Today is Easter Sunday and typically it's a day for families to spend it together. All of the shops are shut so it's a very peaceful day!
In the modern era one of the main aspects of Easter is now Easter eggs! Yummy, hollow, chocolate eggs that are usually accompanied by a chocolate bar/bag of whichever variety. The chocolate tastes so much better than block chocolate (imo) and as a household it seems we have Easter eggs lying about for forever after Easter.
One of the things we've always done since I was a child was an Easter egg hunt. We'll be doing ours tomorrow on Easter Monday as a lot of my family are going to my grandparents house - I can't wait, it should be so fun, especially considering my mum is making the clues so we might be trying to find them all day!
Another thing we always do is have a big roast with all of the trimmings - I'll take any excuse to have a roast dinner.
It's always nice to go for a walk in the evening to chill and unwind and I find the whole holiday such a lovely, relaxing time.
Finally, every day we play and look after and love our rabbits. Theo(left) and Elmo(right) have been such bundles of joys in our lives these past nearly 4 years. They are perfect in every way and I'm so happy we get to spend Easter and the rest of their lives with them and nourishing them. And if I could, I'd take them on our Easter egg hunt! I imagine they'd be the winners!

Happy Easter! Enjoy whatever it is you'll be doing.

I hope you enjoyed reading, 

Holly x

Dior Forever Foundation

My sister bought the Dior Forever Skin Foundation for me for christmas, but the shade was too dark for me. It has taken me three months to go into town and sort it, but now I have a shade that is absolutely perfect for my skin.

I was so pleasantly surprised by this foundation. I thought that with it being a matte foundation it might be slightly heavy and sink in around my nose and on my smile lines, however it does none of that. It blends seamlessly on the skin and gives a matte finish that almost has a slight sheen to it - nothing too much though. I would consider the coverage to be high, especially when built up, but I think it might sit around the medium-high category in comparison to others.
The longevity is amazing and I've worn it on numerous long days and it still looks just as good as I applied it. It does wear off slightly around my nose, but every foundation I use does that so I can't complain! Another bonus is it has spf 35 which is so good.

I have shade 11 and it's a perfect match. The lady who matched me was so lovely and the combination of great service from Dior and how fab the product is will certainly mean I make future purchases. Also, the packaging is beautiful! This has soon become the foundation I'm reaching for most regularly and I'm so intrigued to see what the other foundations that Dior offers are like.

Have you tried any Dior foundations?

I hope you enjoyed reading,

Holly x

Becca Blushed With Light Palette

Becca stands out to me as a brand primarily because of the Jaclyn Hill highlighter, however I've been curious to try their other offerings. They brought out a blush palette - the Blushed With Light Palette

It has three very different shades in it in regards to colour and at the moment my favourite is the far left - Wisteria - as it's very a very subtle pinky/nude and looks good with any look. Songbird almost doubles up as a blusher and bronzer as it has that warmth to it and Snapdragon is a very vibrant strong dark pink with gold flecks running though.
They are all finally milled and apply beautifully. Some blushers can sometimes look too powdery and as if they just sit on the skin however these blend really nice into what ever is already on the face.

I'm super impressed with these and definitely will purchase more. They have definitely lived up to my expectations!

Have you tried any Becca Blushers?

I hope you enjoyed reading, 

Holly x

Favourite hair care!

I am a massive hair fanatic and even though I don't style my hair in that many styles I really enjoy looking after it. My hair care collection has grown to be quite extensive over the last few months and there are some things that are real staples in my collection and routine (apart from shampoo and conditioner)

Every time before I wash my hair I deep condition it. There's something very relaxing about lathering my hair with something that feels really luxurious and letting it do its magic before I hop in a shower. I really enjoy the one that Mark Hill does, as well as the Lee Stafford Fix it treatment and the Aussie three minute miracle range (they smell so good! I've noticed my hair looks a lot healthier since I've been using deep conditioner and it is probably my favourite step out of them all.

