Two Faced Natural Eyes Palette | Beauty

I bloody love an eye shadow palette and oh boy did I go through a stage of buying ALL OF THEM. In fact when I moved to Florence I realised I had a bit of a problem, but I have never tried any Too Faced products before until I stumbled on this gorgeous Natural Eyes palette.

The first thing that drew me to the Natural Eyes palette was that it is very compact and in a metal tin so it's so easy just to throw in you bag to take away with you and you don't have to worry about it getting damaged. I have always been a fan of glitter/shimmer shades but I haven't really played around with the matte shades until I bought this palette. As you can see Natural Eyes has a fantastic range of nude and chocolately shimmery shades so I was definitely a fan. The palette actually comes with a little leaflet to help create the perfect eye look but even if you look at the layout of the pan it's pretty self explanatory. 

You have 9 shades in this Too Faced palette which is broken up into 3 looks, Day, Classic and Fashion, you start left to right so the bigger pans are for all over the eye lid etc. Or you can be a little rebel, like I know you are, and just mix whatever shades you want!  I really love the simplicity of the Natural Eyes palette. If I am going for a super natural day look I definitely use Heaven and Cashmere Bunny, I think it creates the most perfect sultry look for me. I tend not to use Sexspresso because I use liquid eyeliner on my top lid anyway so there isn't much point in using it on my lash line. I also think Push-Up and Silk Teddy really gorgeous shimmery shades and use them if I want to add a bit of sparkle. Honey Pot is beautiful but it leans toward a more orange tone which doesn't always work for my skin tone, though perhaps with a tan it would be great.  

The shades in the Natural Eyes palette are super pigmented but can blend out really easily too so I think it's a palette that is just so easy to fall in love with.  The mirror isn't huge, like you can't do a full face of make up but you can totally do you eyes and eyebrows in it or use it for a quick touch up half way through the day. 

This Natural Eyes does retail for around £32 which could be argued that it is a little pricey but I think the fact it comes in a tin and has 9 really wearable shades, it's worth it, like I don't use any other palettes now. In terms of longevity of the shadows, I think they last really well, especially the matte shades, there is a bit of fall out with some of the shimmers, but I mean, name a shimmer shadow that doesn't have a little fall out, it's to be expected! Overall, love, love, love this eye shadow palette. 

What is your go to eye shadow palette?

Merry Christmas

I mean, no one is gonna read this because you'll either be drunk or spending time with the family or both! However I always post on a Sunday and so I'm not stopping now. I can't explain how happy I am to be at home for Christmas and knowing that I will be staying in England after. 

So eat everything, drink everything, laugh always.

Merry Christmas!!

Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir | Beauty

Pomegranate Noir, I mean, can this sound any more delicious? Of course, we are talking about the popular Jo Malone fragrance. If you read my recent fragrance post you will know that I am still discovering my fave scent but I am a huge fan of Jo Malone and typically really love the Peony and Blush Suede scent. 

I have seen Pomegranate Noir pop up recently on a few different blogger's Instagram feeds and I must admit I really loved the sound of this scent, kinda fruity but a bit dark! The website firmly places this scent in the fruity category, so when I went into my local store, I just went straight to it. I sprayed it on the card when I should have sprayed it on my arm but on the card you could really pick up the other fruity scents, but there was a real spiciness to it that I totally wasn't expecting but in nice warm, mulled wine, kind of way. I opted for the smaller bottle, because we all know how bloody fickle I can be with my fragrances. 

When I got home and sprayed it on my I realised just how deep and spicy it actually is. There is something about Pomegranate Noir that when it touches your skin, the really deep woody notes are released, along with the spicy pink pepper. I think these two elements really make it a little masculine but the fruitiness kinda brings it back to a slightly more feminine, it's said to have raspberry notes which personally I can't smell but I can definitely pick up on the pulm notes. It is more masculine than what I would usually wear but I think it goes perfectly with the weather. I would say that if you like floral or light scents you need to step away from Pomegranate Noir, this scent is not for you dear. 

I'm really glad I picked this up, it's such a lovely winter scent that when I put it on I instantly feel a bit festive and ready for Christmas. I actually think it would smell great as a candle too! 

What is your favourite winter scent?

The Christmas Playlist | Lifestyle

As you are reading this post I am in fact getting myself ready for a 2 day car ride back to England from Florence with my dad! I'm not gonna lie, I am bloody looking forward to it and I mean, who wouldn't love a road trip!! 

As we will be arriving in England just before Christmas, you best believe I'm gonna have my playlist ready, though somehow I don't think my Dad with enjoy it quite as much when I am singing along at the top of my lungs...awks! So I am just gonna link below 5 of my fave Christmas songs ever!   


Driving Home for Christmas  - Chris Rhea 
Well this one just had to make it in really, ever since I knew that my dad was picking me up I have had it on a constant loop in my head! It's just one of those songs that everyone can relate to because everyone works on Christmas Eve, doctors and nurses work Christmas day and once that shift is done is there any better feeling than knowing you are going home? 

Last Christmas - Wham
Now guys...this is my JAM!! Like don't even test me, I know all the words and have mimed singing to it a thousand times. I love the dramatic heartbreak of this song and again we've all be there, in love with someone and the POOF  year goes by and you aren't with them. To be honest I also really love the moody video!

