eBay Bargains #10 - Under £2

ebay bargains
A very mixed bag today of some super bargains I've come across in the last week! Most of these would make fab Christmas gifts or just treats for yourself... because let's face it £2 is never going to break the bank.

Macaroon Jewellery Box (99p here) -  Isn't this the cutest?! At only 99p this is definitely my bargain find of the week. Sadly you don't get to choose a preferred colour but as all the shades are nice it's not too bad. I'm very tempted to get 4 or 5 of these and display them on a little plate on my desk to hold necklaces and rings in! 

Statement Rhinestone Necklace - G option (£1.84 here) - As I've mentioned before I love cheap statement necklaces from eBay. They are always the same quality as high street shops that sell statement jewellery but at a fraction of the price. This is a particularly lovely necklace that is perfect for this time of year, teamed with a jumper or shirt.  

Natural Rose Quartz Pendant for necklace (£1.89 here) - Another little jewellery find here that I was so pleased about finding. The listing contains a choice of 14 crystals that can be hung from any chain necklace... great if you have any pieces of jewellery you don't wear any more and can use the chain from. I really love the Rose Quartz the most - so pretty! 

Natural Wood Soap Holder (99p here) - Okay, this is a boring one but I had to include it because it's something I've been looking for for ages now! I've own so many soap dishes in the past and they all hold residual water or collect water underneath them... just not nice. But with this soap dish it's like a little draining board for your soap. The listing contains 7 different styles is both light and dark wood. 

Dog/Cat Bow Tie Collar with bell (99p here) - As we are approaching that festive time of year I thought I'd include these cute little bow tie collars! They really are very sweet and a great way to dress up your dog or cat without annoying it! 

12 x Hexagon Glitter Nail Art Set (99p here) - Last but not least an amazingly cheap set of nail art glitter. I actually bought a set of these last year and was amazed at the quality, the bottle are even glass. All the glitters are vivid and glossy plus quite a few of the colours are perfect for Christmas nails. Bargain smargain! 

What is your favourite bargain here? 

Fee xo. 

SHARE:

Real Techniques Nic's Picks Brush Set

Real-techniques-nics-picks-set

I was tempted to start this off by stating that Real Techniques brushes are amongst some of my favourites, but actually they are my favourites! I've tried makeup brushes from Sigma, Eco Tools, Royal & Langnickel and No7 but hands down I've been most impressed with the brushes from Real Techniques – they are simply well designed, of high quality and really are the softest brushes I've come across!

Which is why I thought today I would share with you the Real Techniques Nic's Picks set as it's also my favourite set to date and one that every makeup lover needs.... it really would make a great gift this Christmas. 

Where to buy online (cheapest first) - £14.99 Gorden Direct (p&p £3.00),  £23.99 Amazon, £25.40 Escentual (p&p £1.95), £29.99 Look Fantastic
  
Real-techniques-nics-picks-superdrug 

Nic's Picks is a 5-piece set which covers most full face applications you would need (the only obvious brush not included is one for foundation). The brushes feature a lovely silver ferrule and handle which is my opinion make them look a lot more expensive compared to other brushes in the Real Techniques range! You are also guaranteed the softest man-made fibres that hold the perfect amount of product and don't shed or splay out after continued use.

Here is a run down of the brushes in the set plus how I use mine...

Duo Fiber Powder Brush 
 Perfect for powder application without it looking at all cakey or applying too heavy. I personally love using this brush for loose powder to set my makeup and remove shine; in particular my Clarins Loose Powder. Firstly this feels amazing swept over the face, feeling so light and soft, plus it lightly buffs the powder into the skin with no effort at all. This really goes beyond other powder brushes I own.

Cheek Brush 
 Another brush that offers perfect application so you never over apply and again one of the softest feeling brushes. This brush is reserved for my favourite ever blusher – the Balm Frat Boy (an amazingly light pink shade) and gives an even more amazing look/finish.

Angled Shadow Brush 
 A cleverly sized and shaped brush that fits into the eye crease to contour and add depth. Possibly my favourite from the entire set as I was just blown away as how easy it is to contour the eyes with this brush... this really does turn you into a pro. Again blends amazingly well and doesn't shed at all.

Base Shadow Brush 
 Another great eye brush to pack on colour onto the eyelids and to blend with. Also great as a brush for concealer. This is now my go-to eyeshadow brush to lay down my base eyeshadow and compared to the Urban Decay one I was previously using, they are literally miles apart... I really did need this brush in my life. Doesn't do anything overly special but gets the job done and well.

Eyeliner Brush 
Ideal for applying powder or gel eyeliner to the lash line or creating a cat flick. Can also be used to fill in brows with brow powder as it's just the right side of firm to give definition to the brows. So far I've been using this with a matte brown powder eyeshadow to smudge against my bottom lash line for a slightly smokey look and also using it through my brows to give shape and definition. This really is a versatile brush that I will be using with gel liner on my upper lash line and even to smudge out kohl pencil. This is soft yet sturdy which is exactly what you need from an angled eyeliner brush. Another favourite here!

