank you very much!

The metallic shade is truly gorgeous. I can see myself wearing this shade all the time – on nights out or just for some simple daytime glam. My only issue with it is that it takes a while to dry. If I was in a rush, I wouldn’t want to risk using this. However, if you have the time to wait for it to dry, it’s totally worth it because, I mean, look at it!

This matte pink shade is so pretty! I love wearing pink and purple so I can see myself reaching for this particular shade a lot. It was also very pigmented, completely opaque and really easy to move around and blend. Again, it dried quickly and from that point onwards, it didn’t budge until I removed it with some micellar water. I’m so tempted to apply some holographic eyeshadow topper over this, I think it would look stunning!

Let’s talk about this metallic shade. There’s no denying it’s beautiful, however, I did struggle a little bit with getting it to form a decent layer. When I tried to blend it out it did get a bit patchy. It took some layering to get it where I wanted it. That being said, once I put a little more effort in and took the time to work with it, it looked beautiful. I would definitely wear this shade on a regular basis, especially paired with the matte shade too – what a combo!

So, whats the verdict?

In terms of what I didn’t like, other than a slight struggle with the pink metallic eyeshadow formula, there’s nothing to complain about. It wasn’t as if that was an issue I couldn’t resolve, I just spent a little bit more time applying it and it turned out fine. I would definitely recommend using an eyeshadow primer as a base just to give the product something to stick to.

In terms of what I loved, the matte formula particularly blew me away. I cannot get over how pigmented it is and how easy it is to work with. Although I had a tiny bit of an issue with the formula, both of the metallic shades are really good. When applied correctly, they look lovely. I will definitely be using the gold shade all the time, it’s just so me. Given that Primark didn’t even sell makeup at one point, they’ve come such a long way with their beauty products. I’m extremely impressed with these eyeshadows. The fact that they retail at only £3 each is incredible! The wands make it easy to apply to product, without faffing and having to use lots of different brushes and tools. The shade range is currently pretty poor, but fingers crossed, they’ll bring some more! I really recommend giving them a try, for £3 a pop, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

What do you think of these liquid eyeshadows? Be sure to let me know in the comments and don’t forget to follow me on my socials!

N xxxx

Tags BEAUTY, Beauty Blogger, blogger, Blogging, eyeshadow, Haul, Liquid Eyeshadow, Makeup, matte, Metallic, Photography, Photos, Primark, PS, Review

BEAUTY GLOSSYBOX

GLOSSYBOX JANUARY 2020: SLEEP & REFRESH – REVIEW

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date January 17, 2020
No Comments on GLOSSYBOX JANUARY 2020: SLEEP & REFRESH – REVIEW

Hey Everyone,

I hope the New Year is treating you well so far. I’m stunned that we’re already halfway through the month? How did that happen? I thought January was supposed to go by slowly! Either way, it’s time for another Glossybox review and I’m so excited to share this month’s goodies with you. I’ve included some information about what Glossybox actually is, how much it costs and all that jazz below. If you already know all of this, feel free to carry on scrolling!

About Glossybox:

Glossybox is a UK beauty subscription service that sends beautifully wrapped boxes containing 5 surprise beauty products. Every box will feature brand new products as well as some cult favourites. Glossybox is fantastic for being able to discover and find out more about new brand and products. There are also lots of benefits from being a member of the Glossyboz community. For example, by participating in suverys and referring friends, subscribers can earn GLOSSYCREDITS to spend on beauty treats. The Glossybox monthly subscription plans start from £10 and there are 3, 6 and 12 month options to choose from. You can create and edit your beauty profile to ensure that you receive products that are best suited to your skin/hair type and perosnal preferences. The boxes are beautifully packagaed, it’s genuinely like receieving a present in the post.

Sign up to Glossybox here (affiliate link)

This month’s theme is all about ditching those January blues and creating a new and revitalising beauty regime to prepare us for the year ahead! I couldn’t think of a better time of year to discover a handful of new beauty products. I’ve definitely been staying well within my comfort zone when it comes to my current skincare routine. It’s definitely time for a change! January’s box includes five amazing goodies, (four of which are full-size), to help us achieve that dreamy “no-makeup makeup look”.

Bybi – Strawberry Booster – RRP £12

I absolutely love using oils and serums so the Strawberry Booster from Bybi Beauty caught my eye straight away! Made from 100% Cold Pressed Strawberry Seed Oil, this product is the ultimate skin-softener. Rich in antioxidants and omega 3 and 6, it’s perfect for those with dry or flakey skin (especially if the winter weather has been treating you and your face poorly). It’s created from upcycled seeds from the juice industry – what an amazing concept! It smells very subtly of strawberries which is so refreshing in the morning. I was worried it would be greasy but my skin absorbs this stuff in no time at all. It leaves my face feeling SO soft and hydrated, I cannot get enough of it. I will definitely be repurchasing this product. Also a great tip is to add this to your moisturisers, serums or balms for an extra hydration hit!

Basic Beauty – Tweezers – RRP £15.50

Next up, we have some tweezers from Basic Beauty! I have to admit, I definitely don’t need another pair of tweezers but these are just so cute! I love the shape of them as it makes plucking ten times easier! The easy-grip design is great because there’s no way I want to slip up whilst performing brow surgery thank you very much. Also, they’re pink – what’s not to love?

ModelCo – Clear Brow Gel – RRP £14

I flipping love this brand! I religiously use their highlighters so I’m always keen to try anything else that they do. The Clear Brow Gel from ModelCo couldn’t have come at a better time. I’ve literally just run out of my usual go to brow gel so I was really excited to put this to the test! It’s vegan and cruelty-free which is always a bonus. It’s designed to work alongside other brow products or on its own. I personally like to use a pomade so it’s been perfect for setting my brows in place after I’ve filled them in. It doesn’t leave them feeling crispy or rock hard either which is fabulous as I cannot stand that straw-like texture. It’s a yes from me!

Beauty Pro – CBD Oil Infused Mask – RRP £5.95

If you haven’t heard all of the hype for CBD oil products, where have you been because it sounds kinda peaceful there?! The Beauty Pro CBD Oil Infused Sheet Mask leaves skin feeling deeply hydrated and revitalised. It’s the perfect solution for those days where your skin looks and feels like it needs a real boost! Not only does it help to calm and soothe your complexion, but it also reduces the appearance of angry blemishes! It contains Lavender which makes it a great mask to use before bedtime! I will definitely be buying more of these, I absolutely loved it.

Context – Micro-derm Regenerator – RRP £6.50 (Full-Size Worth £27)

I didn’t actually know what this was until I gave the back of the product a good read. The Context Micro-Derm Regenerator is actually both a cleanser and exfoliator in one! It’s removes dead skin cells for a brighter and complexion as well as to protect it using key ingredients such as; macadamia, sunflower and Vitamins A, C and E. I’ve actually really enjoyed giving this a try. My skin feels much softer and it definitely looks brighter and clearer. However, I probably won’t repurchase this as it’s on the pricey side plus I actually have some great cleansers that cost much less. That being said, it’s still a great product and I’m glad that I had the opportunity to test it out.

Nakd Salted Caramel Fruit & Nut Bar

An extra treat was included in the January Glossybox. A delicious Salted Caramel Fruit & Nut Bar from Nakd! I literally ate this as soon as I’d got a photo of it. Self restraint…what’s that? It was delicious though and I will definitely be buying some more for the snack cupboard!

I’m so happy with the January Glossybox edit! It’s been a pretty tough start to the year for me, so receiving this box of goodies really cheered me up. We received four full-size products, a deluxe mini and an extra tasty treat too! I love the way that all of the products work well together, i.e. the tweezers and the brow gel or the oil, mask and cleanser. It’s the perfect self-care package, which I think lots of people need in January.

The total value of the products together, is £53.95, which is slightly less than last month but it’s still great value. It was great to have the opportunity to try out some products that I’d never seen before from some brands that I’d never heard of before. I will be repurchasing a couple of bits too. I flipping loved the oil and the face mask and I need more in stock ASAP! Are you subscribed to any beauty boxes? Let me know in the comments!

Sign up to Glossybox here (affiliate link)

N xxxx

Tags 2020, BEAUTY, Beauty Subscription, blog, blogger, Eyeshadow Palette Review, Glossybox, January, Makeup, Photography, Photos, Skincare

BEAUTY BIRCHBOX

BIRCHBOX x ROCHELLE HUMES JANUARY 2020: JUST THE WAY YOU ARE – REVIEW

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date January 14, 2020
No Comments on BIRCHBOX x ROCHELLE HUMES JANUARY 2020: JUST THE WAY YOU ARE – REVIEW

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! Welcome to the first Birchbox review of 2020! This month’s box is actually part of an exciting Birchbox collaboration, so keep reading if you want to see who it’s with! Before I begin, I’ve included some information about what Birchbox actually is, how much it costs and all that jazz below! If you already know all of this, feel free to carry on scrolling!

Read my review of last month’s box here!