All I want For Christmas Is You- Mariah Carey 
I mean, do you even REALLY need me to explain this one? Every girl thinks they are Mariah when it comes on and thinks they can hit those high notes when in reality they sound like a bunch of cats fighting but do we care....eh...no! It's super happy and upbeat, it's everything you want in a Christmas song

Merry Christmas  Everyone - Shakin' Stevens
Oh I've gone a bit old skool with this one and quite frankly I don't give a damn! If this song can't crack a smile or make you want to shuffle along with it, you my friend are dead inside, but you're lucky, I'm feeling festive so I'll like you anyway! 

Fairytale of New York - The Pogues
What a song to end on, it's raw and aggressive it's got a couple who have clearly been together too long but the sentiment is there. It's a little something for the realists out there who are fed up with the tinsel and sparkle who just want to say Merry Christmas in their own way.  

There we have 5 of my fave Christmas songs! 

What is your ALL TIME fave Christmas tune? 

NYX Lip Lingerie | Beauty

There has been a lot of buzz around the NYX Lip Lingerie lipsticks in the beauty blogger bubble and guys, you know me by now I am of course late to the party as usual but I feel like I have a legit excuse this time...the fact is I never ever wear matte lip products...now can you understand my avoidance? 

I feel like NYX is a brand I only started hearing more about last year, all of a sudden they were popping up all over the place. The brilliant thing about NYX products are that they're a fantastic price, for the quality of the product. I have in fact tried the NYX Butter Glosses  which I was pretty much obsessed with especially that Creme Brulee shade so I knew that this one would be good. 

If you guys didn't know, I'm a massive nude lip fan, I don't like anything bold on my lips because I am all about the eyes, so something simple, yet sexy, on my lips works perfect for me. I feel like NYX offer a really great range of nude lipsticks/glosses which is why I reached for the Lip Lingeries without even realising they were matte. I will say I feel that the colour in the tube looks a little different to the actual colour of the product and looks COMPLETELY different to how it photgraphs. I ended up with Bedtime Flirt...I'm a sucker for a fun name, but in my pictures it looks to have very strong orange undertones which it really doesn't. Don't get me wrong, this does have a more brown undertone than most nudes but I would say it is a bit more pink in real life. I picked this shade because I really wanted to go for a "my lips but better look" plus considering I have never worn matte lip products before it wouldn't matter too much if I forget to reapply or it wipes off when I am eating. 

I found using the product super easy because the applicator is quite long so just little swipes and you're pretty much done. I found the Lip Lingerie didn't dry too quickly, it gave you enough time to pat it into your lip and clear up any mistakes really easily. Once dry, it didn't feel uncomfortable, I was aware I was wearing a matte product but it didn't feel like my lips were too dry or too stiff. In terms of longevity, if you're eating, it's gonna come off, probably because I obsessively wipe my mouth after every bite, but if you are having drinks or whatever I found this lasts really well, even when drinking straight from the glass.

Overall, I am in love with this NYX Lip Lingerie!! All I need to do now, is try out more shades!! 

Have you tried out this NYX product? 

Favourite Things About Christmas | Lifestyle

Christmas was stolen from me last year in Florence and this year I am going home so I just wanted to tell you my absolute fave things about the festive season, starting with...

Glass of Champagne...
Oh that's a bit flash isn't it? But for like the last 5 years, I buy a bottle of champagne nothing too crazy expensive and I share it with my family at Christmas lunch time and I just love sitting on the sofa, sipping my little glass of champers looking at the twinkly Christmas tree lights

The Dinner...
I mean, it's like a Sunday dinner but 100 times better because it has pigs in blankets, crackers, a thousand different sauces. It's just perfect. I also love the wait for the dinner, like you can smell it, it's amazing and you know it's coming but the anticipation is almost too much to handle...hence the little champers whilst I wait!

Dad's Christmas breakfast...
My dad always does a Christmas breakfast, kind of like a fry up but with different bits and pieces, basically I'm just obsessed with the food at Christmas, it's carby, it's meaty and it's like comfort food to another level. He always has a drop of port as well, in remembrance of my Grandad, but let's not get too sentimental here.

Christmas Drinks...
I love all the random meet ups in the lead up for Christmas, all the work events, all the diners with your close pals all to celebrate Christmas. It kinda gives you a warm fuzzy feeling inside. Also everyone is in like the best mood, being in London is great at this time of year as well, there is something quite wonderful about seeing a drunk Santa Claus on your train as it gently rocks him to sleep. 

Decorations...
It's an obvious one but all the warm colours of the tinsel and the sparkly baubles just gets me all heart-eyed emoji at everything. I love buying decorations for my parents tree, in fact I would buy new everything every year if I could. I must admit, next year, I am looking forward to having my own little tree for me to fuss over. 

So basically it's food, drink and social occasions that make me happy! It's the simple things ay! 

Tell me at least one of your favourite things about Christmas?

Lancome Visionnaire Nuit : Update | Beauty

It's about time I gave you guys an update on my Lancome Visionnaire Nuit product. I actually purchased this in August because I realised how haggard my face looked and decided I need to so something to try and save it, I wrote about my first impressions but it's definitely a good time to give you my end result feedback. 