Overall I really can't fault any of the brushes and think this would make an ideal gift to give or ask for this Christmas! Whether you own a lot of brushes or none at all these will impress you and get you applying makeup perfectly. A set worth every single penny!  

What do you think of the set? 

Fee xo. 

SHARE:

The Never Ending Gift Guide!

Huge_Christmas_Gift_Guide

Once all the Christmas adverts have been on TV it's officially Christmas for me! This means I can allow myself to get super excited and also go crazy with gift guides here on Makeup Savvy!

I feel this year is better than ever for gifts so I couldn't resist creating a 'never-ending gift guide' along with 4 other gift guides that will be coming up throughout December! This has been very much a labour of love, selecting only the very best gifts, so I truly hope you enjoy it and find some gift ideas for your own Christmas list and of course gifts for family & friends. 

Happy Christmas everyone, Fee xo.

(Apologies in advance if any products are out of stock or differ in the price) 

Best_Beauty_Gifts_Christmas_2014

Pixie Dust Beauty Gift Set £35.00 Selfridges - MAC Viva Glam Lip Bag £29.00 Selfridges - Diego Dalla Palma Red Passion Kit £15.00 M&S - Philip Kingsley Try Me Kit £5.00 Feel Unique - Andrea Garland Sleeping Beauty Kit £39.00 ASOS - Butter London Catwalk Ready Set £20.00 Beauty Expert - Deborah Lippmann Dance Music Set £17.00 Harvey Nichols - Burt's Bees Bounty Collection £14.39 Feel Unique - Benefit Sweet Tintation Set £19.50 ASOS - Elemis Pure Rose Indulence Set £29.00 ASOS - Clarins All About Lips Collection £19.50 Boots - Stila & Bauble Bar Lip Glaze Set £27.50 ASOS - NYX Nail Polish Set £20.00 Next - Nip & Fab De-Stress Box Set £10.00 Nip & Fab - Philosophy Skincare Set £35.00 Boots - Sanctuary Sleep In A Box £12.00 Boots

Whimsical-christmas-gift-ideas

One Line A Day Journal £8.39 Amazon - Pewter Handheld Mirror £8.99 Mollie & Fred - Unicorn Jewellery Dish £12.00 Lisa Angel - Fluffy Unicorn Jumper £10.00 Primark - Deep Porcelain Necklace £20.00 Cheap Frills - Bow Magnets £20.00 Kate Spade - Bunny Ring Holder Dish £1.99 Home Bargains - Starry Night Slip £16.00 Next - Unicorn Printable Print £2.90 Etsy - Care Bear Mug £8.00 Topshop - Glitter Mary Jane Shoes £14.00 Primark - Macaron Candle £8.83 Amazon - Little Miss Personalised Print £14.99 Selfridges - Wishbone Necklace £6.00 ASOS

Christmas_novelty_clothes_gifts


Polar Bear Jumper £14 Asda George - Bambi Cushion £7.00 Asda - Coca Cola Santa T-Shirt £7.00 Asda George - Mens Elf T-Shirt £8.00 Asda George - Cath Kidston Santa Mug £6.50 John Lewis - Mens Home Alone Bandits T-Shirt Asda George - Christmas Jumper Applique Set £3.50 New Look - Costa Coffee Ceremic Christmas Mugs £8.00 In-Store - Squirrel Cushion £7.99 Asda - Ciate Candy Cane Set £25.00 ASOS - Christmas Pudding Socks £3.00 ASOS - New Look Bauble Clutch £12.99 ASOS - Home Alone T-Shirt £6.00 Primark - Snowglobe T-Shirt £3.00 Primark - Reindeer T-Shirt £15.00 Next -Gingerbread Man Leggings £10.00 Primark - Frozen Olaf Leggings £7.00 Primark - Noel Paper Lanterns £7.50 Graham & Green - Gingerbread House Candle Holder £4.99 Homebase, Elegant Touch Christmas Jumper Nails £8.00 ASOS, 'Baby It's Cold Outside' Sign £3.00 Matalan

Christmas_disney_gift_ideas

Art Of Aurora £8.00 Disney - Bambi Lounge Top £8.00 Tesco - Belle Disney Princess Lip Balm £2.99 Truffle Shuffle - The Fairest Of Them All Canvas Pouch £20.00 Selfridges, Neverland Canvas Pouch £20.00 Selfridges - Saving Mr. Banks £5.00 Amazon - Alice in Wonderland Mug £15.00 Whittard - Minnie Mouse Pajamas £22.00 Next - Walt Disney Print Out Print £3.27 Etsy - Disney Print Out Print £3.27 Etsy here - Alice Watercolour Print £9.81 Etsy - Frozen Tumbler £5.00 Disney - Tinker Bell Fairy Tale Book Necklace £25.99 Truffle Shuffle
      
stationary-christmas-gift-ideas

Letter Writing Set £10 Next - Paperchase Gel Pen Trio £6.00 ASOS - Rose Laser-cut Leather Journal £15.00 Paperchase - Ted Baker Mini Notebook Set £14.94 Fruugo - Blogger Pencil Set £3.50 La La Land - Happy Jackson Sticky Note £3.95 John Lewis - Floral Day Diary 2015 £7.00 Tesco - Paperchase Russian Doll Highlighters £3.00 ASOS - Great British Bake Off Wall Calendar 2015 £6.29 Amazon - Rob Ryan Wall Calendar 2015 £6.99 Amazon here - Squirrel Pencil Sharpener £10.00 Mollie & Fred - Leather Notebook £15.00 Paperchase - Keepsake Drawers £8 Next - Rifle Paper Co Garland £12.99 Amazon   
Unique-christmas-gifts