*This post contains affiliate links

About Birchbox:

Birchbox is a UK beauty subscription service that sends beauty boxes to their subscribers containing 5 goodies every month. You don’t have to worry about lifelong commitments or contracts. In fact, you can cancel anytime with a monthly subscription – no fuss whatsoever! The monthly subscription costs only £10 per month plus £2.95 P&P! You can edit your beauty profile on their site to ensure you get sent products that are suitable for your skin/hair type and personal preferences. Birchbox is great for discovering new brands and products. I have been subscribed to Birchbox for years and I still look forward to receiving their boxes every month. I’ve gone on to buy lots of the things I’ve been sent because I have loved them so much. Every box you receive is beautifully packaged, some months are designed and inspired by artists and companies. I use some of the boxes to store makeup in too!

Get £5 off your first Birchbox with this link (affiliate link) or just use the code: “Nina Louise” at checkout!

This month’s box is in collaboration with Rochelle Humes! This time we’re celebrating everything that makes us who we are, by embracing all of our flaws and imperfections. So, Rochelle decided to fill our January boxes with goodies that are tailored to our individual wants and needs! I’m not sure how this more personalised method of product selection actually took place, but I like the sound of it! Also, I thought that’s what Birchbox did anyway but either way, I’m keen to see what’s included in my box this month. I absolutely LOVE the design! The use of gold and marble together makes the box look so luxury! I will definitely be reusing this box to store makeup in. Let’s take a look at what’s inside, shall we? RRPs correspond to full-size items at birchbox.co.uk/shop.

The Beauty Crop – Glow Milk in “Pear Pressure” – RRP £15

I seem to have a love-hate relationship with liquid highlighters. They’re either the perfect amount of dewy or they’re crusty and gross, there doesn’t seem to be an in between for me. I was really keen to put the Beauty Crop’s Glow Milk to the test. I abso-freaking-lutely LOVE this stuff. It’s so easy to create that effortless glow from within look, all you need is a couple of drops and voila! One thing that I really love about this product is that it’s very hydrating and doesn’t sit on the skin. It blends so beautifully with my foundation too! The packaging is gorgeous, I love the milk carton idea – so cute! I will definitely be buying another bottle of this.

Laura Geller – Eye Dew Crayon in “Pewter” – RRP £13

In all honesty, I haven’t had the best experience with eye crayons. The main reason being that they often end up sliding all over the place during the day and they crease (hell no). I tend to use eyeshadows or liquid shadows that I can confidently set in place and go about my day. However, I was still willing to give the Eye Dew Crayon from Laura Geller a go! After putting it to the test, I don’t think it’s for me. I blended it out across my lids and it pretty much vanished, I didn’t seem to be able to get much from it in the first place – even alongside a primer too! I noticed that it had started to crease within a couple of hours and I just can’t be having that. It’s such a shame because the colour looked quite pretty but I’m afraid it’s just not for me. That being said, I’ve actually found it to be a great eyeliner for along the lower lash-line!

Greenfrog Botanic – Argan Oil Body Lotion – RRP £9.95

I’m always after products that can keep my skin hydrated and moisturised and the Greenfrog Botanic Argain Oil Body Lotion has just become a new favourite of mine! Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever owned a moisturiser that smells quite as good as this stuff. I don’t feel sticky or greasy whatsoever after I’ve used it either, which is a big win for me as I absolutely hate that feeling. It’s made from 85% natural ingredients and the bottle itself is fully recyclable! I will be purchasing another bottle of this now that I know it exists – thank you Birchbox!

Skyn ICELAND – Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels – RRP £25

I nearly always wake up with puffy and irritated eyes in the morning so I love anything that’s designed to cool and soothe that area in particular. I’ve tried some products from Skyn ICELAND before and I’m yet to have a negative experience with them! Their Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels promise to “de-puff, brighten and counteract crepey skin” within 10 minutes! I can confirm that after using these bad boys, my eyes no longer felt puffy and scratchy, I felt refreshed and ready to go! I think I need a pack of these in my bedside table at all times!

Mélusine – Jade Roller – RRP £15.50

I have wanted to try a facial roller for SO long but I just couldn’t bring myself to spend so much on something that might just turn out to be a pretty little gimmick. I was so excited to receive one in my January Birchbox as it finally gave me the opportunity to try one of these things out! The Mélusine Jade Roller claims to tighten pores and boost radiance (both of which I could do with) whilst also improving the appearance of fine lines and reducing puffiness! I actually like to keep mine in the fridge so that it’s extra cool and refreshing when I use it first thing in the morning. It really preps my skin the day ahead and my makeup applies so much better now! I can’t say I’ve noticed a HUGE difference but it’s only been a week so I’ll be sure to keep you updated.

I’m actually pretty pleased with the January box. The design is gorgeous and the idea behind it is also an important one – especially with how miserable January can be for some (myself included)! It’s nice to be reminded that we’re pretty damn good as we are, imperfections included. Although I wasn’t a huge fan of the eye crayon, I loved all of the other products that I received in my January Birchbox! I was able to try new brands and new products that I’d never heard or seen before which is always good fun. I actually got to put £78.50 worth of products to the test, which is amazing value! Are you subscribed to Birchbox or any other beauty products? What did you think of this box and these products? Let me know in the comments!

Get £5 off your first Birchbox with this link (affiliate link) or just use the code: “Nina Louise” at checkout!

N xxxx

Tags 2020, BEAUTY, Beauty Subscription, BIRCHBOX, blog, January, Makeup, New Year, Photography, Photos, Review, Skincare, Subscription Box

2019 BLOGMAS LIFE

MY FAVOURITE APPS OF 2019

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! Welcome to Blogmas Day 10! Today’s post is all about the apps that I’ve been loving throughout 2019. I’ve included all of the apps that I consider to be staples and must-haves so that you can download and enjoy them too!

Check out my favourite apps of 2017 and 2018!

FILMM

This is an absolute must-have for Instagram stories! Earlier this year, YouTuber/Blogger, Zoe Sugg, collaborated with the founders of A Color Story (Emma Chapman and Elsie Larson) to create “Filmm”. Created for creators, the app includes new video effects and filters to add all kinds of funky things to video clips. You can add light leaks, grain and dust to your videos and photos as well as filters and music! Filmm is free to download but you can also purchase packs containing more filters and effects. There’s also a subscription available to get everything for one price. I personally love using this app as it gives my videos a lovely home-made vibe. The effects aren’t just static filters but they actually move with the videos, making them look so realistic!

LIGHTROOM

I only started using this app properly earlier this year. Now, I cannot imagine my life without it – especially as a blogger and influencer! Lightroom is an editing app that allows you to edit everything from the exposure and contrast of a photo to removing haze or adding grain to it. It literally lets you edit every aspect of an image until you’re happy with how it looks. It really allows you to be a perfectionist with your work – which I love! You can also create your own or download presets, ready to copy and paste so that all of your images have the same edit. I love using presets for my Instagram themes – they have made a huge difference to my photography! There’s absolutely no going back now that I have this app in my life – it’s an everyday staple for me!

APPLE PODCASTS

I absolutely love podcasts. I listen to at least one episode of a podcast every single day. They’re perfect to have on in the background whilst I’m working, cleaning or even on a walk or a run. The Apple Podcasts app is basically a library for IOS users to access over 750,000 shows. There’s a category for everything; Comedy, Sports, True Crime, History and even Fiction! I’m not only constantly entertained and inspired by podcasts, but I can learn from them too. You can keep up to date with your favourite shows or you can download episodes so that you’ve always got some stored for those long and boring journeys. I feel like I’m always recommending podcasts to friends and family – I actually think I listen to them more than I watch TV or movies.

I’ve written two posts about the podcasts that I listen to; My Favourite Podcasts in 2018 and 3 Podcasts to Make You Laugh, so give them a read if you need something new to listen to!

SLEEP CYCLE

I’ve been struggling with sleep since I was a kid. I’ve been having very intense lucid dreams since I was about twelve years old, so I’m used to waking up in the middle of the night feeling confused and questioning what’s real etc. It usually means that in the morning, I’m still extremely tired. I currently have no problem with falling asleep, but during the night, I know my sleeping pattern is very inconsistent and easily disrupted.

I noticed this app and I thought it would help me understand my sleep cycles much more. Sleep Cycle offers a variety of features to help users track and analyse their sleep. It also has an inbuilt alarm that gently wakes you up during a light sleep in the morning. I love this as I never feel like it interrupts my sleep as I’m usually just stirring as it starts to go off. Now, I understand my sleeping pattern so much more thanks to the detailed analysis that the app provides. Also, I love that I don’t have to have anything under my pillow or attached to me. I can just put my phone on my bedside table and I’m good to go!

I know Pinterest has been around for a while! It’s just that I’ve been using it so much this year that it simply felt wrong not to mention it. Pinterest is probably the most inspiring app that I own. There’s everything available from makeup ideas and motivational quotes to storage hacks, DIY tips and tricks. There’s also plenty of beautiful and inspiring images to look at. You can discover so much just by typing a word or phrase into the search bar and hey-presto, you’ll have hours worth of content to scroll through! It’s very therapeutic to use. You can create and organise boards by theme and save what you find, it feels a lot like digital scrapbooking! As someone that likes to be creative, this app has been an amazing source of inspiration, motivation and ideas for me!

I can’t really fit everything that this app has to offer into a small paragraph, but it’s absolutely worth downloading if you don’t already have it!

Follow me on Pinterest!

I’m always looking for new apps to use, so let me know your favourites in the comments! I’ve put links to all of my social media down below and I’d love it if you would come and say hi!

Read about my favourite apps of 2017 and 2018 here!