Now you guys know I don't do the whole face on the blog thing, so don't expect any before or after pictures, you know I don't want to scare you off with my troll like features. I do just want to explain my experience with Visionnaire Nuit though. I think at first, I was bloody obsessed with it, wore it every night literally smothered myself in the stuff and my skin definitely looked nice but it made it a bit oily if I'm honest and I was using so much that I would wake up and it was still very much on my skin. Then I stopped using it, I really got out of the habit, it's hard to remember to do it every night and if you have people coming over you don't want to suffocate them with the granny smell that Visionnaire Nuit definitely has you can't use it. Also, when I am drunk the LAST thing I want to do is faff with skincare.

However when I started using it again, I decided that I wouldn't use it every night instead I would on use it after I had done a face mask to give my skin a bit of moisture. I probably put a facemask on twice a week at the moment, and I'm using a clay mask which I am kind of obsessed with. I have mentioned before that I am really fussy with my skincare because I used to have horrific acne so I try not to use to many products on my face. I found that after I did my facial regime using Visionnaire Nuit complimented it really well. I also reduced the amount of product I use as well so my skin can absorb what it needs to. 

Let's get down to the results ay, basically this cream/gel/oil is not a miracle worker but on the other hand my skin is pretty bad with all the acne scars etc BUT it has without a doubt reduced my wrinkles I had on my forehead between my brows. I have quite a prominent frown line and it's quite deep but it has definitely been reduced, you can still see it but I don't think it looks as harsh now. Also the night after using Visionnaire Nuit my skin looks all fresh and full of life so I'm really happy with it. 

I would definitely repurchase though it is on the pricey side, so I'm trying to make this jar last as long as possible. 

What are your holy grail anti aging products? 

Moving back to the UK | Lifestyle

Ahhhhh can you believe it? I'm moving back to the UK after just over a year of being in the beautiful Florence. In all honesty, it has been the most amazing and intense year of my life and I have no regrets what so ever!

I think today I just wanted to have a chat about how I came around to the idea of moving back because it's probably a little out of the blue. In fact a lot of people were suprised at work. When I first came to Florence everyone was so shocked and surprised that I just up and left, but I had always argued that it just felt right. It was the right thing to do at the time so the decision and move was so easy for me! You guys might know, around 8 months into my move into Florence I became overwhelmingly homesick, I still don't know what triggered it, I tried so many things so get around it but it was always there. The sky wasn't as blue any more, the colours weren't as vivid, Florence just became muted and dormant.

I was also bloody lonely, I missed everyone and every detail about them. The only thing that would make me feel better was the thought of them coming to see me or the thought of going back home! There were of course other factors like work, this has a huge impact on my decision but I would never go into detail about that on my blog, it's not professional but it played a very big part for me. Even my apartment and it's unforgiving cold stone floors were getting to me, I just felt like I couldn't settle.

It just feels like the right time to be home with everyone I love, start my new chapter, start a new job, go back to the eternal heartbeat of London. Life can be so fun but if you can't share some moments with others, then it just gets a little sad. Also, I am bloody fed up with flat sharing, admittedly I am going to have to move back in with my rents so a little while but still, I can't wait to have my own space to just faff around with. 

Don't get me wrong I have a few people who I am really going to miss but I know that Florence isn't the right place for me. This will also mean I am likely to increase the amount of blog posts per week which will make me personally very happy, as my blog has definitely been neglected quite badly. 

There we have it, just a little life update so you know what's going on...

Sarah Happ Lip Scrub | Beauty

So Lip Scrub is a thing! I feel like this year with the Kylie Jenner over hyped lips, I have seen every huge beauty blogger using lip scrub before they apply the ultra matte liquid lipsticks. I however never really got into the matte trend, I love a nude lip and I love a creamy nude lip but matte just seems a little too much for me, considering most of my make up is kinda dewy anyway so a matte lip looks a little odd. 

However I think everyone can agree that lip care is like super important, we've all been there when we are a little lazy an forget the ol' lip balm and then you go to smile and your lip bloody cracks...the pain! Personally, I always sleep in lip balm so that I don't spend the day reapplying and then licking it off then needed to use more as I think this creates a bigger problem. I went to a work event in October and got a whole bunch of freebies and this Sara Happ Lip Scrub was one of them so I thought I would give it ago and see what all the fuss is about. 

I have to mention the scent, oh my god, Midnight Blueberry was everything I hoped it would be, smelled divine and I wanted to eat the damn thing, but you can't (booo).I must admit it did feel a little weird when I first used it because the skin on your lips is actually quite delicate and here I am using something so abrasive on it, but I tried to be a little gentle. Once you rub it all over your lips you need to remove it with some tissue, it doesn't have an unpleasant taste but it does have a kind of cosmetic zing to it. First thing I noticed was that my lips kinda felt a bit tingly, it doesn't have anything in it to make them tingle but they just felt a little weird for like 5 mins. Then I noticed that my lips looked actually quite plump, amazing! I don't have flat lips but my top lip is a little meh but after using the Sara Happ product I could kind see why now all the girls have a scrub in their lip care regime. It was really good a removing some dry skin on my lips for sure. 