Snowglobe Salt & Pepper Shakers £9.99 IWoot - Mrs Doubtfire Art Print £15.00 La La Land - Taj Mahal Craft Kit £3.95 DotComGiftShop - Vintage Camera Photo Album £7.99 Amazon - Lemon Jewellery Box £10.00 Urban Outfitters - Dolls House Colouring Book £5.99 Amazon - Anima; Egg Cups £10.50 Graham & Green - Procopia Mug £25.00 Whittard - Papillion Butterfly Print £3.00 Willow & Stone - Bees & Honey Print £3.00 Willow & Stone - Happy Jackson Happy Travel Mug £7.00 ASOS - Balloon Modelling Kit £6.99 Internet Gift Store - Copper Letter £10.00 Oliver Bonas - William Morris Cosmetics Bag £15 Amara  
top-stocking-filler-ideas

Baby Bunny Night Light £4.00 ASOS - Mavala Nail Polish Bauble £5.00 John Lewis - 3 Pairs Christmas Socks £2.00 Primark - Flutter Manicure Set £4.00 Superdrug - Candy Dip Nail Set £4.50 ASOS - Hotel Chocolat Chocolate Cracker £5.00 John Lewis - Fairisle Faux Fur Slippers £4.00 Primark - Beverage Lip Balms £5.00 John Lewis - Nail Polish Style Highlighters £3.50 ASOS - 10 Piece Ring Set £3 Primark - Cat Mug £2.50 Tesco - Wax Lyrical Gingerbread Reed Diffuser £5.50 Tesco  
food-christmas-gift-ideas

Drink Me Raspberry Popping Candy £5.99 Selfridges - Cola Cubes Sweet Jar £5.00 John Lewis - Cookie Choc Chip Slab £3.75 Hotel Chocolat - Personalised Nutella £3.99 Selfridges - Almond Turkish Delight £6.00 John Lewis - Charbonnel & Walker Pink Champagne Truffles £9.99 Waitrose - Fluff Marshmallow Spread £1.60 Tesco/Asda - White Chocolate Snow Dog £3.50 Thorntons - Spiced Cranberry Marshmallows £3.99 Selfridges - Finest Salted Caramel Sauce £1.60 Tesco - Luxury Hot Chocolate Selection £12.00 Whittard - Jet Puffed Jumbo Marshmallows £4.75 Tesco Superstore - Le Creuset Two Sweetheart Ramekins £30.00 Selfridges 


SHARE:

Pre-Christmas Wish List

Pre_Christmas_wish_list

Just before Christmas there's that awkward period where you're unsure whether to treat yourself in fear of someone buying you the same thing come Christmas Day. This is especially hard when there's so many amazing gifts around and of course 3 for 2 deals - so very tempting to keep the cheeky 3rd free gift for yourself! 

However if you can't resist treating yourself then sticking to more festive focused gifts is a good idea. Below are just a few things that have caught my eye recently that I'm very tempted to treat myself to and know won't spoil anyone's Christmas present. 

Ciate Candy Cane House 
£25.00 - ASOS here 
So I may just have treated myself to a China Glaze Holiday set but as I'm obsessed with festive nail polishes, especially in gift set form, I'm now lusting after this wonderful Ciate set. This contains 4 amazing glitter nail polishes that I'd be sure to wear even when it's not Christmas... and really who can't resist that packaging! 

Guerlian Insolence 30ml EDP
£28.99 - The Perfume Shop here 
I adore many fragrances but my all-time favourite is Guerlian Insolence. With strong notes of violet this is a sweet and sugary kind of scent. It's just 'my' scent now. So as I've run out I will have to stock up on it and treat myself. It also comes in such a beautiful bottle. I should however point out that the eau de parfum is much nicer than the eau de toilette and both really do have quite different scents. Definitely worth having a smell of... you may just love it! 

The Great British Bake Off Christmas Book 
£9.00 - Amazon here 
I shockingly didn't watch The Great British Bake Off however this is a cookbook I need in my life. I love cooking but hardly ever cook from cookbooks but strangely will if it's a Christmas themed one... such as my loved Nigella Christmas book. The photography is stunning in this and all the recipes look so yummy. Will be getting this asap as a little treat to myself.  

Bronze Mercury Effect Glass Lantern 
£5.00 - Tesco Direct here or in-store 
I spotted these a few weeks ago in Tesco and was so tempted to get a couple but I somehow resisted. But as they've been on my mind ever since I'm sure I will get them next time I'm food shopping. What I love about this lantern is that it's a large chunky jar with a wonderful crackle effect that allows the candle you are burning to shine though and twinkle. You can also find the same lantern in blue here that strangely makes me think of 'Frozen'. Love a bit of mercury glass... so pretty. 