N xxxx

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST

Tags 2019, App Store, Apps, blogger, BLOGMAS, Christmas, December, Favourites, Photography, Photos, Pinterest, Podcasts, Review

2019 BEAUTY BLOGMAS GLOSSYBOX

GLOSSYBOX DECEMBER 2019: MERRY METALLICS – REVIEW

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date December 13, 2019
No Comments on GLOSSYBOX DECEMBER 2019: MERRY METALLICS – REVIEW

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! Welcome to Blogmas Day 13! It’s already time (where does the time go, seriously?!) for another Glossybox review! Today we’re going to be looking at their December edit; Merry Metallics. Before I begin, I’ve included some information about what Glossybox actually is, how much it costs and all that jazz below! If you already know all of this, feel free to carry on scrolling.

*This post contains affiliate links

About Glossybox:

Glossybox is a UK beauty subscription service that sends beautifully wrapped boxes containing 5 surprise beauty products. Every box will feature brand new products as well as some cult favourites. Glossybox is fantastic for being able to discover and find out more about new brand and products. There are also lots of benefits from being a member of the Glossyboz community. For example, by participating in suverys and referring friends, subscribers can earn GLOSSYCREDITS to spend on beauty treats. The Glossybox monthly subscription plans start from £10 and there are 3, 6 and 12 month options to choose from. You can create and edit your beauty profile to ensure that you receive products that are best suited to your skin/hair type and perosnal preferences. The boxes are beautifully packagaed, it’s genuinely like receieving a present in the post.

Sign up to Glossybox here (affiliate link)

This month’s theme is focused on adding some glitz and glamour to our beauty routine during the festive season. We’ve been treated to five full-size goodies to keep our skin glowing throughout Winter (which is much needed during dark and dreary December here in the UK). When this box arrived, I felt like I was opening a Christmas present and that was before I’d even looked inside! Although for most people December is about giving, sometimes we need a reminder to look after ourselves too! With this month’s Glossybox treats, some more “me time” is certainly achievable! Whether you have a Christmas party to go to or you just like adding some sparkle to your complexion, these five beauty products will keep you ravishingly radiant.

Lasplash Cosmetics – Golden Gatsby 3D Faux Mink Lashes – RRP £9.75

I was thrilled to find a pair of falsies as gorgeous as the Golden Gatsby 3D Faux Mink Lashes from Lasplash inside my December box. Inspired by the glitz and the glamour of the 1920s, these lashes are designed to add an instant hit of volume and definition. They feature a two-tone effect which will provide you with the bold statement look that your inner flapper girl deserves this Christmas. They’re also cruelty-free! I absolutely adore the packaging, they would make for some pretty little stocking fillers for the lash lovers in your life! I’d never heard of this brand before but upon doing some research, I noticed that they are stocked on Beauty Bay!

Steve Laurant – Loose Glittery Powder – RRP £14.60

The Loose Glittery Power from Steve Laurant in the shade “Rose Gold” immediately caught my eye. This is a multi-purpose powder that can be used as eyeshadow, eyeliner or as an iridescent highlight! It’s extremely pigmented and yet it’s so easy to blend and work with. Also I love the fact that you can control how much product comes out – nobody wants a glitter spillage right before they need to leave the house! The packaging looks so luxurious and sleek, I’m very impressed.

Bellapierre – Liquid Shadow Eye Candy in “Venus“- RRP £20

I absolutely adore liquid eyeshadows, in fact I’ve written a review all about some of my favourites here if you’re in need of some recommendations! The Bellapierre Liquid Shadow Eye Candy is blooming gorgeous. I absolutely love that you can create the perfect dazzling eye makeup look in one swipe! It’s special formula means that the product sets almost immediately so there’s no drips or smears. It’s also guaranteed to be crease and smudge-free, which I can actually vouch for! This stuff stays in place all day and night.

L.O.V Cosmetics – The Fateful Lacquered Lip Stain – RRP £7.99

I believe that 5 different shades of this lip stain were sent out to the Glossies, however I’m actually pretty chuffed with the shade that I got! I received The Fateful Lacquered Lip Stain in the shade “710 Elusiv Endurance” from L.O.V Cosmetics in my December box. To my surprise, this isn’t a matte product! I actually prefer this as I find matte lip products can be too drying at this time of year. It’s still able to provide maximum durability and high coverage but with high-shine instead! It doesn’t smudge either, which I’m so happy about! The formula feels amazing, it’s like liquid velvet. I’ve also noticed a plumping effect, which I love as it makes my lips look so hydrated and full!

Original Source – Sweet Rhubarb & Raspberry Shower Gel – RRP £2.30

I have a lot of love for Original Source, so I was very excited to see their Sweet Rhubarb & Raspberry shower gel inside this month’s box! First of all, this stuff is packed with essential oils to keep our skin glowing throughout December. Secondly, it’s made using 100% renewable energy and the bottle itself is recyclable! Finally, it’s paraben-free and vegan! What a powerhouse of a product! It smells absolutely incredible, like crumble to be exact. I can’t get enough of this stuff, I will absolutely be repurchasing!

I’m really happy with the December box! First of all, se received five full-size products, all of which are perfect for bringing some sparkle into the festive season. The total value of the products together, is £54.64, which although roughly £30 less than last month, is still fantastic value! There wasn’t a single product that I disliked in this box, I know that I will use everything and go on to repurchase some products too! This month really felt like a Christmas gift to the subscribers! Are you subscribed to Glossybox or any other beauty boxes? Let me know in the comments!

Sign up to Glossybox here (affiliate link)

N xxxx

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Tags BEAUTY, Beauty Blogger, Beauty Subscription, BLOGMAS, Glossybox, Makeup, Photography, Photos, Review, Skincare

2019 BEAUTY BIRCHBOX BLOGMAS

BIRCHBOX DECEMBER 2019: READY, SET, GLAM – REVIEW

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date December 12, 2019
2 Comments on BIRCHBOX DECEMBER 2019: READY, SET, GLAM – REVIEW

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! Welcome to Blogmas Day 12! Somehow we’re almost halfway through December and that means it’s time for another Birchbox review. After last month’s box, I was expecting great things when this little package arrived! Before I begin, I’ve included some information about what Birchbox actually is, how much it costs and all that jazz below! If you already know all of this, feel free to carry on scrolling.

*This post contains affiliate links

About Birchbox:

Birchbox is a UK beauty subscription service that sends beauty boxes to their subscribers containing 5 goodies every month. You don’t have to worry about lifelong commitments or contracts. In fact, you can cancel anytime with a monthly subscription – no fuss whatsoever! The monthly subscription costs only £10 per month plus £2.95 P&P! You can edit your beauty profile on their site to ensure you get sent products that are suitable for your skin/hair type and personal preferences. Birchbox is great for discovering new brands and products. I have been subscribed to Birchbox for years and I still look forward to receiving their boxes every month. I’ve gone on to buy lots of the things I’ve been sent because I have loved them so much. Every box you receive is beautifully packaged, some months are designed and inspired by artists and companies. I use some of the boxes to store makeup in too!

Get £5 off your first Birchbox with this link or just use the code: “Nina Louise” at checkout! (affiliate link)

Whether you’re planning on making the most of the mini bar or you’re already caught up in the Christmas chaos, don’t forget to take some time to wind down! This month’s box is focused on the glitz and the glamour of the festive season – just in time for Christmas parties, big nights out and a fair amount of recovering… The packaging is absolutely gorgeous! It’s been a while since we received our products in a bag so I was pleased that they mixed it up a little this month. The pouch looks and feels luxurious, especially with that glittery star on the front! It would make for a lovely Christmas present either for yourself (I won’t judge) or for a fellow beauty lover in your life. I think this will be a really popular box design with the Birchbox subscribers. Let’s take a look at what’s inside, shall we? RRPs correspond to full-size items at birchbox.co.uk/shop.

Forgive Me Suzie – Eyeshadow Palette in “Eye-Swear” – RRP £9

As most of you will know, I’m absolutely nuts about eyeshadow so, of course, I was very excited to see this pretty little palette in my December Birchbox. From Forgive Me Suzie, a British cruelty-free and vegan brand, the Eye-Swear eyeshadow palette is a Birchbox exclusive! It contains five beautiful warm-toned shades suitable for daytime looks or nighttime glam. I’m glad that it features matte, metallic and shimmer shadows as it means lots of different looks are possible to create. I was very impressed with the level of pigmentation too! That being said, it’s definitely more of an Autumnal selection of shades, which is a tad disappointing. I will definitely still be using it but I would’ve preferred to see something with bright reds, silvers and glittery shades.

Birchbox – Eyeshadow Brush – RRP £4

A girl can never have too many eyeshadow brushes. At least, that’s what I’m telling myself… This brush is the “perfect partner” to our palette, to blend our eyeshadow to perfection! The bristles are soft and densely packed, which is usually a sign of great quality when it comes to brushes. I will definitely be getting plenty of use out of this!