I will probably use this lip scrub every now and then, for me I just can't get my head around using such an abrasive product on my lips, but I would say that if you do already use lip scrubs then you need to check out Sara Happ products, they even have a Red Velvet Cake scented one which smells delicious. I would say it was a little on the pricer side and I know that Lush does a range of lip scrubs that are a little friendlier on the ol' purse. 

What are your thoughts on lip scrubs?

Things that make me smile | Lifestyle

Basically, I'm grumpy as hell lately and sometimes I need to remind myself of the little things day to day that might make me smile...

Gifs...
I mean, I can pretty much hold an entire conversation with gifs alone, they are just so damn funny and also random! You can find one to fit any mood!

Christmas Songs...
Yeah before someone moans, I know I am a bit early, it's not even December yet, blah, blah, blah but last year I was by myself ok and this year I will be back in England so I'm getting myself all festive now. In fact, I have a little life update for ya next week so look out on Sunday! 

Trail mix...
Peanuts, cashews, almonds, raisins and m&m's what more could a gal ever want...ever...ok maybe a French bulldog but until I can get that I will stick with the trail mix

Autumnal Colours...
Just UGH!!!! I swear autumn seems to get prettier and prettier each year and I don't quite know why but I am loving it! You simply cannot beat that cold chill in the air, with bright blue skies and golden leaves! Every damn walk down the street is an Instagram moment.

Phone calls...

I really love having a good chat and you know what I love even more is that my pals are literally always there for me. I can call my dear at like midnight and she will pick up. Even speaking with my dad daily makes me happy because it's just nice to check in and hear what's going on back in the UK. 

Name one thing that has made you smile recently?

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream | Beauty

First Aid Beauty is one that again I haven't really heard of but I feel like I have seen the brand around. This is another product I go free at an event, basically I got a whole goodie bag filled with beauty products so I though I would just write about them because I wanted to start getting beauty back on the blog! I am talking about the newly released Ultra Repair Cream and just give you guys my first impression.

I must admit, I'm a bit of a lazy moisturiser like, sometimes I either can't be bothered or just don't have time. I mean don't get me wrong I exfoliate with my little gloves everyday but the whole process of waiting for the product to absorb into your skin is just too much some times. I always moisturise after I have had a wax because obviously it's a shock to the skin so I try and nourish it a bit. This being said I struggle to find a product that I really like. I don't really have dry skin but I always buy products for dry skin because I feel it just give my skin a bit of a boost.

I got two tubs of this Ultra Repair cream and when I gave it a little smell I bloody fell in love, for some reason it just reminds me of sherbet, that sugary sweet but a little zingy kinda scent, on the packaging it says it's a vanilla and citron scent which is probably a better way to describe it than what I just have. It's actually for intense hydration and can be used on eczema which I think is fab! When I think of eczema products I think of god awful thick creams that smell vile, I don't suffer from eczema but in the past I have had a little when I was on skin medication. 

As you can see the product is super thick and creamy and I guess you would expect it to be a little heavy on the skin, well you are wrong my friend, it's almost weightless. In fact when I scooped out the cream I was so surprised, it almost has a whipped texture to it and melts into the skin! First Aid Beauty, I am bloody obsessed with this product, you don't have to wait ages for it to dry it just does the job. I don't have any problems with my skin so actually I can't comment on whether it does help with other skin conditions but if you just have normal to fractionally dry skin like me then give this product a go.   

The First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream probably isn't one used use daily, but every now and then when your skin needs a bit of a pick me up, you should try it out.

What are your favourite skincare products?

Finding the perfect Fragrance | Lifestyle

Fragrance is a tricky one right? I growing up I long to be one of those girls who carries around a little bottle to spritz every now and then but my problem was finding something I actually liked. 

Even when I was young, perfume of some sort would be on my Christmas list and not because I actually liked it or that I had ever smelled it before but because I liked the adverts or it was in Elle magazine and I so desperately wanted to be as sophisticated as the women in Elle. For the first few days of having the perfume I would spray it and then about a week later I would hate it. The problem is I find so many fragrances just to strong and chemically. All the popular fragrances in Boots seemed to smell the same, too sweet or too bitter. My best dear Vernia loves a scent, that girl is always spritzing and always smells incredible, she has a very good nose for scents. So this year I thought, you know what I am just going to go on a proper hunt and I'm dragging her with me.

I went back to the UK in March and met Vernia in London and we went into a Jo Malone store so we could have a little smell. Let's face it Jo Malone has reached cult status in the blogging world so of course I tried some scents that my fave bloggers liked but they just didn't suit me. I would smell one, give it to Vernia and she would give me her opinion, we spent quite a lot of time there but I genuinely wanted to try everything because I fee that Jo Malone has a lot of unique scents that aren't stereotypically women's or men's if you know what I mean. I ended up settling on Peony and Blush Suede which in itself just sounds like a bloggers dream but the reason why I picked this one was because it wasn't too over the top with floral scents or too sweet or too heavy it was just right, sounding a bit like Goldilocks there aren't I? I opted to buy the smaller version of the bottle because I just know what I am like. 

Once I started using it I loved it and then a week later I started to hate it. I was so annoyed because I was sure that this would be my scent...so I just carried on using it, but I started adding it to my bed sheets or just putting it on my clothes as opposed to wearing it on my skin and then I started falling in love with it again. I think my problem is that I need to get used to the scent, I needed to find my way of wearing it and the next thing I knew I had used the entire bottle so it was time for an upgrade.  