Thorntons Continental Advent Calendar 
£10.00 - Thorntons here
For 2 years in a row I've been disappointed with my choice of chocolate advent calendars. Last year was a Lindt one that I was excited about but found so repetitive and boring then the year before that was a Thorntons classic Advent Calendar (the one where you have your name iced onto a slab of chocolate) and was shocked at how cheap the chocolate tasted! So this year I'm opting for something I know I love... and that's Thorntons Continental chocolate. I love them all so I'm pretty sure I won't be let down this year. I also love how it looks and think £10 isn't too bad for a fancy advent! 

What products do you know are safe to treat yourself with before Christmas? Or can you resist?! 

Fee xo. 

SHARE:

The Me-Time Tag

Me-Time-Tag

I'm here again with yet another tag, one I found on the wonderful Jennie's blog, Sailboat! I just had to do this tag as it's me all over and for me there's something quite cathartic about typing away answering random questions.

Personally me-time is very important. I do suffer from anxiety from time to time and find being alone and doing something relaxing the best thing to clear my mind and get me back to being my happy self!

1. What do you like to watch or read during me-time?
I don't have a specific book I go back to time and time again so I generally read whatever I'm currently reading - normally it's something fairly popular/in the book charts and fiction. I also love to take a stack of magazines to bed with me and have a good read of them. Sad fact: I have Christmas issues of Red magazine dating back to 2008 that I still re-read! As for what I like to watch, I'm constantly seeking out quirky romantic films. Recently watched 'Her' 'Ruby Sparks' and 'About Time' and loved them all so very much. 

2. What do you wear during me-time?
Without a doubt pyjamas. I whip off the bra (TMI? Sorry) and get into one of my many pairs of pyjamas with the addition of a comfy hoodie. I also seem to like to wear my faux fur throw as a cape when it's extra cold... anyone else do that awkward shuffle to the kitchen with a blanket/throw still around you?

 3. What are your favourite me-time beauty products?
I would say a face mask but the whole having to wash it off never feels very relaxing. So I will go with painting my nails... whilst watching TV. If I'm having me-time I like to bring all the products I intend to use down stairs and set them out, then I will file and buff my nails, apply cuticle oil, moisturise my hands and then finally paint my nails and remember to apply Seche Vite top coat as you can't beat an ultra shiny manicure. This may seem like more work than applying and washing off a face mask but it's all not moving for the night for me.
 
4. Current favourite nail polish?
Oh this is a toughie hummm. I'd have to go with Essie Hor's D'oeuvres (times like this make me glad I don't do You Tube videos... I can't even imagine pronouncing that shade name). I featured the nail polish here in a Fragrance Direct haul and it's literally love! 

 5. What do you eat or drink during me-time?
I'm more about the eating if I'm having me-time and will most likely go for Nutella on a toasted bagel... just the best combination. But if I'm in the mood for a hot drink it's most definitely Whittard's Creme Brulee White Hot Chocolate here - I've never tasted anything more delicious. 

6. Current favourite candle?
Village Candle's Brownie Delight here. This is the most true to scent candle I've ever purchased/tried. I seem to have a problem with a lot of candles giving me a headache and not being able to smell them properly but with this it's gives off a powerful scent but one that hasn't got any synthetic scent to it. It literally smells like I've been baking brownies when I burn this candle - amazing!

 7. Do you ever have outdoor me-time?
I suppose walking my dog would be classed as me-time as I love to enjoy nature and find it so calming... especially great if I'm having an anxious week or feeling stressed by something. But come summer I love to wake up and sit outside on a bench in my garden with my little dog (she also likes to sit upright on the bench pretending she's human) with either a homemade smoothie or a banana. Just enjoying the tweeting of birds and the warmth of the sun. 

8. Would you ever go and watch a film alone?
This isn't something I'd consider as me-time really as I feel going to the cinema is an activity/event... plus you sadly can't go in your pyjamas! Oh god cinemas so need to do that... Pyjama movie evenings where they also come in during the film with carts of KFC or McDonalds, that would literally be amazing?! Okay, I'm maybe getting a little carried away here.

9. Favourite online shop?
A bit of a boring one here but it has to be ASOS. With hundreds of brands and their own ASOS label I'm always wanting something from the website. Plus I'm signed up to their Premier service so I get free-next day delivery all year round. I pretty much order from them a few times a month! 

10. Anything to add? What else do you do during me-time?
Can me-time include sleeping? Well napping? There's nothing like getting into bed for a little hours sleep. It feels indulgent and so so good when you're all warm and relaxed in bed! Yes, I'm truly a sloth at heart. 

Hope you've enjoyed my slightly over sharing answers! If you want to also do the tag just copy & paste the questions below to your own blog. 