Once I've towel dried my hair I always put some sort of oil on the ends and through the lengths. My hair can sometimes be quite dry so I find this step adds in shine as well as moisture. I have a few on the go, because I can never be consistent with each product, and so some of my favourites are the Mark Hill (can you tell I like the brand?) XL volume serum, the OGX weightless revising oil treatment and the John Frieda repairing oil elixir. Also none of the ones I own make my hair feel heavy or greasy as some oils do!

Another product that has made its way into my daily routine is a shine spray. Pictured is a 'gloss' spray by Charles Worthington, but there are some great ones out there and I must have about 5 in my collection, no where near as many as the amount of masks and oils I own however! L'Oréal do a wonderful mist - the miracle shine booster and Mark Hill (again!) have a 'taming humidity spray' which doubles up as a shine spray and a protection spray against the sun! Bonus. A spray is always something I use before heading out the door  and I find it makes my hair look really nourished and healthy.

The last product is dry shampoo. Everyone and their mother is on board this wagon, however I've never seen the appeal. My hair is usually pretty good and doesn't get greasy very often and I wash it every other day so I never thought I needed it. However I thought I'd try it and I'm pretty impressed. I have an Aussie one - the festival fresh bottle and it's great for adding a bit of volume and texture however I've gone over board a couple of times and it's left my hair feeling quite wet.

My hair seems to be in much better condition now and it feels healthier as well. I'm so happy with it and all of the products in my rapidly growing collection.

What products are your favourites in your routine?

I hope you enjoyed reading,

Holly 

Laura Mercier Candleglow Foundation.

Recently I had a sample for the Laura Mercier Candleglow foundation and purchased the full size because of how good my first impressions were.
It's has quite a moose like consistency and feels very creamy when it's being applied. It has a fairly decent coverage and is definitely buildable, but doesn't leave the skin feeling heavy or tacky at all. It's incredibly dewy also which I love! The shade I have is such a good match for me and they have a huge variety of shades to suit everyone.

The packaging is so sleek and for the few times that I've used it I'm super impressed.

Have you used any Laura Mercier foundations before? I hope you enjoyed reading, 

Holly x

Violet Voss Holy Grail

The other day the Violet Voss Holy Grail Palette came back into stock on Beauty Bay and I snapped it up within minutes. My sister and I decided to half the cost and share the palette because I have a fair few palettes.

I've heard all the hype around this palette so was excited to try it out for myself when it arrived and I am so impressed. I haven't used all of the shades yet, however 'toffee' and 'poof' are already firm favourites. The pigmentation of the shades is so good, comparable to MAC and urban decay and they are so easy to blend. I found the foiled eyeshadow took a little more work than the ordinary ones, but aside from that they blend really easily and have a buttery consistency.

The shade range is fab and the paler shades are so perfect for brow bone/inner corner highlight. My sister has claimed the bottom right hand two shades because I won't wear those deep red shades as I don't think they suit me, but the rest I will definitely wear and I am excited to uncover lots of combinations.

This palette is seriously beautiful and I am so glad I got my hands on it. Im looking forward to creating lots of looks and will definitely purchase from Violet Voss again!

Have you tried anything from them?

I hope you enjoyed reading, 

Holly x

3 new eye products!

Over the past month or so I've been using a combination of products on my eyes that have helped me look more awake. I picked up a new mascara by L'Oréal - False lash flutter in midnight black and it is so good! It coats every single lash and creates such length to my eyelashes. It creates such volume to my lashes, but doesn't clump.
On my water line I've been using a white L'Oréal eyeliner which I've found to really open my eyes and brighten them. The longevity isn't the best as it slightly fades throughout the day however even at the end of the day I look more awake than I would had I not put it on. Finally in my inter corners I've been using Makeup Geek Shimma Shimma. It is the most beautiful inner corner highlight and does such a good job of brightening my eyes. It's so pigmented and long lasting.