I think when finding the fragrance that's right for you, don't look at the ads, don't look at what everyone else is wearing just use your nose, spend 20 mins in Jo Malone smelling every product, go to Boots and try everything, try something unique like the Library of Fragrance scents. 

What is your favourite scent?

SheaMoisture Shampoo and Conditioner | Beauty

SheaMoisture is a brand I have never heard of before, I picked it up in the US as a freebie but you can get some SheaMoisture products from Boots I wanted to share with you my thoughts on the shampoo and conditioner from the Fruit Fusion range.

I always feel that it's so hard finding a good shampoo and conditioner for fine hair, because most products really cling to my hair weighing it down and just making it look super flat. Another thing that doesn't help my hair is that I was it too frequently which means I strip the natural oils from it making it very greasy even after one day, I can't bear to have dirty looking hair. The first thing I noticed about the SheaMoisture shampoo and conditioner was that it's for fine, wavy curly hair...like that's 3 different types of hair all needing different types of products, curly hair tends to be drier a needs deep conditioning, I would never be able to use the same products on my fine hair. This said, I was still super excited to give it a go. 

The thing that I really love about these SheaMoisture products is that they are so conscious to the planet, I mean look at the list of things these products don't have, no added nasties that we have just become used to having in all of our hair and skin products. Not only this, on the side of the bottles it's proudly listed that it's a family owned and operated company, that the ingredients that are used are fairtrade and sustainably sourced and points out again that they are cruelty free, I mean this company is seriously talking to the millennial in me, like who wouldn't want to try this out?

I was obsessed with the scent, because though it has coconut water in it and you know I bloody hate coconut scents, you really can't tell it. There are subtle undertones but the fruity and vibrant scent wins and I love it. I actually wash my hair backwards with conditioner first and then shampoo and with my conditioner I only put it on the ends, never on the scalp because it would never wash out of my hair, I learned this mistake long ago

When I first used it my hair looked and smelled incredible only after one use, I was so happy and telling people about it. However my excitement didn't last long. Every time since I have washed my hair which is probably about 20 times now my hair feels awful, the product doesn't properly wash out of my hair an leaves it looking so greasy. When I try to use less, it doesn't actually wash my hair so whilst I don't have any product left in it, it hasn't cleaned my hair properly so when I dry it, it still looks a bit dull and dirty. I just think that the shampoo doesn't work well with my hair and it's so disappointing. 

Moving onto the conditioner though, this is the real winner here, it is super thick and super creamy, it feels luxurious. This conditioner I can so get on board with and doesn't stay in my hair at all  it washes out perfectly and definitely leaves my ends feeling smooth. The scent is exactly the same as the shampoo and I love using it in the morning I just wish the shampoo worked with my hair. I would totally try more from this SheaMoisture as they have such a lovely history behind the brand. 

Have you used any SheaMoisture products before?

Papyrus Greeting Cards | Lifestyle

I'm sorry but let me start by saying that I am addicted to cards, I have always loved finding unique or different designs. One of my all time favourite brands for this stuff without a doubt is Papyrus. 

I was recently at an event of which they were sponsoring as well and got talking to the girls, I explained how much loved their quirky designs and that I have been purchasing from them for absolute years and so the girl gave me a whole bunch of cards. Of course they were for free, but she didn't know I had a blog so this post definitely isn't sponsored. I don't know what it is about giving people cards that I love so much. The thing is, I fully know you can sometimes pay a lot for something that is looked at for a week and then discarded in a draw to be forgotten so I get why people go to cheaper shops because the sentiment is still the same regardless of the price. But for my, nothing compares to someone opening up a card they expect to see something generic and get they get something bedazzled in jewels or smothered in glitter telling them that the are AMAZING and this is where Papyrus steps in. 

Papyrus is a brand that has been around for a long time now, but I still kind of feel it's a bit understated which is odd because the cards are so in your face how could you miss them. The thing is they aren't you stereotypical "Happy Birthday" type of cards, like hat killer heel boot is a birthday card telling the person to have a Fierce birthday, now that's my kinda card. It's got studs, it's got leather and is has a heel, what more could a gal want. My friends and family are anything but generic so why would I give them a boring card? It's this reason alone why Papyrus is my go to brand or even Moonpig depending on the person or occasion.  Fun fact about Papyrus they are actually an American brand, I had no idea and totally thought they were British or European. 

I feel like I don't tell people enough how much I bloody love 'em so I am definitely going to use some of these little cards to send back home to remind them! 

Do you still like sending cards or are you all about the gifts?

L'Oréal Superliner Eyeliner | Beauty

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love liquid eyeliner, in the last 10 years I have rarely gone a day without it! My favourite for many years has always been the L'Oréal Superliner, I have been buying just the standard version of this product for so long because it wears incredibly well and always looks good.

A big fat "HOWEVER" has to be said now as my fave was sold out, this is mainly because I live in Italy and the beauty shops I go in rarely restock the L'Oréal counters which is damn annoying! This meant that I had to try out a different Superliner which I thought couldn't be THAT bad, it's part of the same range so should just be fractionally different..oh boy was I wrong. I picked up the Superliner from the Black Lacquer range and it's waterproof.