Fee xo. 
___________________________________

1. What do you like to watch or read during me-time?
2. What do you wear during me-time?
 3. What are your favourite me-time beauty products?
4. Current favourite nail polish?
 5. What do you eat or drink during me-time?
6. Current favourite candle?
 7. Do you ever have outdoor me-time?
8. Would you ever go and watch a film alone? 9. Favourite online shop?
10. Anything to add? What else do you do during me-time?



SHARE:

eBay Bargains #9 - Christmas Gifts and Treats

Ebay-bargains-christmas-treats 

1. Bomb Cosmetics Bake Me Away Christmas Gift Set (£12.95 here) - Bomb Cosmetics are certainly a brand that are under the radar when it comes to creating bath & body treats. In fact I'd say they are more creative and fun than Lush! The above set contains 5 festive products that all look amazing, especially that glittery bath bomb and cute little gingerbread man!

2. Patisserie De Bain Festive Bath Tartlettes (£8.49 here) - Another lovely bath set comes from Patisserie De Bain. This is a brand I've purchased from many times before so I know the quality is good. The 2 bath tartlettes are hand made and come in the cutest festive packaging. This would make a lovely treat for yourself or to give as a gift to someone that is Christmas obsessed.

3. Bath & Body Works Festive Hand Sanitisers ( £2.89 each - various scents here) - I can't count the amount of times I've bought a B&BW Hand Sanitiser from eBay.... it's a lot. I basically get sucked in with their amazing scents and bottle designs. The listing includes so many festive scents such as - Twisted Peppermint, Snow Kissed Berry, Too Many Cookies and Candy Cane Bliss.

4. Yankee Candle 5 Sampler Festive Gift set (£7.49 here) - This is a set I've already picked up as it's such good value for money. Though I'm not sure whether to keep it for myself as it's so nice or give it as a gift. The sampler really does allow you to try out some of the festive scents that Yankee Candle have to offer before buying any of the larger more expensive candles. A lovely gift set.

5. China Glaze Tis The Season Set (£10.95 here) - Each Christmas I pick up a China Glaze nail polish set as a little gift to myself. This year I've gone for the above set as it contains three amazing glitters and a lovely jewelled red. The set includes - Define Good, De-light, Pine-ing For Glitter and Feeling Twinkly... love love the shade names of China Glaze holiday nail polishes!

6. Homemade Christmas Sliced Soap Bar (£2.75 each - various designs here) - Lastly another cheap festive treat that you could treat yourself to or give as a stocking filler. Last year I had the lovely Holly soap next to my bathroom sink on a red flannel which was a nice Christmas-y touch to a room that gets ignored decoration wise. These are surprisingly good soaps that look great. 

What you do like the look of here? 

Fee xo. 


SHARE:

A Tesco Beauty Haul!

1

As for may have noticed I'm a little bit obsessed with finding beauty bargains on Tesco Direct... I'm also obsessed with shopping in my local Tesco that has a Beauty World section. So when Tesco contacted me offering me a £25 voucher to get spendy with, I was a little bit thrilled! 

Now I did spend over £25 in store but I decided to be as savvy as possible and picked up some amazing products that I'm so pleased I went for now. Tesco Direct do carry a lot of great beauty brands now, but if you do have a Tesco Beauty World near you then trust me, it's worth a visit! Compared to normal Tesco stores it has much more of a beauty hall look with actual stands and counters with brands such as Patisserie De Bain, Korres, Tigi, Butter London, Sleek, Clarins and Streamcream to name but a few.

Below you can find out what I picked up and possibly my best ever cleanser discovery...

Nip_Fab_Bee_Sting_Mask

 Nip + Fab Deep Cleansing Fix
£3.98 for 300ml - Tesco in-store of online here 
 Nip & Fab's Deep Cleansing Fix has been on my radar for a while; with so many great reviews online I knew it would be the next cleanser I tried out. So imagine my joy when I spotted it for under £4 in Tesco! This is seriously a massive tub so I couldn't quite believe it. Rambling aside and fast forward two weeks and this is possibly the best cream cleanser I've ever tried! Now I love my Organic Surge & Liz Earle cream cleansers but this with its light formula is just a dream to massage over the face and really work into the skin without it soaking in. This lifts off both face and eye makeup (even stubborn waterproof mascara) leaving the skin without as film or residue even when washing it off with warm water and your fingers, though a flannel is also lovely to use with it. I'm also quite addicted to the refreshing eucalyptus scent. Plus if that wasn't enough the cleanser also doubles up as a face mask, something I will definitely be reporting back on for you when I try it out!


Nip + Fab Bee Sting Fix Lifting Mask 
£4.98 for 50ml - Tesco in-store 
Next up I couldn't resist trying out something from the Nip+Fab Bee Sting range. As a lover of face masks this particular product really interested me and at under £5 I'd call it a steal. Actually as soon as I got home I tried this out and was instantly pleased with it. With a subtle honey scent the gel like formula smoothes over the face and gets to work plumping the skin. I was dubious about the lifting effect claims but as I washed it off my skin actually looked firmer and just more awake. Next time I will have to use it as an intensive overnight masks as it suggests on the back on the packaging.This is also a clear mask so no looking scary or having to avoid answering the door! Did you know that Nip & Fab are actually the offshoot brand of Rodial... who in fact have a very similar Bee Venom collection that starts at an eye-watering £115?! I know which brand I will be sticking to.