Daily Concepts – Mother of Pearl Soap Sponge – RRP £6

Who doesn’t love multi-tasking skincare? This sponge not only gives skin a radiance boost but it also exfoliates! Both of which are very much needed during the colder months. It’s worth nothing that this little sponge can be used roughly 60 times before it needs replacing! Amazing!

ikoo – Infusions Thermal Treatment Hair Wrap Detox and Balance Mask – RRP £5.95

I was blown away when I realised that this was a hair mask! It’s basically a sheet mask for your barnet, that helps to repair damage, clam any scalp irritation and seal those pesky split ends. I use my hair straighteners quite a lot so anything to prevent damage is a necessity in my haircare routine! Packed with plenty of natural ingredients such as blackberry, blueberry and sea kelp extracts, this mask helps to soften hair and leave it shiny. I’ve one hundred percent noticed a difference since using this! It smells amazing for one, but my hair actually feels a lot softer and looks a lot healthier. That being said, I would prefer a pot or a tube because a hair wrap is a bit more complicated to put on. It’s a cool concept though!

Brave.New.Care – Twinkle Twinkle Hair And Body Shimmer – RRP £11.50

Another exclusive, Brave.New.Care cannot be found anywhere but Birchbox! I don’t think I’ve ever been excited to see a pot of shimmery liquid in all my life. Look how sparkly it is! This pretty little pot is not only meant to moisturise our bodies but it’s also designed to soften our hair too! Like I said, we love a multi-tasking products – especially ones that make us glow like lightbulbs. Also, this stuff smells absolutely incredible. It’s so fresh and minty! Personally, I prefer to use this on my legs as it gives them a glow that I could never normally achieve! I don’t know how I feel about shimmery hair though…

Anna Sui – Gel Foundation Primer – RRP £22

In my opinion, applying a primer is the most important part of a makeup routine! If you want your foundation to stay in place, you’re going to need a good base (rhyme unintended but I’m proud of it ngl). This primer has a gel-like formula, which I love as it’s so lightweight. It hydrates and plumps the skin to provide the perfect base for your makeup – what more could you need? It literally feels like I’m dipping my face in velvet. Also, it absorbs any excess oil so that your makeup stays in place all day – nobody wants their cheeks sliding off now, do they? I love this stuff!

Candy Kittens Wild Strawberry Sweets

Funnily enough these are some of my favourite sweets! I just love the flavour. In fact, they’re made from completely natural flavours and real fruit juice! They’re also gluten-free too! They’re great stocking fillers if you know someone with a sweet tooth. Personally, I’ll be demolishing mine all by myself.

I’m pretty chuffed with the December box (or bag in this case). I think the design will be appealing to anyone that loves a bit of sparkle. The pouch is so festive and it looks and feels so luxurious! I love every product. The only thing I’m a little unsure of is the hair wrap, which no doubt works wonders, it’s just a bit of a faff to get it on in the first place. That being said, I can’t expect everything to always be perfect when it comes to a subscription box! We got to put £58.45 worth of products to the test, which isn’t quite as good as last month’s box but it’s still pretty impressive! Are you subscribed to Birchbox or any other beauty boxes? Let me know in the comments.

Get £5 off your first Birchbox with this link or just use the code: “Nina Louise” at checkout! (affiliate link). You can also get a free ICONIC London Illuminator with your box (worth £30!) Use code PEARL to pick a shimmery pink or BRONZE for a deep copper.

N xxxx

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Tags BEAUTY, BIRCHBOX, BLOGMAS, Christmas, December, Haircare, Makeup, Photography, Photos, Review, Skincare

2019 BLOGMAS LIFE

OXFORD CHRISTMAS MARKET

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! Welcome to Blogmas Day 11! Today’s post is all about my little trip to Oxford last weekend, where I checked out their Christmas Market. In between eating the world’s largest hotdog and following the smell of fresh fudge like a woman possessed, I managed to get a few snaps that I would love to share with you! Granted, it’s not my best work but that’s mainly because I was too busy taking it all in with my eyes and not my screen. Sometimes it’s nicer to be in the moment, especially when surrounded by such festivity! That being said, I hope you can still get an idea of what to expect if you’re planning on visiting.

The market itself is located on Broad Street in the city centre, you can’t miss it with those brightly coloured buildings! Make sure you pack in some sightseeing on the way as the buildings in Oxford are truly beautiful, particularly the university campus. It looks like something out of a movie . – which is most likely why so many Harry Potter scenes were shot there!

Like most Christmas markets, this one is made up of lots of little wooden huts selling all kinds of things! There’s certainly no shortage of things to nibble on whilst you browse, from freshly cooked crepes through to a taste of the Mediterranean, there’s something for everyone! This stall in particular, hosted by the wonderful Columbia Coffee Roasters, was all about coffee and it smelt amazing. Not only did they serve hot and steamy cups of the stuff but they also sold it in bulk so that you could give it to the coffee loves in your life for Christmas – or keep it for yourself…

These jams and chutneys were honestly some of the best that I’ve tried! I sampled the passion fruit jam and it was incredible – I might have gone back for seconds (don’t worry I didn’t double dip). I noticed a Pina Colada one too which is

As usual, I was hypnotised by the bright and colourful confectionary stall, from Liquorice World, and I ended up buying a liquorice cable (strawberry obviously). They’re my absolute favourite of all the sweets so it would be rude not to. There were so many flavours too! I have to admit I was rather curious as to what the salted one tasted like..?

There’s nothing more festive than dried orange slices at Christmas! Look at these decorative handing of dried fruits. There were all kinds of different combinations to make your home smell and look amazing. I love how vibrant and colourful they are! If like me, you can’t be bothered to make them yourself, this is such a fab idea. They’d look fabulous in a porch or by the fire.

This stall, full to the brim with incredible decorations from Amica! I’ve never been so excited to see a dog made out of felt, not to mention there was every breed imaginable! I’m pretty sure only dogs would’ve been able to hear my high-pitched squeals when I spotted this place actually…I’m a sucker for decorations.

I don’t want to eat Christmas pudding but I will happily hang them on my tree by the dozen. How cute are these little decorations? The detail is amazing! You can get them here if like me, you’d rather look and not touch…

Yes, that is indeed a Brussels sprout hanging from the sky. Yes, you absolutely do need it in your life and you can buy it here. Thank me later fellow Christmas lovers.

You can find this little festive Labrador on their website, here! Can we take a minute to take in the fact that he’s wearing a hat and a scarf? I can’t cope! I need them all.

This was one of my favourite to look at, hosted by Just Stars! I absolutely love the idea of giving someone one of these for Christmas. They’re just so special and unique. I love that there are so many different colours to choose from so you can really personalise how yours looks.

These decorations are absolutely adorable! Sadly, I can’t find links to these exact ones online but they were from The Tollhouse Country Crafts stall if you happen to be passing! They had so many gorgeous products, they’re absolutely worth checking out.

This was my favourite stall! As you probably all know, I’m a beauty lover. I’m like Gollum when soaps and skincare are in sight. Iuvo Skincare had the most amazing range, all of which smelt incredible. It was like stopping by at a spa!

I picked up some of these great little reusable cotton pads! Gone are the days of buying those awful non-biodegradable multi-packs. If you haven’t made the change already, get on board! They came in lovely little bags which would also make lovely gifts paired with a cleanser or a bar of soap.

If you’re in need of a wreath, there are plenty to be found at the Oxford Christmas Market! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a blue-themed wreath, let alone one that has feathers in it!

I couldn’t not get a photo of these little guys. At the time, I was most amused by the way that their beards were flapping about in the wind! I’m all about the Scandinavian vibes at Christmas so gonks (yep that’s genuinely what they’re called) will always make an appearance in my house in December.

Are you going to a Christmas market or have you already been? What’s the best Christmas market that you’ve been to? Let me know in the comments!

N xxxx

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Tags BLOGMAS, Christmas, Christmas Market, December, Festive, Oxford, Photography, Photos, Shopping

2019 BLOGMAS

WHAT’S ON MY CHRISTMAS TREE IN 2019?

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date December 10, 2019
No Comments on WHAT’S ON MY CHRISTMAS TREE IN 2019?

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! Welcome to Blogmas Day 10! In recent years, my mum and I decided to embrace the weird and wonderful when it comes to Christmas tree decorations. We’ve ditched the traditional reds and greens and opted for something a little bolder and I love it! Today I’m going to be sharing what’s on my tree in 2019 with you. I’ve linked all of the items that I could plus I’ve provided some alternatives too!

I was originally inspired by a rainbow tree that had been styled by the Christmas geniuses at John Lewis. Essentially, it’s still your average green tree but the decorations move through a spectrum of colours from top to bottom, creating a beautiful rainbow! So we started collecting bright and colourful decorations to help bring our tree to life.

I can’t remember where this little guy was from but he’s absolutely adorable!

How flipping cute is this little guy? I love having a bright pop of yellow on our tree!

I think this little snowman is probably one of the more “traditional” decorations in our collection. He looks like those classic glass ones that you’d find at your grandparents! I love his little face and the tiny gingerbread man in his hands *awww*.

We bought this decoration because it reminded us of my brother who was a Leo! He actually had a little teddy bear (a lion) called Leo that he had in his bed with him every night. This bauble originally came from John Lewis but Paperchase have a really similar one. They always have an incredible range of quirky decorations available at Christmas.

My mum is responsible for sourcing this masterpiece! It’s just the right amount of bulky too, it fills any gap! I love the detailing of the snow and the windows. To be honest, I think this just fuels my addiction to buying miniature objects …

Of course, we have an ice cream truck on our Christmas tree … not weird at all. It’s so retro though, I love it!