Firstly, when I applied this liner I immediately felt it on my eyelids, it was uncomfortable it felt like every time I blinked it was tacky, I was just so conscious of it all the time. It was almost like there was no movement of the liner it was like I was wearing a sticker on my eyelid. The second and probably most important was that this product wears terribly! Considering it's water proof, I found it leaving weird marks on my eye socket from where my eyes are open! Like I don't have over oily eyelids, but this eyeliner transfers so badly to the point I would have to wipe my eyes several times during the day which is so rubbish.

I was so disappointed with this product, it was a massive waste of my money, I didn't even want to wear it because I didn't want to rub of my eye shadow and actually left the house a few times without the liquid eyeliner on which is a big deal to me.

Sorry L'Oreal, this eyeliner is bad...on every level.

What products have you been disappointed with?

Girl On The Train | Book

I haven't written about a book for a very long time and I know that Girl On The Train is a book that everyone has read but I have only just got around to it and I kinda wanted to share my thoughts not only on this novel but the hype that surrounds these types of books.

It took me a very long time to pick this up, in fact Girl On The Train I feel was released around the same kind of time as Gone Girl I think and I read Gone Girl, in fact I inhaled the damn thing and loved it! However when I saw Girl On A Train I just felt like it was too similar to the other one for me to be interested even though I know the plots are complete different, like I get that.

The problem is I waited far too long to read the book, everyone told me I should read it and then the film is soon to be released and my god there is just so much hype that I caved and bought it in an airport. I have been told how utterly amazing the book is, my expectations were high but it wasn't only it was that I knew a twist was coming and I knew it was supposed to be great. It was the latter point which ruined the novel for me because with every page I turned I kept thinking oh there's a twist but I know there will be another coming soon so I was literally awaiting for something amazing or shocking to happen.

Let me break it down a bit though, the book is written really bloody well, I simply adored the characters and their darkness. I also really liked that the novel was written from 3 different people's perspectives, I love multiple narratives! The book is good, with other a doubt but I hate it when it gets so over hyped that it takes all the mystery out of it for the reader! I love deep, complex books and in order for them to remain complex you need to keep an air of mystery about it. With Gone Girl I literally had no expectation that it would be that good and when the film came out I had to go an see it just to see the film makers adaptation of it. However I have no urge whatsoever to see Girl On The Train purely because I know what's coming and I believe it'll be filmed in a very similar way to Gone Girl and I just have no need to see it now.

Overall, fantastic book but if you're gonna read it just don't have your expectations too high, stop thinking about the twist and just focus on each page as and when it arrives!

What are your thoughts on cult books? Does the hype ruin or add to your enjoyment?

Yes To Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Wipes | Beauty

Just a couple of points to note before we go too deep into this post, yes oh yes, this is a beauty post which means it's making a slight comeback to my blog as I try and increase my posts to twice a week! Second thing, before we all go crazy that I'm writing about a face wipe and they are the worst thing in the world in beauty land...we all use them, they're quick and easy so let's not pretend here guys!

So today I'm doing a little review on these Yes To Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Facial Wipes, I was actually given these for free as they came in a goodie bag I received for sponsoring an event. I personally haven't tried any of the Yes To products but I know they have quite a wide range which include a variety of different facial wipes. Obviously the first thing I noticed was that the wipes are actually black, the little goth girl inside me squealed when I realised! It's quite a quirky idea especially because I don't think I have seen any facial wipe that is anything other than white.

We all know the amazing properties of charcoal on our skin, a lot of facial masks have this product included in them, charcoal really gets into your pours for a deep clean and almost extracts some of the toxins on your face. However Yes To has added it to their wipes, as well as the super veggie (or fruit) that is tomatoes, in fact 95% of these wipes are made with natural ingredients which is obviously gonna be way better than using a standard wipe.

The first time I used the wipe I tried to remove my eye make up, it was rubbish like these wipes are not designed to remove eye make up! I do wear a lot of mascara and liquid eyeliner but it would take a lot of rubbing to my eyes to remove all my eye make up so I would definitely recommend not using these on your eyes. But when I started using them on my face that's where things got interesting and a little grosse! Basically because the wipes are black you can actually see all the dead skins cells on the wipe which was disgustingly fascinating. There is no doubt about it my skin definitely felt very clean after using these wipes, more so than any other wipe I have used in the past which I think it really impressive. The scent of these wipes is a little unusual, it is pleasant but it's kinda earthy but not too powerful so it's nice.

The reality is you should never just rely on facial wipes to cleanse your face but adding these to your already good skincare routine I personally think isn't such a bad thing! I use them to take my facial make up after the day and then use my Liz Earle cleanser or put a face mask on.

Have you tried these facial wipes? What are your favourite Yes To products?

5 things I've learned about myself this year | Lifestyle

I quite like doing these "5 things" posts and what with it being my birthday recently I have found there are just a few things that I have learned and accepted about myself! Let's jump right into it with the first one and probably the most obvious one but...

I love wearing black...
No seriously, I'm obsessed! More often than not I wear black on black every single day and you know what, I'm totally fine with it! Yes people will comment and some will moan but I feel confident and I like playing around with different textures! For example, I may wear black jeans with a black silk top, with suede ankle boots and a cashmere pashmina! It's literally 50 shades of black but the textures break it up a bit! I also feel like you can play around with accessories more of different colours because it makes shades such as blue or red pop just that little bit more.