Black_sea_soap

Happiness Is Coconut & Lime Paradise Hydrating Body Mist
£3.95 for 250ml - Tesco in-store
With two Happiness Is Hydrating Body Mists alreeady I certainly didn't need another. But as I was browsing I thought it couldn't hurt to test out all the other scents. This lead me to discover one of my favourite scents ever that I was hoping one day would come to me in fragrance form! This scent is the scent of the Soap & Glory Sugar Crush range - that yesty hit of lime and then the smoothness of coconuts. I really could go into raptures about how pleased I am in discovering this scent but I will spare you and just say that if you spot a Happiness Is stand in a Tesco store then please do have a smell of this scent. It truly is holiday's in a bottle.

L'Oreal EverStrong Shampoo
£5.99 (half-price on purchasing) - Tesco in-store 
If you've read Makeup Savvy for any length of time then you will know that the L'Oreal Ever Riche Nourishing & Taming Shampoo is a real favourite of mine. So I decided to branch out and try another shampoo from the range. I've yet to try this as I have more than enough in my shower at the moment but going off the scent it seems like it with be a fresh and energising shampoo. It's also free from SLS's which is a must for my scalp and hair now. I will be sure to talk about this again when I start using it.

Dead Sea Spa Magik Black Mud Soap
£3.58 - Tesco in-store or online here 
A re-purchase here and a soap that is much more than that for me. I will admit this does look like a very dull product and soap does seem out dated now. However this is a natural alternative to regular soap and great for anyone that finds conventional soap too drying or harsh. This is free from SLSs, artificial colourings and has an allergen-free fragrance. I personally love to use this in the shower on 'sensitive areas' as my skin can easily be irritated with SLS's and fragrance in products. I also use this to cleanse my face whilst in the shower. If you like soaps such as Sebmed or Pears soap then you will love this! 

Tesco_beauty_world_buys

Maybelline Color Show Nail Polish 
Glitter It and Rose Chic - £2.99 Tesco in-store  
Last but certainly not least I couldn't resist a few sneaky nail polish purchases with Christmas nails in mind. I love the Maybelline Color Show range so decided to pick up two glitters both with very different finishes. Glitter It is just a perfect top coat for over any festive shade as it's packed with holographic glitter pieces. As for Rose Chic I absolutely love this kind of finish, so delicate and sparkly. A definite new favourite! 

Well that was a much longer post than I expected it to be. I think I need to learn to reign in my rambling! 

Would love to know if you shop in a Tesco Beauty World Store and what products you like the look of here. 

Fee xo.
 
SHARE:

Free Printable Weekly Blog Planner!

Free-blog-planner-printable

Today I have a special blog post with something I've been wanting to share with you for a while now! 

In the past few months I've got myself organised and feel like I'm a much more productive blogger because of it. So I wanted to share the love and help other bloggers out! 

So I've created a Free Blog Planner (download or print here) that can be used weekly to keep you on track with blogging. The planner is A5 in size so 2 can be printed out at one time. The idea is you jot down the blog posts you want to write for the week ahead and check off the tick boxes as you go. I've been using the weekly planner for around a month now and it's without a doubt keeping me on track. I will also be doing an extra special festive edition come the beginning of December!

Free Blog Planner

I really hope you can make use of this! Let me know if you decide to print it out either in the comments or on Twitter @makeup_savvy

Fee xo. 
 
SHARE:

Makeup Books Worth Buying


When it comes to books on makeup I've always been a little let down. With hundreds, if not thousands of titles on a variety of non-fiction subjects/hobbies you would think the beauty category would have many good resources. But sadly this isn't so... you just need to look on Amazon to discover many outdated books even dating back 10-15 years! 

But thankfully the true beauty gurus of today are acknowledging this and producing some amazing makeup books that the beauty obsessed can pour over and enjoy. Below are my ultimate makeup books that I can't fault and are worth every penny in my opinion. Any of these would make a great present for a beauty enthusiast or popped on to your own Christmas list! 


Makeup: The Ultimate Guide by Rae Morris 
£12.59 Paperback - Amazon here 
This is one of the first makeup books I ever purchased and was blown away by how much it taught me. Yes, a lot of the looks are on the avant-garde side, not for every day, but along the way you pick up some amazing tips that will stay with you... also the amazing photography makes this a great coffee table book. There's also a lot of practical information on anything from eyebrow shapes, how to contour correctly and how to achieve full lips. Plus surprising categories on Asian eyes and mature makeup which I found very interesting. Whether you just love makeup or you're an aspiring makeup artist this is an informative book you will be glad to have.

Favourites from the book - How to rehab your brows, eye colour charts, egyptian eyes tutorial, contouring section.
 