The most festive little guy ever! I like that he resembles the classic Santa Claus that you see in books as a child – he’s so sweet!

How cool is this? I never knew we needed a hippo on our tree until we had one! I love that her little tutu sticks out and that she has some feathers coming from her hat!

If you read my post about my favourite Christmas decorations, you’ll know why I love this one so much! He’s adorable! I found him in Homesense earlier this year. They have SO many decorations at the moment, I might have to browse for some more to add to our collection!

This is another one of my favourite decorations. It looks good enough to eat!

I mean, look at it. You need it in your life, don’t lie to yourself.

You’ve got to have a candy cane in there somewhere – real or glass!

How gorgeous is this? He fits in nicely within our orange section! I didn’t even know sea life baubles were a thing?!

Another miniature that I’m totally obsessed with! This is what I think my gingerbread houses will look like, when in reality the walls are falling down and the windows are dribbling onto the table…

This funky (do people say that anymore?) decoration was originally from John Lewis but sadly it isn’t available this year, I’ve linked their telephone box bauble below as it’s equally as gorgeous!

Did you know you can get all the ingredients of a full english in bauble form for your tree? Neither did I.

What theme have you gone for this year? Do you prefer traditional decorations or do you like to mix it up with a bit of everything? Let me know in the comments!

N xxxx

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Tags Baubles, BLOGMAS, Christmas, Christmas Decorations, Christmas Tree, Decorations, Festive, Haul, Photography, Photos

2019 BLOGMAS LIFE

HOW TO MAKE A CHRISTMAS EVE BOX

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date December 9, 2019
No Comments on HOW TO MAKE A CHRISTMAS EVE BOX

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! Welcome to Blogmas Day 9! Today’s post is all about making the perfect Christmas Eve box for your friends and family!

At Christmas, my family doesn’t seem to have any real traditions (gasp), for a start we’ve never had a roast dinner on Christmas day (louder gasp) which always blows people’s minds. We don’t have a particular festive film that we like to watch every year or a game that we always play, we just sort of go with the flow! However, a few years ago we started doing Christmas Eve boxes! They’re so much fun to make, especially if like me, you enjoy giving people lots of little thoughtful gifts. It’s essentially an early Christmas stocking full of little goodies to keep you busy and cosy over the holidays!

*This post contains affiliate links

THE BOX

First of all, you want to find the perfect box. Ideally you want something that can hold a few goodies but also with a lid so that you can keep everything a surprise! If you want to make your own box, cover an old shoe box in festive wrapping paper and add a personalised message or gift tag to make it extra special. If you’d prefer to buy one that is ready-made and reusable, there’s so many options out there to choose from!

THE PRESENTS

Of course, a Christmas Eve Box isn’t complete without some goodies inside! Here are some of ideas of what you could include as well as links to my favourite bits that I’ve found online and in stores this year:

Cosy Socks, Slippers & Pyjamas – Definitely pop a pair of fluffy socks or slippers into your box, everyone wants to keep their toes toasty at this time of year! It’s also nice to give some cosy pyjamas to keep cosy on those cold Winter evenings!

Hot Chocolate & Tea– This is the perfect gift to give on Christmas Eve! Little else provides as much bliss as a hot beverage in front of a festive film on the night before Christmas. Keep it classic and traditional or mix it up with some quirky flavours!
- Whittard – Christmas Tea
- Twinings – Spiced Chai Tea

Face Masks & Bath Bombs – These are such great gifts for anyone that loves a pampering session at home. Sometimes it’s nice to slow down, particularly at Christmas, and put on a face mask or run a nice hot bath before the chaos begins! Also, if you didn’t know already, Christmas themed sheet masks exist…thank me later.

Candles – Christmas candles are another festive must-have for those that like to wind down and relax. I have a post including some of my favourite festive candles if you need some inspiration!

N xxx

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Tags BLOGMAS, Christmas, Christmas Eve, Christmas Eve Box, Festive, Gift Guide, Gifting, Holiday, Photography, Photos

2019 BLOGMAS LIFE

MY FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date December 8, 2019
2 Comments on MY FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! Welcome to Blogmas Day 8! As soon as the nights start getting darker and the echo of Wham’s Last Christmas can be heard in every department store, I simply cannot resist but to deck the halls. Today, I thought it would be fun to share my favourite Christmas decorations with you!

We’ve had these little sequin stars for years! I have no idea where they came from but they’re always on our tree every December.

I bought this little guy (and a few more of his pals) a couple of years ago from Primark! They’re actually selling him again this year as well as a little polar bear and a snowman design, both of which I need in my life ASAP.

I bought this gorgeous little snow globe back when my boyfriend and I went to Edinburgh a few years ago. He’s actually responsible for spotting it in a Flying Tiger store as he knew it would go with my gold room decor!

You know those decorations that have been in your house since you were a child but somehow nobody knows where they’re from or how they got there? That’s the best way to describe these stars! I’m pretty sure they’re handmade though. We have them in a few different colours and they all have little specks of gold on them which look gorgeous as they catch the light! Also when we do a multi-coloured tree, these come in very handy!

Sven (don’t judge me for naming him) was another festive find from Flying Tiger! I’d told my boyfriend that I was thinking of buying him one year but I was beaten to it! He was in my stocking all wrapped up as a Christmas present! It doesn’t feel like Christmas unless he’s sat on my windowsill. Also, can we talk about how cute he is – just look at his fluff and his tiny legs! I wish I’d bought the other sizes now…

I bought this little sunshine for my mum as an early Christmas present! I spotted him in Homesense and simply had to get him. He reminds me of my brother, as his favourite colour was yellow and people would often describe him as little ray of sunshine. He fits in perfectly with the other quirky glass decorations that we’ve collected over the years!

I bought this copper Christmas tree light from Primark years ago and it’s still going strong. I just like how simple it is and, of course as most of you will know, I’m a sucker for anything rose gold! I also love the exposed bulb-look. Primark Home is where it’s at people!

How flipping gorgeous is this Cotton Candy machine decoration? My mum bought it for our tree last year and it’s the perfect addition! Personally, I’m all for this new trend of weird and whacky decorations – what about you? Are you more of a traditional decorator or do you like mixing it up every now and again?

These two were another Primark purchase. You’ll find them perching on my bedside table every December without fail – they’re so cute! I’ve seen that they still sell them and they’re now available in other colours so I’m sure my little tea-light holder family will be expanding soon.

Where do you like to get your Christmas decorations from? Have you bought any new ones this year? Let me know in the comments!

N xxxx

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Tags BLOGMAS, Christmas, Christmas Decorations, Decorations, Haul, Homeware, Interior Decor, Photography, Photos, Primark, Shopping

2019 BLOGMAS LIFE

HOW TO HOST A HOT CHOCOLATE BAR PARTY

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date December 7, 2019
No Comments on HOW TO HOST A HOT CHOCOLATE BAR PARTY

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! Welcome to Blogmas Day 7! Today’s post is all about hosting a hot chocolate bar for your friends and family. It’s really easy to set up and everyone always enjoys themselves! Of course, you don’t have to make it all about hot chocolate, you can use coffee or milkshakes too – it’s really customisable! I’ve put together a list of everything that you’ll need to create the yummiest of beverages to warm you through this Christmas…

*This post contains affiliate links

MUGS

First things first, assuming you don’t want people cupping their hands and improvising, you’ll need to make sure you provide something for your guests to drink out of. It’s time to get your best sipping devices out folks! There are lots of different options when it comes to hot chocolate mugs.

Use a simple matching set or go all out and show off your festive collection (ASDA are amazing for these every year). It might be time to go and find that set you bought for “special occasions” that’s gathering dust in the cupboard. If you’re lacking in the mug department, don’t worry – charity shops are brilliant for these. Also, don’t freak out about not having a matching set – sometimes a more eclectic look is better! You can also put out helpful things like coasters, spoons and napkins so that your guests can help themselves. I’ve provided links to some bits that I’ve found below:

Reindeer Mug – Gingerbread Mug – Mrs Claus Mug – Santa Mug – Christmas Sloth Mug – Sprout Mug – Christmas Pudding Coasters – Christmas Noir Coasters – Holly Sprigs Napkins

TREATS & TOPPINGS

In my opinion, a successful hot chocolate bar is ALL about the toppings. Go crazy and fill lots of bowls and containers with sweet treats and goodies! I like to use a 3-section serving bowl so that I can fit in as much as possible. There’s all kinds of festive dinnerware in places like TK Maxx or in pound shops at this time of year so it’s worth having a browse if you want to go the extra mile! You can even make your own reusing old Mason Jars, just tie some ribbon or string around the lids and voila! If you want to go all out, you can label everything – just use some festive gift tags! If you don’t have the budget to buy all of these bits, ask your guests to bring the quirkiest ingredients or Christmas mugs that they can find. That way, it becomes more of a game and you won’t be out of pocket!

Here’s some of my favourites toppings and condiments to get you started:

Mini Marshmallows
Candy Canes (you can crush these so that they’re easier to sprinkle)
Honeycomb Pieces
Chocolate Chips
Sprinkles
Fudge Pieces
Squirty Cream
Grated Chocolate
Flavoured Syrups

I always have mini marshmallows because they are a must have when it comes to hot chocolate. They also really take me back to when I was a little girl and I would get hot chocolates at the weekend with my dad – saving the marshmallows until last! You can even get Christmas themed marshmallows now too! Provide some different shapes and sizes if you want to give your guests lots of options.