I'm tall but I love wearing really high heels...
This one has been a pain point for me for several years! I have always loved wearing heels but over time I got out of the habit because guys I dated didn't like me taller than them or I felt bad about being literally 6ft around my 5ft nothing pals! However I went to America recently for work and in my meetings I wore nothing but heels and you know what I kinda liked it!! I loved strutting around New York in my heels, I felt super confident and I'm kind of fed up with apologising for being tall, so I'm not gonna anymore! And just a point to guys out there, if you're meeting a girl for the first time do not turn around an say "oh you're pretty tall for a girl" all the things you could bring up, that should be the last

I need to explore more food groups...
I have always been a fussy eater, like really I'm terrible but one thing I have found myself saying yes to more recently is food I would never normally eat such as fish, I will never love sushi it just isn't a bit of me but clam chowder in California or a lobster roll in New York I can definitely get on board with! There are still a whole bunch of random things I don't like, for example eggs or mushrooms but the more I keep trying this stuff the more it at least broadens my palette.

I pay attention to the details...
My mind actually picks up on the smallest details of things very easily, which probably plays more to the analytical side of my mind! If I see person I see everything about them, I pick up on the clothes they are wearing and how the express themselves with hand gestures or facial movements, I don't judge, I just find it fascinating as well as habits! However this does make me super sensitive to change, I pick up on the smallest detail and then try and figure out why! I like to think it's a blessing and a curse but what can I say, it's a part of who I am.

I love taking pictures...
I never quite realised how much  I love taking pictures until this year! I have been to some wonderful places this year so it's easy to take beautiful pictures but I have discovered that I really love capturing moments on Instagram and you know what I have had a lot of positive feedback from people saying I have a really good eye for photography which is a massive compliment. In all honesty, I can find an insta moment in anything, I actually think it links to my attention to details thing I previously mentioned

There we have 5 things I have recently discovered about myself.

Tell me about a new discovery you have made about you or your personality

Why I Love Big Cities | Lifestyle

I think I'm writing this post because I've recently come back from being in New York and I just realised I missed that city life! 

Having worked and lived in Florence for nearly a year (don't even get me started how quickly this has gone) I've started to notice how much I miss the eternal buzz of a city! I used to work in London and genuinely I loved every second! The trains were priced too high, the commute took hours, the underground in the summer was hotter than Lucifer's breath but I didn't care about any of it because London was where I wanted to be! I loved the chaos of the commuters trying to get from a to b, learning brand new short cuts that might get you into work quicker and the overall pace that kept my heart beating! I remember growing up, I wanted to be so many different things but there came a point that I didn't know what I wanted to do, I just wanted to work in London! 

The thing I love about these cities is that everything is available immediately, you want your coffee in the morning or you need food stupidly late because you're drunk from drinks with your work pals, or maybe you snagged your tights on something but don't worry there's a Boots at the station to help sort your life out before you even get to work. It's all there, places like New York and London rarely sleep and that's what makes them appealing! Not only this but I love the influence of different culture by way of food, the different foods you can get in random places, whether it's street food you're after or a vegan restaurant or a restaurant that only serves champagne and hotdogs (no seriously go an check out Bubble Dogs in London, what more can a gal want) It's the variety that I love in any big city! 

I was speaking to my best dear Vernia about life in general and she was like "Toni, you're a big city girl, London is in your veins" and it's true, I feel like there is something just magical about it! However, would I ever want to live in London? No way, never! Because I need that buzz and chaos but I also need the peace that green parks bring to life! Even if I moved back to England I wouldn't live in London but 100% without a doubt you know I'd be working there! It balances me out.

Don't get me wrong, Florence is beautiful and it's my home for now but I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss London/my London lifestyle. 

Are you a big city type of person?

Mental health | Lifestyle

I know, different topics on Honeypot Blogs lately! Recently it was #WorldMentalHealthDay and in all honesty I get a little bored with these types of days national this day or national that week however I think mental health needs to be discussed!

This year a girl who was my friend growing up killed herself, a girl who I used to be such good friends with but lost touch over the years and it hit me harder than I thought possible. This girl has been battling mental health problems ever since I have known her and been hospitalised on several occasions! When I found out it was actually through social media, everyone who ever had but a mere day with this girl poured their hearts out because it was devastating. One part of me wondered if she knew just how many people actually cared could it have helped? We'll never know and I think in some cases it gets to a stage where it wouldn't but that doesn't mean we should stop trying.

I guess I just wanted speak about some ways you might be able to help someone struggling with mental health problems or issues...

Tell people you love them...
Seriously, everyone! This year has made me realise life is so crazy and so hard sometimes that you get wrapped up in your world and forget what someone else may be going through. So send them a message and tell them you love them, friends, parents, grandparents, boyfriends, girlfriends, bloody work pals who ever, what ever make sure they know you give a fuck.

Just listen...
Sometimes people need to vent, they just need to scream every irrational thought down the phone just to know someone is on the other line. Also it may even take a little reading between the lines to hear what they are really trying to say.