I've found that these products have instantly made me look more awake and brightened my entire eye area, especially when I know I look tired.

I hope you enjoyed reading,

Holly x

Paco Rabanne Olympea

I'm pretty picky with my perfumes and have a set few that I know I love, so it's always fab when I find a new one that I like. Last year I discovered Paco Rabanne Olympea and it is dreamy!

It is a fresh scent with notes of vanilla running though it. It isn't a heavy scent, but nor is it one that wears off after an hour. So many people have asked me what perfume I'm wearing when I wear this so it's definitely one that it has staying power! It is quite an alluring fragrance and smells beautiful all throughout the day.

I douse myself with this, especially when I'm at work, but a little definitely does along way! I have the 80ml bottle and can see it lasting a long time.

I love Olympea and it's up there in my top three!

Have you tried it? I hope you enjoyed reading, 

Holly x

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette

Before Christmas I treated myself to the Hourglass Ambient lighting edit in Surreal Light and words can't describe how stunning it is. The packaging for starters is incredible. It has a white marble finish and feels very luxurious when you hold the palette. It's not too big that it would be unsuitable for travelling and it's not too small that there's barely any product. It has a lovely mirror too which is always a bonus.

There are five shades in the palette. The larger pan on the left is their finishing powder, there are two blushers on the top, a bronzer on the bottom left of the four and a highlighting/strobing powder far right. They are all insanely beautiful with amazing pigment. The blush colours are seriously incredible, pinky/peachy colours are my favourite and they have a lovely glow infused through. The bronzer is such a good colour as it's quite natural on me and makes me look healthy. The setting powder is as good as everyone says it is and the strobing powder is so wonderfully glow-y without being glittery!

I don't have anything bad to say about this - Hourglass have definitely done amazing again! I now just want every full size powder product that they do!

Have you tried anything from Hourglass?

I hope you enjoyed reading, 

Holly x

Thoughts on the new year.

Following on from my last post I thought I'd share my thoughts on the year ahead and what I would like to achieve during it.

I want to travel around. I said this last year, but with being busy with either college or work 7 days a week every week it was very hard to find the time to have a day off let alone go to another country and buy the time summer came around we hadn't booked anything. So this year I'm determined to go away and explore. I really want to go to Liverpool and it's something I've planned for March and I'm really looking forward to it. In terms of foreign destinations, Paris and Rome are at the top of my list - they're both so incredibly beautiful and there's so much to do/see.

This year is my final year of compulsory education and I'm currently applying to university. It is definitely something I want to do, however I'm not entirely sure whether it's something I want to do this year. I'm very conflicted about what to do after I finish my A-levels in June, but I'm excited to see where the rest of the year will lead.

I want to read more. I used to love reading and find it such a good way to relax. There are so many good books around and I think I definitely need to swap the time I spend on my phone before bed reading.

At some point this year I really want to get back into some form of exercise. I've really slacked over the last year/ year and a half and I feel rubbish for it. It's definitely a psychological thing as I seem to have no motivation, but I know I'll feel better if I do establish some sort of routine for myself.

What kind of things do you want to do this year?

I hope you enjoyed reading, 

Holly x 

Hello 2017

There's a really strange feeling about starting a new year, but I really like the idea of starting afresh and making the year really good. Last year went by so fast, I feel like I didn't have a moment to stop and take my time. I had some pretty good times during the year: I passed my driving test, passed my AS's, had a wonderful summer, turned 18! But it was also an extremely busy year and I'm hoping that once I've finished compulsory education this summer, things can go a bit more steady!

So I'm really looking forward to this year, there are so many things I want to do and so many things waiting in the pipeline.

What's your favourite thing about new year?

Happy new year! I hope you enjoyed reading, Holly x

Christmas is here!

Today is Christmas Day so I would like to wish you all a merry Christmas! Hope you have a wonderful day whatever you're doing and enjoy all the food and festivities!