Pretty Honest: The Straight-Talking Beauty Companion by Sali Hughes
£11.00 Hardback - Amazon here 
My latest makeup read and one that is most likely to be on every beauty enthusiasts Christmas list this year. Written by the beyond knowledgeable Sali Hughes this is a beauty book like no other. If you are looking for a makeup book with lots of visuals then you may want to give this a miss but if you are after actual reading then you will get that in an abundance with this book. To me this is more of a book to read fully and then go back to for various things, such as tips on skincare. Unlike most makeup/beauty books Sali has a clear writing style that is intelligent and witty making for a really good read. Points are covered on anything you can imagine being associated with beauty -  how to manage makeup counters, salon etiquette and what to expect, hair problem solving, wearing red lipstick and even how to pay and receive compliments... something I think most of us are bad at! This book truly leaves no stone unturned. If you are looking for a new type of beauty read that cuts the crap then this is certainly the book to go for. Also it's a huge 330 page read!

Favourites from the book - The products you need now (and the stuff you don't), public displays of grooming, how to choose a perfume, managing counter staff. 


Jemma's Make-up Secrets by Jemma Kidd 
£17.00 Hardback - Amazon here
Another great makeup book is Jemma's Kidd's Makeup Secrets.  This is a book I constantly come back to as there is just so much to read and so many tips. I will admit I do find the layout of the pages a bit all over the place but if you can ignore that and enjoy the amount of information that is packed into the book then you will love it; plus the photography is so clear and up-to date. The book is split into two parts - Making makeup work for you and The problem solver. The first part takes up much of the book and really covers all aspects of makeup in good depth, from how to apply eyeshadow according to eye shape to achieving makeup looks of some iconic females in history - think Brigitte Bardot and Audrey Hepburn. There are just so many interesting sections in this books that you wouldn't generally expect from a makeup book. If you are looking for a vast makeup book full of ideas and inspiration then I highly recommend picking this up or putting it on your Christmas list! 

Favourites from the book - Entire section on eyes, how to wear colour, catwalk trends, Ava Gardner and Grace Kelly looks.

Hope you've enjoyed this little summery of my favourite beauty reads! 

Fee xo. 
 
SHARE:

Glossybox for Harvey Nichols Luxury Christmas Box!

Glossybox-harvey-nichols-box-2014

Beauty Box haven't been my thing for a while now (too many products I'm not interested in) but come Christmas I'm certain to get tempted by one LE box! This year it's the Glossybox Harvey Nichols Limited Edition Christmas box which is a jam packed box full of high-end beauty treats that's worth it's money and more. 

Before I go raving about the box and it's products I want to point out that this box goes on sale at 12pm today (after it's been offered to people that signed up to be notified between 9-12pm) and will sell-out. Hopefully not within the day, though you never know, so if you do want the box then I would suggest acting fast! Cost wise the Limited Edition Christmas box costs £30 (plus p&p) to Glossybox subscribers and £35 for non-subscribers (plus p&p) here

Now onto the amazing contents of the box...

glossy-box-harvey-nichols-xmas

The Harvey Nichols Limited Edition Glossybox includes... 
 Laura Mercier Foundation Primer (mini)
Dermalogica Overnight Repair Serum (mini)
 Nars Satin Lip Pencil in Rikugien (mini - so close to full size)
Rodial Bee Venom Moisturiser (mini)
 Benefit They're Real Mascara (mini)
Macadamia Hair Oil (mini)
 Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream (mini)
La Coupe Intensive Hair Repair (sachet)
Harvey Nichols Scented Candle (mini - 1 of 4 different scents)
 Show Beauty Hair Product (full size - 1 of  11 different products)
 OPI products (full size - either Viking nail polish or Avoplex Hand Cream)
 Percy & Reed Dry Conditioner (mini - optional I'm thinking as I didn't receive this). 

_____________________________________

As you can see the box reall is crammed packed and actually worth over £150! I personally find this the best beauty box to date with not a single product I don't want to use.... also who can't resist a beauty box with a Nars and OPI product in it! One word - spoilt.

Glossybox-christmas-box-2014

I won't bore you with going into detail about each product and what I like about it. So instead I thought I'd share with you my absolute favourites from the box.

 First up has to be the Nars Satin Lip Pencil (normally £18.00) which is basically a lovely lip crayon in a universal shade (so pleased about this!). The crayon applies easily and has a lovely feel on the lips, as for the shade this makes my lips appear fuller and with more colour - certainly a your-lips-but-better shade. Next up I have to talk about the Show Dry Shampoo (normally £30?!), this isn't a brand I've heard of before but it's certainly a luxe product I liked the look of... also I was eager to see how good a dry shampoo that costs £30 could be. Okay... I'd never buy this for £30, because well that's just madness, but this is easily the nicest dry shampoo tried and it smells of toffee, which lingers in the hair all day! Very pleased it's a large can also. Onto the OPI Viking in Vinter Vonderland Nail Polish (normally £12) this is a beautiful deep purple shade that's perfect for winter and one I will definitely be wearing alone and under some festive glitter nail polishes this Christmas! 