This year, I popped some gingerbread men in a little ceramic holder that I bought from a bargain store last year! I thought they would make great dippers for those that fancied a more festive flavour. Plus, they look adorable – look at their little faces! If you’re not a fan of those, you can provide some different snacks – I usually have some chocolate biscuits available for those with a sweet tooth! It’s also a fun idea to throw a biscuit decorating party if you want to do something a little more creative!

Grated Chocolate

Grated chocolate is the topping you never knew you needed! I got this little grater from Morrisons a couple of years ago and I flipping love it. Pop out some different flavours of chocolate so that your guests can pick and choose whatever they fancy! This year I included some segments of Terry’s Chocolate Orange and some mini Wispa bites to make sure I covered all bases. If you want some extra DIY fun, provide your guests with a potato peeler so that they can make their own chocolate curls!

Squirty Cream

There’s nothing quite like creating a masterpiece and piling whipped cream up on-top of your chocolatey beverage! It just feels wrong to not have this stuff at a hot chocolate party. I’m pretty sure there’s now all kinds of quirky flavours out there just waiting to be tried – including chocolate and brandy!

DISPLAY

Now it’s time to figure out how you want to display everything. This is the most exciting part for me as it means I can get creative and embrace my inner elf! If I only have a few people coming over, I’ll use wooden boards to put everything on as they don’t take up a lot of space but they can still display all of the goodies! If you want to make your display look extra special, sprinkle some marshmallows and chocolates around the board to fill in the gaps! You can also use Christmas decorations like pine cones, baubles and garlands to make it look festive!

Sometimes I use a little trolley or a cart to display my hot chocolate bar! It means I can load it with goodies and it only takes a little bit of room. Plus, if you don’t have much space available, you can station it anywhere in your house without having to create a lot of room in your kitchen or living room! You can also decorate it with fairy lights or Christmas decorations if you want to keep it cosy.

Raskog Trolley – Ikea

I hope this post has inspired you to get creative this Christmas! I’m not a big drinker and I don’t really enjoy going on big nights out so I usually prefer to stay in. That doesn’t mean it has to be boring though! Hosting a hot chocolate bar is my favourite type of cosy get together, especially during the colder months. They’re fun, festive and easy to set up – plus everyone always has a good time! You can do the same with pizza, cookies, coffee, cocktails or even combine it with a sleepover for the ultimate evening in!

N xxxx

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Tags BLOGMAS, Chocolate, Christmas, Cosy, December, DIY, Festive, Hosting, Hot Chocolate, Party, Photography, Photos

2019 BLOGMAS

MY FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS PHOTO PROPS

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date December 5, 2019
20 Comments on MY FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS PHOTO PROPS

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! Welcome to Blogmas Day 5! As a blogger, I regularly find myself searching high and low for bits and bobs to help me create the perfect photos all year round, but especially at Christmas! I thought I would share my favourite props to help you capture and create the most festive of photos!

PINE CONES

These are an absolute staple for festive photos! I actually bought a huge bag of these last year from the charity shop that I volunteer in. However, I stumbled across these snow-covered ones this year and I love them! They also have flexible wire attached to them, making them really easy to attach to wreaths and garlands! You can get your hands on packs of pine cones from craft stores and some bargain shops.

CANDY CANES

If you can resist eating them, keep some aside and use them as props! Candy canes are perfect for adding a vibrant pop of colour to your photos. You can probably get all kinds of colour combos so have a browse at your local supermarket and see what’s available. Keep an eye out for chocolate coins too – they also look great in any festive photos!

DRIED ORANGE SLICES & CINNAMON STICKS

Dried oranges are great for adding some festive details to your photos. If you make them yourself, they’re bound to smell incredible too! Of course, you can always purchase them online or in craft stores too. Cinnamon sticks are another great way of adding something extra to your photos. They look so rustic – plus they smell absolutely incredible! Check out the bits I’ve found below:

– Dried Orange Slices, 30g, Hobby Craft, £3

– Cinnamon Sticks, 70g, Hobby Craft, £3.50

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS

I feel like this one goes without saying! You can find all kinds of quirky Christmas decorations these days. You name it, it’s probably out there! I like to use a mixture of tree decorations and homeware in my photos. Go through your bits at home and see what you could use; things that you can lay flat tend to look best (baubles, garlands, tinsel etc.). If you can’t find anything, don’t worry – charity shops are full of decorations at this time of year, why not pay less and still give to a great cause? I also find a lot of stuff in the Boxing Day/New Year sales as everything Christmassy is massively reduced.

BAUBLES

The great thing about baubles is that they come in every colour or style that you can imagine. Try to get a real variety! I find that the sparkly ones are the best when it comes to shooting Christmas content. You don’t have to spend a fortune on them either, you can use your stash at home or you can grab some cheap sets from bargain shops for a couple of pounds. I found mine in Primark last year, they came in packs of 20 for roughly £2 which was such a great deal. They had every colour under the sun so I think I’m covered for every colour scheme possible now! I’ve also found some amazing baubles in charity shops – they often have really quirky ones or brand new sets that people have donated.

CHRISTMAS MUGS

Who would’ve thought that mugs could make great props? You can just use them in the background of your photos or you can go all out and fill them with hot chocolate, marshmallows and all the trimmings for a scrumptious shot! I bought these two from Homesense – the home of all things festive at this time of year!

BELLS

Bells are not only able to take your present wrapping to the next level, they can also jazz up your photos! I like attaching these to garlands or placing them next to some baubles to add some extra sparkle. You can find them in most craft shops, I’ve linked some options below:

– Silver Jingle Bells, 30 Pack, Hobby Craft, £2.20

SCARVES

Scarves don’t just have to be around your neck this Winter! They make for the most festive of backgrounds, particularly if they’re tartan! I like laying products on them or wrapping them around the borders of a shot to fill the gaps. Throws are also great for this and at this time of year you can get some really festive ones!

N xxxx

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Tags Blogging, BLOGMAS, Christmas, December, Festive, Flatlay, Photography, Photos, Props, Tips

2019 BEAUTY BLOGMAS MAKEUP

TOO FACED GINGERBREAD EXTRA SPICY PALETTE – REVIEW & SWATCHES

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date December 4, 2019
29 Comments on TOO FACED GINGERBREAD EXTRA SPICY PALETTE – REVIEW & SWATCHES

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! Welcome to Blogmas Day 4! Today, I have another palette review for you and this one is particularly festive. I was lucky enough to receive the Too Faced Gingerbread Extra Spicy Palette for my birthday (thanks dad), so I’ve been putting it to the test over the last few weeks. I’m so excited to finally share my thoughts with you!

*This post contains affiliate links

The Too Faced Gingerbread Extra Spicy Palette launched earlier this year as part of their 2019 holiday collection. If you didn’t already know, it’s actually a follow up to their incredibly popular Gingerbread Spice Eyeshadow palette, that was released last year. They had a lot to live up to!

PACKAGING & PRICE

There’s no doubt that this palette is a stunner. Too Faced are known for their cute and themed packaging, it’s something they always do well! The palette is housed inside a tin, which features the cutest little gingerbread couple on the lid. Inside, the palette has a generously sized mirror which has a decorative border featuring the same little characters. If this packaging doesn’t make you feel all festive inside, I don’t know what will. How much is it? The Too Faced Gingerbread Extra Spicy Palette retails at £39, which is the standard price for most of their eyeshadow palettes. Where can you buy it? You can get hold of the palette from Too Faced’s website itself, or through other retailers such as Look Fantastic, Selfridges, ASOS, Debenhams and John Lewis.

WHAT’S INSIDE?

Inside, there are 18 eyeshadows, including a variety of mattes and shimmers. Sticking with the holiday theme, each shade has it’s own festive name inspired by Christmas sweets and treats. Not to mention, the palette has a sweet, lightly spiced scent, which is dreamy. It features a great selection of rich and warm-toned shades that can create looks for every occasion. It’s the perfect palette to create some spicy daytime looks as well as some smouldering smokey eyes.

Swatches of the first row: Vanilla Waffles – Drizzle it

1ST ROW SWATCHES

Vanilla Waffles – Cream/light beige with a matte finish – This shade is buttery soft to the touch and it blends like a dream. It’s pretty much the perfect base for me! It’s also great to use if you go slightly overboard with a darker shade, as it lightens and brightens in seconds.

Cookie Cutter – Light-medium peach with flecks of pink/gold glitter and a frosted finish – This shade is so gorgeous. It reminds me of the shade “Bang Bang” in Urban Decay’s Naked Cherry palette, which is one of my favourites! Its the tiniest bit chunky so I tend to apply it wet and in small amounts so that I can get it to look smooth on my lids.

Soft and Sweet – Medium pink/coral with a matte finish – In terms of texture, this shade is slightly powdery. Once blended, it can sheer out a little so I’d recommend building it up over a primer.

For The Graham – Light brown with warm undertones and a matte finish – This is an every day shade for me, I love using it as a transition into something darker for Autumn and Winter looks. It’s a basic shade but it’s a staple. Like Soft and Sweet, it’s slightly powdery but it’s easy to work with over a primer.