Always try to understand...
Which is way harder than it seems because I mean really, you have to see it from their perspective to get it. If you are a rational person it can be hard to understand someone's irrational fears or thoughts causing anxiety so don't try to dismiss their feelings with rationality. You have to try and see why they could feel that way and it helps with them to realise that you are trying to help and may feel more secure with your advice.

Some times it won't be enough...
But that doesn't mean you should ever stop trying. Because mental health is so personal and different for everyone other people cannot fix these problems alone, it starts the individual. If someone has made the decision that they can no longer be on this earth that is their heartbreaking choice, some times words of support aren't enough but we are human and you can never regret at least trying to keep them here with you. 

Not everyone wants to talk about it...
And that's OK, but making yourself available when you know someone is struggling sometimes is all anyone needs. Some people simply won't want to talk about these things, some times you'll have no idea about the past or current situation of someone so don't be a dick with your actions be nice, it literally costs nothing.

A kind of deep post for me, but it just seemed like the right thing to do! I want to end it on a positive note though so tell me how many people you have made smile recently from a random act of kindness? Or how many people have you told you love them today?

Longchamp Travel Luggage | Travel

So today I am talking all about this classic but gorgeous Longchamp travel bag. Obviously as you guys know I travel a lot for work and I've had a lot of little breaks away this year so I thought now was a good time to invest in a Longchamp bag.

I think there are two types of people when it comes to weekend trips away, those who need a travel suitcase on wheels, plus like another hand bag filled with stuff or there are the people who have one big bag and their little handbag as well to travel with. I am the latter, always. I don't know why, but I have a thing against those little suitcase trolleys, they just get in everyone's way and there always is a fuss with them at the airports when the airline makes sure it fits into that stupid little grid, it's just a hassle to me. In the past I have always travelled with a large black handbag, you'd be surprised at how much I can fit in there. However my good ol' Warehouse bag I've had for about 6 years is looking rough, it's tired and it needed to go so it was time for an upgrade.

I have seen Longchamp everywhere, it's one of those brands you do see around a lot and think they kind of fit into the high end high street bracket because their stuff is super affordable if you go for their classic design like the one pictured. Personally, I never liked the Longchamp shoulder bag, I think it's just because I have seen it too much and in so many different colours. This being said, I decided to take a look in the store in Florence. They literally had every colour in every size available, but the thing I really liked was that there was one on display in every size so I could get a proper idea of what they look like. I had to consider that this bag should be "airplane approved" because you know what Ryanair can be like *rolls eyes dramatically*

I picked up this Longchamp travel bag and immediately I just liked the feel of it, super lightweight but the material appears quite durable. We all know which colour I picked, it obviously had to be the black one, though I kind of wish there was an option for the black leather as well but I'm still super happy about this bag regardless. It cost me like 75€ which I think is a bloody good price, for the quality and the look of this bag. I can fit a lot in it, way more than my previous bag and I'm seriously in love. When I bought it in literally had to wait months before I could use it as I was taking more than just hand luggage but boy was it worth the wait. If you'd like me to do a post on what's inside my hand luggage bag, just let me know. In all honesty, I think if you're like me and prefer a handbag to travel with then Longchamp will definitely have something for you.

Are you a suitcase trolley kind of gal or do you prefer to travel with a big ol' handbag

Moving to another country | Lifestyle

This post is gonna be quite a honest post about what it is really like to move to another country alone, I have been in Florence for 9 months now and it's gone so quick but I just wanted to share with you some of my thoughts.

It's different...
I know, it sounds obvious doesn't it, it's a different country so of course it's different but I'm talking about the smaller cultural quirks. In italy, if you are in a shop it's very common to have a little dish where you can can give your money to the cashier and where you change will be placed. Sometimes there isn't a dish and it's expected that you place it on the counter. Don't feel offended if your change isn't placed in your hand, it's cultural and it's a quirk you'll grow to understand and accept

Somethings don't translate...

I'm not just talking about literal word translations I'm also talking about things about your personality or humour that might not be that amusing in another country. Literally happened to me all the time, I'd be on a call with another brit we'd laugh about some comment and my colleague would stare blankly, it's fine though again don't feel offended. There will be things that someone else may say that you may not understand but always try because it might actually be very funny.

You will get homesick... 

My homesickness didn't start until I was 8 months into my stay, 8 months...how crazy is that? To be honest, I don't think there is much you can do about this one, other than speak to your family and pals, go out for walks around the country you are calling home and just ride it out because in time you will remember why you are here.

It will change you ...
For me, it totally changed me for the best. Back when I was working in London, I was so tightly wound with my routine and my life, I would have a breakdown about at least once every 2 weeks about "what I am doing with my life" or "I need to achieve XYZ by the time I'm XX or I will have failed at life" moving to another Country will grow you in ways your couldn't imagine, it will make you appreciate things on a different level and it will change your perception on things forever

It will be the best thing you'll ever do...
Bold I know, but let's say it doesn't work out and you end up moving back home, to have the opportunity to live somewhere else and live will you can never regret. All the things you will have learned from moving abroad is something they cannot teach you in school and something that will stay with you forever. You also have to remember that you may never ever get the opportunity to do this again so take every moment and run with it.

So there are my thoughts on moving to another country. Would ever just up and leave and go somewhere else?