Lots of love of love, Holly x

Real Techniques Bold Metal Ultimate Set

I

am and always be a huge real techniques fan as I think the quality of their brushes are fab and I really love the desgin of the bold metals. The Bold Metals big set was recently reduced from £120 to £50 at Boots so I thought it'd be a great time to purchase it as a present for my mum as I know she has been after some.

I think you get a great selection from the range and it covers all the basics that you would need. You get there infamous powder brush and contour brush as well as their brush blush which I already own and think it's fab. The quality of the brushes are so good and they look very sophisticated and also wash really well. I think sets like these make really nice presents and I can't wait to give it to her. The brand have impressed me with everything they bring out and I'm sure they will with my mum too!

Have you bought any of their sets? I hope you enjoyed reading,

Holly x

Christmas wish list.

Christmas has been everywhere for the last couple of months, but know it really is beginning to feel like Christmas. It took me a while to figure out what I really wanted, but I managed to condense my list so thought I'd share my top picks with you.

A satnav
For me this isn't a necessity however think it would be useful to have, especially if I'm starting uni next year half way across the country - I'd like to know where I'm going.

Zoeva Plaisir box
I keep harping on about how much I want to try the Cocoa Blend Palette and I'm glad I haven't bought it yet since seeing this trio. The three palettes look absolutely incredible and definitely contain the shades that I would wear on a daily basis.

Spectrum Marbelous 5 piece brush set
I'm all heart eyes for these brushes as the design looks very sleek and chic. I don't need any more brushes, but who wouldn't say no to more? I don't own any brushes like some of this in my collection, especially the very dense contour one, so it would be a nice addition to have.

Converse
I've been a converse fan for many years now and have worn down multiple pairs. I'm after the all black, low rise pair next as they look really understated, but would pull any outfit together. I've always found converse so comfy and can imagine I'll be buying pairs all throughout life.

I hope you enjoyed reading, 

Holly x

Nars Holiday Palette!

As you may already know, I am a huge sucker for everything NARS and really love to see what they offer during the Christmas period. I quite like how their Christmas palette this year is different previous years and like how they've incorporated the 'dual intensity' factor really nicely into an entire palette.

The Give In Take Dual-Intensity Eye & Cheek Palette contains 6 eyeshadows and 3 face powders. I've bought this palette for my mum because she'd appreciate the cooler tones of the eyeshadows slightly more than myself, but nevertheless the shades are beautiful. The eyeshadows would create a perfect smoky eye and would look amazing both wet or dry. The two lighter shades would look particularly good as an inner corner highlight or just all over the lid! On first glance they are very highly pigmented and everything you expect from Nars. There isn't much fallout and the payoff is so good.

The face shades are what excite me the most. The highlighter is to die for. It is an iridescent champagne/white colour with such a lovely glow and I can't wait to see how intense it could be when wet! The bronzer/neutral blusher is different from their favourite Laguna and it's quite nice that Laguna isn't in this one. It is much lighter, but still will provide a lovely warmth and the blush is such a nice light pink shade without being too reminiscent of a candy shop!

Have you tried anything from their Christmas collection? I hope you enjoyed reading,

Holly x

Winter Boots

I've been eyeing up the 'hiker' style boots for a while and when I saw this pair on the Topshop website they jumped out at me. They are a lot more bulky than I initially thought they'd be, but not bulky in a bad way. They don't make my feet look big at all and when wore over jeans or tights they look really good. I love how the suede provides a contrast to the leather rim which really promotes the 'hiker' style.

They are very sturdy and should keep me all toasty and warm throughout winter, especially as there is enough space for fluffy socks underneath. On first try the rim digs into my legs ankles ever so slightly so I think fluffy socks will be a must have with these. However they're really comfy and I can see myself wearing them a lot. They will go with many outfits and are a great alternative to converse/slip ons!