In a Pinch – Bright orange with warm undertones and a matte finish – I love this shade. It’s pigmented and easy to apply and blend with or without the use of a primer. It a perfect matte shade for those that love creating simple warm-toned looks.

Drizzle It – Reddish rose gold/copper with warm undertones and a metallic finish – The pigmentation of this shade is so intense! It’s definitely one of my favourite shades in the palette. I love how festive it looks on my eyes, it works beautifully alongside Vanilla Waffles and Soft and Sweet.

Swatches of the second row: Lick the Spoon – Cookie Call

2ND ROW SWATCHES

Lick the Spoon – Medium peach with silver reflects and a frosted finish – The pigmentation of this shade is gorgeous! It’s not as buttery as I’d hoped it would be so it does feel slightly dry. However, if you use a wet brush and a patting motion, the pigment should pack onto the lid nicely.

Spicy Mami – Deep copper with orange and gold flecks and a satin finish – This shade confuses me a little bit. It looks as if it’s going to be a one-swipe metallic wonder however it actually takes a little bit of work. I always apply it on top of a primer using a wet brush to get the most out of it. It’s not as glittery as it looks, it actually has more of a satin finish to it.

Extra Spicy – Deep orange with warm red undertones and a matte finish – I was actually really impressed with the pigmentation of this shade. It was a tiny bit powdery in the pan but it still applies and blends really easily.

Half Baked – Dark copper with warm undertones and a metallic finish – I find myself reaching for this shade all the time. It’s just so pigmented and pretty! It works beautifully with Soft and Sweet or Butterscotch. It’s also really smooth and easy to work with – I love it!

Butterscotch -Bright, light orange with yellow undertones and a matte finish – This is my favourite matte in the whole palette. I love using this on its own to give a more subtle hint of warmth to my makeup looks. It’s nicely pigmented and easy to blend out too.

Cookie Call – Deep reddish brown with purple undertones – This shade didn’t swatch particularly well and I think that’s because it requires some building. Once I’ve got it to a level of intensity that I’m happy with, it looks fine! I have to admit, it’s not the most festive of colours but it does work well with a few of the other shades in the palette.

3RD ROW SWATCHES

Plenty of Dough – Medium peach with warm undertones and a matte finish – Another slightly drier matte, but when used wet or over a primer it’s good to go.

Candy Queen – Light copper/gold with a metallic finish – This shade is so pretty! It’s probably the shade that I reach for the most actually, even on the days where I’m aiming for a more “natural” look, I can’t resist! Also, just skip straight to using this with a damp brush – thank me later.

Gingerbread Glam – Reddish-brown with warm undertones and a matte finish – This honestly blends like a dream, it’s another go-to matte shade for me.

Hot Tamale – Berry red with warm undertones and a matte finish – Such a pretty shade! I can’t create a pink makeup look without it. It’s very pigmented so be patient with it when it comes to blending.

Cinna-moan – Dark copper with warm/red undertones and a matte finish – Once blended, this shade has a habit of sheering out a little too much. However, it’s easy to build up with a couple of layers of application.

Midnight Snack – Dark black base with flecks of blue/turquoise glitter and a sparkly finish – I wasn’t too keen on this shade at first as it just didn’t seem particularly festive or cheery. That being said, it’s actually a great shade to create some smoky looks – perfect for a Christmas party! It works really well with Hot Tamale.

WHAT DO I THINK?

Overall, I really love this palette. The colour scheme is gorgeous and it compliments the original palette beautifully. It’s definitely going to be a popular palette for the holiday season, I reckon it will sell out pretty fast. If you’re into creating warm-toned looks, using pinks, oranges and coppers. For those that want something more icy and cool-toned, this probably won’t be the one for you. In terms of formula, some of the mattes and a couple of the metallics needed some building but there was nothing that a wet brush and a primer couldn’t fix. I also noticed that a few shades were drier in texture so, again, using a wet brush can help with this! The packaging is absolutely gorgeous. It’s so festive and colourful!

*Get the Too Faced Gingerbread Extra Spicy Palette here

Let me know what you think of this palette in the comments! Don’t forget to follow my socials – come and say hey!

N xxxx

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Tags BLOGMAS, Christmas, Cosmetics, December, eyeshadow, Gift, Gingerbread, Makeup, palette, Photography, Photos, Review, Too Faced

2019 BEAUTY BLOGMAS MAKEUP

URBAN DECAY- NAKED HONEY PALETTE – REVIEW & SWATCHES

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date December 3, 2019
20 Comments on URBAN DECAY- NAKED HONEY PALETTE – REVIEW & SWATCHES

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! Welcome to Blogmas Day 3! Over the years, Urban Decay have launched many a palette. In more recent years, we were treated to the Naked Heat (2017) and the Naked Cherry (2018), both of which practically caused the beauty community to lose their minds with excitement and hysteria. This summer, they released The Naked Honey Palette, the latest and permanent addition to the series! I near enough collapsed when I saw how beautiful that this palette was. I’ve had it in my makeup collection since September but I wanted to save my review for Blogmas as I feel like it would make the perfect Christmas gift!

*This post contains affiliate links

PACKAGING & PRICE

With a glossy plastic exterior, the packaging is the same as the other palettes in the Naked range. It’s not made from flimsy or cheap plastic either, it feels study, heavy and luxurious! The design is stunning, with what seems like a pool of honey on the front, behind gorgeous gold font. It’s simple, yet effective. How much is it? The Naked Honey Palette retails at £42. Which is their most expensive palette , given that it contains less product per pan than most of Urban Decay’s palettes, I’m expecting great things…Where can you buy it? You can get hold of the palette from Urban Decay’s website itself, or through various other retailers such as John Lewis, Look Fantastic and Feel Unique.

WHAT’S INSIDE?

Inside the palette, there are 12 eyeshadows: including mattes, shimmers and metallics, as well as a generously sized mirror! Sticking with the honey theme, each shade has it’s own name – my favourite being “Golden”! In terms of the colour scheme, the palette features a variety of neutral shades, including “classic golds, warm ambers and rich chocolate browns”. It’s the perfect palette to create some natural glam as well as bold, statement looks.

First six shades swatched (Flyby – Golden)

SWATCHES

Flyby – Pale beige with satin finish – This formula is absolute goals. It’s literally the perfect base shade for me; it’s slightly shimmery but still has great coverage.

Sweet – Peachy matte – This is another great versatile neutral shade. I can see myself using this to transition into darker shades a lot. It doesn’t have the sheen as “Flyby” but the formula is still beautifully soft.

Swarm – Light orange with yellow undertones and matte finish– This is the kind of shade that I wear on a daily basis. They can be used to create simple and natural looks as well as warm-toned glam. It’s very pigmented and really easy to blend too.

Amber – Rich amber/copper with metallic finish- This is one of those magical shades that can take a look from daytime to night-time in seconds. It adds such a gorgeous sparkle to my makeup. Amber is super pigmented yet it’s a total dream to blend. It doesn’t fade quickly either!

Keeper – Light-medium brown with orange undertones and matte finishh – This is another daily must-have shade for me. I love creating natural warm-toned looks so I know I’ll get plenty of use use out of Keeper. It has the same fluffy and smooth texture as Sweet and Swarm.

Golden – Bright, warm gold with metallic finish– Good grief. This is by far, my favourite shade in this palette. If I could bathe in it, I actually would. I’ve never known pigmentation quite like it and it has the most beautiful, sparkling finish to it. It barely takes a swipe for your lids to be glistening! There’s the tiniest bit of fallout but quite frankly, I couldn’t care less. It’s my new go-to!

Last six shades swatched (Honey – Sting)

SWATCHES

Honey – Bright gold with yellow undertones and metallic finish – This shade isn’t as outrageous as Golden, but it’s still gorgeous. It has a slightly firmer texture to it, however it does still apply smoothly and there is very little fallout. It’s perfect for anyone that prefers to use a cooler-toned gold on their eyes.

Queen – Medium brown with gold and bronze reflects – I like that this shade isn’t just a brown (it’s an M&S brown…such a dad joke I’m sorry) it has some olive undertones and some flecks of gold in it that make it more interesting. As you can see the pigmentation is fabulous!

Hive – Medium warm brown with warm undertones and matte finish – Another daily shade for me. I use shades like this all the time in my crease and along my lower lashline. The formula is really soft and easy to blend.

Drip – Medium brown with red undertones and matte finish – This shade looks so good when blended with some lighter shades like Hive or Swarm. I can imagine this will be a really popular shade for creating looks with this Autumn.

Hbic – Medium copper with warm undertones and a metallic finish – I just feel good when I’m wearing this shade. It’s not as intense as “Golden” but it still packs a lot of punch and it looks a lot brighter when applied with a wet brush.

Sting – Dark brown with warm, purple undertones – This matte was the tiniest bit patchy but then again, that could be down to my poor swatching skills. It adds some dark drama to my eye looks, which is perfect for nights out. I like that it’s easy to blend as I don’t suit the panda look.

WHAT DO I THINK?

