December Favourites 2017

Merry Christmas everyone, hope you all had a lovely day and got spoiled with lots of presents. Best wishes for the rest of the holiday season!

It’s time for the last monthly favourites of 2017! December and 2017 have zoomed by and I can’t believe we are at the end of another year already. December’s favourites are more of a mixed bag than November’s; I’ve got beauty, skincare, fashion and music.

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. Dua Lipa – I can’t recall where I first heard of Dua and listened to her music but I have been listening to her songs since 2016 before she released her album. On first listen I wasn’t a big fan of the album apart from the singles but I decided to listen to it again a few months ago and something just clicked. Dua’s voice is deep and gravelly and very distinct. I started listening to the album more and more and purchased a physical copy at the end of November. Her songs are catchy and make you want to sing along – one of my top albums of 2017. Standout Tracks: Genesis, Hotter Than Hell, Blow Your Mind (Mwah), New Rules, Begging, Homesick and Last Dance.

2. Dannii For Target Tank Top – I bought this top in 2016 and have been wearing it more recently with the hotter temperatures. It’s a gorgeous mint green colour perfect for summer and the top is nice and flowy. The holes for the arms are quite low cut so I tend to layer a light cardigan type garment over the top to conceal that.

3. The Body Shop Honey and Oat 3 in 1 Face Mask – I bought this face mask all the way back in January in a Body Shop haul. In my Spring Beauty Edit I mentioned I wanted to start using this product more and I’m pleased to say I have been. I alternate between this and a Natio face mask. What I love about this mask is not only how good it smells but how easy and gentle it is. A little goes a long way and you only have to leave the mask on for 5-10 minutes. It’s simple to remove and leaves the skin feeling fresh and clean.

4. Makeup Revolution Ultra Face Base Primer – I have had this primer for over a year but rediscovered it a few weeks ago. When I first purchased it I didn’t notice its benefits and it sat unused. A couple of weeks ago I tried it again to see if it would make my makeup last longer in the heat. I have been using this nearly every time I’ve applied makeup in December and it makes my foundation apply smoother. It’s a silicone based primer and I have been using it with different foundations – it works in conjunction with all of them.

5. Australia – Gangsta Rap – This was one of the first lipsticks I ever bought when I started properly getting into makeup and it is one of my holy grail colours. I would describe Gangsta Rap (awesome name btw) as a magenta-violet similar to MAC’s Violetta. I haven’t tried Violetta but it’s in that bright pinky purple vein. The formula of this lipstick is lovely and creamy and contains Kakadu plum and vitamin C. The lipstick applies evenly and has outstanding pigmentation.

6. Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector – Opal (Mini) – I cannot believe I haven’t mentioned this until now! I have had Opal since February and it is one of my favourite highlighters to wear. The smallest amount of product is all you need and I can see this mini size lasting a while. The gold colour isn’t stark against pale skin and would suit a range of skin tones.

Best of 2017 playlist:

---

What were your favourite things in December?

Follow me:

Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

August Favourites 2016

Howdy everyone! Month number eight done and dusted! August has flown by super fast and I’ve been crazy busy (but a good busy) with travel, loads of new experiences and starting a new job. I’ve still found the time to round up my favourite things from August and I hope you enjoy!

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. Alan Carr – Yap, Yap, Yap! – The whole reason I went up to stay with my brother in the first place was to see Alan Carr live. I have loved and watched Chatty Man for years (though I don’t think it’s as good as it used to be) and I’m so glad I got to see him in person. He was very funny and even though I was in Row R, I still had a great view of him and the stage. There was lots of audience interaction and he was so appreciative that everyone had come to see him. I would definitely go to see him again!

2. Rimmel Day 2 Night Mascara – I purchased this mascara back in March but I didn’t start wearing it until July. I’ve been using it for almost two months now and for $10, it’s pretty good! Rimmel mascaras are my favourite anyway because the wands have proper bristles instead of plastic, silicone ones. I like the packaging of this mascara, it’s sleek and the bright pink means it won’t get lost in your makeup bag. For daytime, I’ve really been enjoying wearing two coats of just the length mascara, the wand is quite small but it’s perfect for getting into the bottom lashes. If I want volume as well, I will use both formulas but sometimes the lashes can stick together if I haven’t let them dry long enough between coats. To combat this I go in with the volume first because it is a thicker formula. I still prefer Scandaleyes Lycra Flex over this but it is a decent mascara and I wouldn’t rule out buying it again.

3. Iconic 2 Eyeshadow Palette – I ordered this palette in May as part of my Feel Unique & Makeup Revolution Haul and it took me almost two months to start using it, terrible I know! I got it around the time I lost my job at the pharmacy and I wasn’t wearing a lot of makeup for about a month so it sat there for a little while. When I did delve into this palette and start using it I was super impressed! This palette is predominantly shimmers which I like because I don’t have many of them already and I do like a sparkly eye! The pigmentation is really nice, fallout is minimal and the colours are gorgeous. If you’re undecided about getting the Naked 2 palette, give this dupe a go because I’m sure you will love it!