Do you own anything like this? I hope you enjoyed reading,

Holly x

Real Techniques Miracle Sculpting Sponge

For me, nothing beats the original beauty blender however Real Techniques recently released some new sponges and I was intriged to see how they compare. I picked up the Miracle Sculpting Sponge and it looked fairly different from just a normal sponge with all of the different sides to it.

On first impressions I was quite sceptical with what I'd use it for as the flat side is quite small i for applying foundation. However it expands to a decent size when it is wet and buffs in cream products really nicely. I find I get a heavier coverage using this sponge than I get with the beauty blender, but it still blends really well without leaving streaks. Also I find the smaller end is brilliant for concealer and getting in all of the small areas of the face. Its brilliant at blending out contour and I find it helps it to look really natural. It is quite a firm sponge unlike the Complexion Sponge, but is still very easy to use. I love how it's such a versatile tool with 6 different uses and I can definitely see it being used a lot!

Although this isn't a necessity it is a really nice product to own and a great alternative to the orginal sponges!

Have you tried this? I hope you enjoyed reading, 

Holly x

Favourite beauty sites.

During my many hours of procrastination I find myself perusing many different beauty sites in awe of all the products and articles, wishing I could afford it all.

My favourite site, or at least has been this year, is defintely Beauty Bay. I think the range of products they sell definitely cater towards the market I'm in with brand such as Makeup Geek, Morphe, Dose of Colours as well as some more exotic brands. I think their delivery service is amazing and I really enjoy the whole laid back, yet sophisticated look of the site. Plus their EDITed section is amazing. Similar to Beauty Bay is Cult Beauty. To me they have really nailed the combination of amazing brands and brilliant content. I love how they focus on such niche brands, especially where skincare is concerned and the aesthetics of their site are just dreamy!

Victoria Health is a site a customer introduced to me at work and I've been hooked since. The site focuses on botanical products mainly and delivers expert advice alongside the products. They have some well known brands such as Armotherapy Associates and a lot of up and coming brands too. I've been particularly attracted to the brand 'The Ordinary' and can see myself purchasing some of their skincare in the future.

Other favourites include the Liz Earle Website which I could spend hours on looking at all the different skincare products. Sephora's website is also very good - would you expect any less from the 'mothership'? I love all the categories and think their whole 'value sets' page is brilliant: heart eyed emoji everytime!

What beuaty websites do you enjoy? I hope you enjoyed reading, 

Holly x

The highlighter dreams are made of.

NARS has always been one of my favourite brands and their liquid highlighter in Copacabana is definitely up there with my favourite highlighters, alongside Becca Champagne pop, of course.

It's a beautiful soft pink/champagne colour with a silver reflects running through. It is incredibly pigmented, but not glittery. It has a lovely sheen to it and gives that glow from within look. It is a very creamy formula so I find it best to apply straight on top of my foundation. It doesn't interfere with my base at all, nor does it go patchy and blends in with everything really well. I find using my fingers gives it a much more intense look whereas using a sponge or a brush  helps it to blend even more so into the skin making it look slightly more natural. It dries in good time and if I layer products on top it provides the perfect base! Also unlike some highlighters I find that it doesn't emphasis pores which is always a bonus!

Have you tried any of the liquid highlighters?

I hope you enjoyed reading.

Holly x

Morphe 35O

Morphe has built up such a good reputation for itself within the beauty world, especially for the 350 palette. It's been out of stock for a very long time online however it came back in last week so I thought I'd buy it my sister as a very belated exam present.

I've had a play with it myself and can 100% confirm it is amazing. There are so shades to suit everyone and so many different looks can be created. They are extremely buttery shadows with high pigmentation and very little fall out. There are a couple of shades that are almost like foiled eyeshadows as they give off a vibrant, metallic finish and there are more than enough mattes and shimmers to please everyone.  It's such a good palette to go from day to night.

My sister is very pleased with it and I'm sure I'll be using it a lot too. It's definitely a staple!

Have you tried any Morphe eyeshadows? I hope you enjoyed reading,

Holly x