Another surprising favourite with the Harvey Nichols Mini Dining Candle (normally come in a set of 4 for £30) even though I'm obsessed with candles I didn't expect to like this for some reason but the look of the candle is just so stunning and the scent is ideal for burning after dinner - really fresh and clean. Alfter looking at the full set online I now think it will be going on my Christmas list! Last but not least a mini of the ever popular Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream (normally £80 for 50ml - 15ml sample) with oily/combination skin I've just been using this as a night cream and actually felt the difference in my skin after one use - my skin felt so soft! This is hugely pricey full size so it's probably not wise to love it but it's a generous sample and one I can always hunt down on eBay once I've used it up.
_____________________________________

As you may have noticed I didn't include some of the better know products in my favourites, this is because I already own and love a few of them! The Laura Mercier Foundation Primer is a total winner, as is Benefit's They're Real Mascara and the Macadamia Hair Oil is a must when my hair is feeling damaged.

Overall this really is an amazing box that is like Christmas when you open it! Whether you buy this as a Christmas present to yourself (yes, it's so allowed!), split the products for gifts to friends & family or give it to a beauty obsessed friend this Christmas, you certainly won't be let down by this box. As mentioned at the top, the limited edition box will be on sale at 12pm today (17th November) here

What do you think of the box? I'd love to know.

PS. I'm totally loving my larger blog photos! 

Fee xo.

SHARE:

5 Things I've Learnt In The Last Year Of Blogging



Blogging is ever evolving and really so are we as people. So it's only natural if you are a blogger you learn and change things on a monthly basis. Meaning in the last year I've discovered and changed a great deal of things.

As we are nearing the end of the year (I really don't know where this year has gone?!) I thought I'd put down a few things I've learnt and changed when it comes to blogging... as I felt I needed a ramble about blogging!

It's all about the links, bout' the links 
A bit of a boring one to start with but something that's really changed in the world of blogging in the last year. I'm talking sponsored posts. I feel not many blog readers love them (unless they are done well) so I'm sure most will be glad to know they aren't as prevalent. The reason for this was a big change is Google's guidelines this year, meaning all sponsored posts should only include 'no follow links' but as a lot of brands were only paying for sponsored posts for the benefit of 'follow' links they now see no reason for them. Of course if brands are savvy they will see that sponsored posts do open up their products/brands to targeted blog readers... but that's if they value bloggers; most sadly don't. In the past I did make money from sponsored posts (always marking them as sponsored) so I'm now definitely learning new and improved ways of making an income from blogging without the aid of sponsored posts, which I kind of prefer! 


Readers will embrace a mix of posts! 
Over the past few months I've mixed up my beauty posts with a few lifestyle type posts. This is not only refreshing for me to be able to write about other things I love but also you've all really seemed to like them. In fact my recipes posts on Bloglovin' get over 500 likes - crazy! This has taught me that as much as I like a mix of things, so will you. This has really made me enjoy blogging that bit more!



Twitter is actually fun... and a handy tool to use
I've always used Twitter as a tool to promote my blog and a way to chat to people but over the last year I've used it more often and loved it! Joining in with hash tags/chats, especially the #bbloggers one can be so much fun and it's also a great way to find new blogs to read. I've also started to be a bit more savvy in my approach of marketing my new blog posts and found including an image from the blog post makes people more likely to favourite or re-tweet it - a handy little tip. I love rambling to anyone and everyone so if you want to chat (especially about Christmas!) or have any questions really do feel free to tweet or follow me @Makeup_savvy.



PR samples aren't the be-all and end-all of beauty blogging 
For many bloggers feel PR samples are integral to blogging and I can totally see why... blogging about all the latest releases and buying the products yourself can get extremely pricey! But it's important to think about what type of blog you want to have and what your readers will enjoy seeing/reading. From my own stats I know that single product reviews aren't that popular whereas collective blog posts where I feature products I've used and loved for a long time are enjoyed much more. Also storage/collection posts and random ramblings on blogging, such as this post, are also popular. These don't require me hoarding endless PR samples so I don't really feel I need them. Also I'm now aware that if a company do send me products I don't need to review them ASAP or even at all if I don't feel they fit with my blog or wouldn't be interesting in reading about. I feel I could go on all day about how bloggers as a whole could improve on this, though I'm aware I still have a lot to learn myself, so I might just dedicate a blog post to it sometime soon. 


Staying organised really helps 
Being organised isn't a strong point of mine but over the past 6 months I decided to make an effort as a little experiment! Previous to this I would only blog for the day ahead, photograph products without any structure and allow myself to procrastinate endlessly - but I've now managed to change that all around! Grant I'm still an expert at wasting time... generally on Twitter and Youtube, but I created my own Weekly Blogger Planner (you can actually print it out for free here) which has organised my brain no end, now have two set photographing sessions per week (so needed in winter when it goes dark before 4pm) and I'm now just on top of things a lot more. This has reduced stress so much and I'm actually really motivated to blog now. If you're a fellow slow-coach unorganised blogger then I'd highly recommend writing down the areas you fall down in and then how to can change that around, then just start implementing it! It's really as simple as that. 

If you're a blogger I'd be really interested to know what has changed for you this year and what you've learnt! 

PS. Had a total blog makeover! Would love to know what you think of it. 

Fee xo.


SHARE:
Blogger Template Created by pipdig