This has got to be my favourite palette from Urban Decay so far. Yes it’s pricey but in my opinion, it’s worth it for the quality of the shades inside. I love the colour scheme, it’s a great palette if you’re needing some warm-toned shades in your collection. It’s going to be so popular during Autumn, I can’t wait to see what people create with this palette! There’s a great variety of shades too, I like that I can play it safe or go all out with them. In terms of formula, they’ve nailed it. I was quite literally gobsmacked when I swatched “Golden”, it took me a few minutes to recover. I’ve received so many compliments when I wear that shade – I feel good wearing this palette! The packaging looks so luxurious, it definitely stands out in my collection. I absolutely recommend trying this palette!

Get the Urban Decay Naked Honey Palette here

Let me know what you think of this palette in the comments! Don’t forget to follow my socials – come and say hey!

N xxxx

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Tags BEAUTY, blogger, eyeshadow, Makeup, Naked Honey, Photography, Photos, Review, urban decay

2019 BLOGMAS LIFE

MY FAVOURITE FESTIVE CANDLES

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date December 2, 2019
25 Comments on MY FAVOURITE FESTIVE CANDLES

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! Welcome to Blogmas Day 2! Today’s post is all about my favourite festive candles. I look for any excuse to buy candles all year round but when they start getting christmassy and seasonal – I cannot resist. It’s the perfect time of year to get cosy and have the house smelling like Santa’s grotto – what better way to do it than with candles? I thought I would share some of my latest finds with you from Homesense!

*This post contains affiliate links

DW Home – Peppermint Bark

I discovered this candle this year and I am so glad that I did! I’ve actually bought back ups because I don’t want to run out (call me crazy but I am NOT risking it). The scent takes me back to my childhood! When I was younger, I used to go to the park with my dad and get an ice cream and I would always choose mint-choc-chip! It’s such a yummy smell and is perfect for making the house smell fresh and sweet!

Yankee Candle – Cinnamon Stick

It just doesn’t feel right to celebrate Christmas without some cinnamon scented candles! This is one of my absolutely favourites from Yankee Candle. It smells absolutely flipping amazing. It features Cinnamon (obviously), Clove, Cardamom and Cedar-wood. It literally smells like Christmas in a jar and it always makes me feel so festive!

DW Home – Christmas Morning

The DW Home Christmas Morning candle has been a festive must-have of mine for a couple of years now! I always have one of these prepared for Christmas as it’s possibly my favourite scent ever… It smells of sweet roasted coffee with hints of vanilla. It’s basically like walking into a cosy coffee shop!

Vila Hermanos – Christmas Spice

My best friend actually gave me this for my birthday, she knows me too well! It smells like a combination of the typical Christmas spice ingredients (cinnamon, ginger etc.) and something smokey. I can’t quite put my finger on it but it smells SO GOOD. It’s the perfect candle to light on a cosy movie night in!

DW Home – Sweet Peppermint

I couldn’t find the exact one, so the link above is for something really similar by DW Home! For some reason, I have a bit of a thing for all things peppermint at this time of year. I think it’s because they remind me of candy canes and all the festive sweet treats that emerge during the holidays. Also, the packaging is adorable! I will definitely be keeping the jar once I’ve finished with the candle!

DW Home – Gingerbread Cookie

This literally smells like I’ve been transported to a gingerbread village. It smells like Christmas baking and warm cookies! I’m actually giving this one as a gift this year so I will definitely have to get my hands on one for myself now that I’ve fallen in love with it! Annoyingly, I can’t find it online but so many places are selling gingerbread candles at this time of year so have a good old browse and see what you can find.

I hope you enjoyed my festive candle favourites! If you have any recommendations of favourites of your own, I would love to hear all about them in the comments. I’ve put links to all of my social media down below and I’d love it if you would come and say hi!

N xxxx

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Tags 2019, BLOGMAS, Candles, Christmas, December, DW Home, Favourites, Festive, Haul, Photography, Photos, Yankee Candle

BEAUTY GLOSSYBOX

GLOSSYBOX NOVEMBER 2019: WINTER WARMERS – REVIEW

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date November 15, 2019
2 Comments on GLOSSYBOX NOVEMBER 2019: WINTER WARMERS – REVIEW

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! I hope you’re all having a great month so far! It’s already been a busy one for me. I’ve already celebrated my own birthday as well as three others and we’re only three weeks in! Since I received last months Glossybox, I’ve been so excited for November’s edit. I cannot wait to show you everything! Before I begin, I’ve included some information about what Glossybox actually is, how much it costs and all that jazz below! If you already know all of this, feel free to carry on scrolling.

*This post contains affiliate links

About Glossybox:

Glossybox is a UK beauty subscription service that sends beautifully wrapped boxes containing 5 surprise beauty products. Every box will feature brand new products as well as some cult favourites. Glossybox is fantastic for being able to discover and find out more about new brand and products. There are also lots of benefits from being a member of the Glossyboz community. For example, by participating in suverys and referring friends, subscribers can earn GLOSSYCREDITS to spend on beauty treats. The Glossybox monthly subscription plans start from £10 and there are 3, 6 and 12 month options to choose from. You can create and edit your beauty profile to ensure that you receive products that are best suited to your skin/hair type and perosnal preferences. The boxes are beautifully packagaed, it’s genuinely like receieving a present in the post.

This month’s edit is all about getting snuggled up and celebrating the beginning of “cosy nights in” season – my favourite! This box is full of goodies to keep us feeling warm and wonderful throughout November. At this time of year, I tend to have lots more bubble baths and pamper nights so this box couldn’t have had a better theme!

Mudmasky – Leave-Me-On Winter Mask – RRP £43.50

This is not a drill. I repeat, this is not a drill. This is a full sized product worth £43.50. “Blown away” doesn’t even cover it. I really did not expect a product of this value to be included in an £11.75 beauty subscription box! Thank you, GlossyBox! I always feel like my skin needs a real boost during the colder seasons and thanks to MudMasky Winter Mask that’s exactly what it got. According to Glossybox, this stuff creates an invisible shield on the surface of your complexion to keep it protected from the cold. It also helps to nourish and hydrate your skin – yes please! I like to use this before I go outside to keep my skin feeling healthy and moisturised despite what the weather is throwing at it.

Rituals – The Ritual of Ayurveda Soothing Hand Balm – RRP £9

I flipping love this luxurious little hand balm from Rituals. The word “Balm” immediately had me intrigued about the texture of the product. It doesn’t leave my hands feeling sticky or wet but it does leave a my hands feeling silky (a balm-like texture funnily enough) which I don’t mind at all. It’s at this time of year that I start doing everything I can to prevent dry and cracked hands. This product couldn’t have come into my life at a better time – it’s a must for this season! My hands have never felt so soft and smooth! Featuring, Indian rose and sweet almond oil, it smells absolutely incredible. I am very tempted to stock up on a few more tubes of this magical stuff!

Cetaphil – Gentle Skin Cleanser – RRP £1.10 (Deluxe mini 29ml) / £8.99 (Full-size)

I’ve seen a lot about this brand and their skincare so I was actually really keen to put the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser to the test! It’s a real multitasker as it removes makeup, dirt and impurities without stripping your skin of the oils and the pH levels that it needs! In terms of scent, there’s quite literally nothing there. In terms of results, I have definitely noticed a difference. This cleanser has managed to banish a few blemishes as well as keep my skin looking fresh and hydrated! It’s not drying whatsoever and that’s exactly what I want during Winter.

Kandi Cosmetics – Glow Up Primer and Setting Spray – RRP £20

Well hello there setting spray of dreams. I’ve been wanting to try one of these sprays for such a long time! I’m sure you can imagine my squeal of delight as I spotted the Kandi Cosmettics Glow Up Spray inside this box. This is another multitasker! First of all, it can be used as a primer for a natural and glowing base. It can also be used as a setting spray to provide an extra layer of glam! Who would have thought that it could even be used as a body spray to give you a gorgeous subtle shimmer? I love how this product can be used in different ways, I think it will be a big hit with a lot of subscribers! I don’t leave the house without a spritz of this stuff – it makes such a difference!

Hask Exotics – Argan Hair Oil – RRP £2.49

I’ve only just started appreciating the power of Argan oil. It works wonders for my hair so I was extremely excited to receive a sample of the Hask Exotics Argan Hair Oil! I use a lot of heated styling tools so I’m always looking for products containing Argan oil to keep it looking healthy and hydrated. I’ve been applying the product to my hair whilst it was damp and left it to work its magic. My hair already looks in better condition! I love that it doesn’t leave an oily residue too – I really hate that feeling! I will absolutely be purchasing some more of this stuff!

Offblak – Fruit Tea – RRP £0.84 (Extra Treats) / £9.98 (Full-size)

I just LOVE that Glossybox send us lovely extra treats in our boxes. I already have a lot of love for Offblak and their adorable packaging. Their quirky flavours are also amazing so I cannot wait to try Brighten Up and You’re Golden. They couldn’t have picked better flavours for getting warm and cosy during Winter!

Overall, I’m so happy with the November box! First of all, we received four full-size beauty products as well as two extra little treats. Most noteworthy, one product was worth a whopping £43.50! The total value of the products together, is £77.83 – wow! Not only were there a real variety of bits included but they all work really well with the season! As usual, I’m very impressed with Glossybox! Are you subscribed to Glossybox or any other beauty boxes? Let me know in the comments!

N xxxx

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Tags Autumn, BEAUTY, Beauty Subscription, Christmas, Glossybox, Makeup, November, Photography, Photos, Skincare, Winter