4. Derma V10 Strawberry Body Sorbet – This is another product I purchased back in March which I have been using since finishing up The Body Shop’s Brazil Nut body butter. The packaging reminds me of a yoghurt pot which is so cute and this smells absolutely divine! It’s a sweet strawberry but it’s not too sweet or overpowering, it’s subtle and blends into the skin nicely. The formula of this product is not what you’d expect, it’s light and almost feels whipped like a mousse. Application is easy, a little bit goes a long way and this doesn’t leave you feeling greasy or sticky while you’re waiting for it to soak in. A very well spent $3 in my opinion!

5. Dannii For Target Coated Leggings – Earlier this month I shared a clothing haul and these leggings were one of the items featured. The very first time I tried them on they felt incredibly comfortable, almost like a second skin. The length is perfect and the coated texture gives them wow factor and sets them apart from normal leggings. I have worn these a couple of times now and I’m a huge fan! They can be worn casually with a t-shirt and jumper or more dressed up if you’re going out. I’ve christened these my rock chick pants!

6. Revlon Lip Butter – Sweet Tart – I was meant to be being good and not buy lip products for a while but I just couldn’t resist! I spotted this lip butter and had to take it home with me. Sweet Tart is such an adorable and appropriate name for this Barbie pink shade. Barbie pink may sound scary but it’s really not. Sweet Tart is bright without being in your face and adds a pretty warmth to the lips. It has reignited my love for the lip butters and made me want three more… Oops!

August’s Spotify Playlist:

This month celebrates one year since I started making these playlists and posting them alongside my favourites. This playlist features some of my favourite artists of new and old.

What’s In My Suitcase?

Happy Monday! As you’re reading this, it’s my second day in Auckland and I will be getting ready to see Alan Carr! I don’t travel and go away and take breaks very often which means I don’t get to take lots of beautiful scenic pictures or share posts about travel. Today, I’m going to be sharing the contents of my suitcase as well as a few tips and tricks when it comes to packing.

The Suitcase

At the end of March I purchased a new suitcase and this is my first chance to use it. My suitcase is made by IT Luggage and features an embossed Paris design. I love the bright pink colour and the cute design! IT Luggage have other trolleycases with cities on them as well. I have seen a London one which I did want but there were none left and I thought being white, it would mark more easily. This range of cases comes in three sizes and I have the smallest, which has a 44 litre capacity. A huge selling point of this case is the 10 year warranty, if it breaks or anything else happens, I’m covered.

Features:

• H 49cm x W 37.5 cm x D 24cm
• Ultra strong ABS shell
• Soft touch ergonomic handles
• 360 degree 4 wheel spinner
• Smooth and silent 50mm wheels
• Fully lined interior

Contents of My Suitcase

The Outfits:

I have planned out my outfits for each of the four days I’m away and I’ve gone for a mix of casual, stylish and practical pieces. It’s easier to show you what I plan to wear each day instead of trying to explain it. In addition to the pieces shown above I have: a puffa jacket, a parka, 3/4 sleeve tops for days 2 and 3, Skechers and Diana Ferrari boots. (Can we also just take a minute to note the bulk of these outfits are made up of pieces from Dannii Minogue’s Petites range). *grins*

In addition to clothing:

• My Zoella beauty pouch will be used as a little medicine bag and have my asthma inhalers, antihistamines, ibuprofen, plasters etc. in case of emergencies.
• A box of Tetley tea bags as a present for my brother. I am renowned for my tea making skills and these made me giggle when I bought them.
• Panda pyjamas.
• Toiletries.
• Headphones and phone charger.
• Last but not least, my makeup bag. (Wednesday’s post will be a What’s In My Makeup Bag?)

Packing Tips & Tricks

1. Book flights as early as possible. Ticket prices are generally cheaper a couple of months before you fly. You may even be able to save more money if you get an early morning flight.
2. Think about transport and how you’re going to get around where you’re going. For example, I purchased a transport card that can be used on buses and trains and will come in handy when I visit Auckland in the future too.
3. Purchase a padlock for your luggage so people won’t be able to get into it. There are padlocks with number combinations but you don’t want to forget the combination or have someone else figure it out so my advice would be to get one that opens with a key. Keep the keys in separate places in case you lose one.
4. Make a list of everything you need. Vivianna Does Makeup even has a PDF to guide you!
5. Put a luggage tag on your bag or suitcase so if someone has the same luggage as you, you will be able to identify yours easily.
6. Think how your bag is going to be positioned (upright or lying flat) and try to place items so they won’t leak, break, smash or get squashed.
7. Wear bulky clothing items on the flight so you have more room inside your suitcase.
8. Leave room in your suitcase/hand luggage in case you do any shopping – you don’t want to run out of space.

---

Do you have any packing tips? Is there something you always travel with? Perhaps you’ve had a travel disaster? Leave a comment below!