2020, Goodbye.


At the end of every year, I would typically gush over all the things I have loved this year, all the products I have used, and the joys this year has brought. This year however, it just didn't seem fitting... this year I've barely paid myself any attention in regards to hair, makeup, clothing etc. This year I feel like all I have done work and sit at home - both of which don't require a full face of makeup. 

So I thought I would run through my savours of 2020, the bits I simply couldn't live without... 

Dermalogica Hydro Masque Exfoliant Review*

*AD - This post contains a PRsample. 
A New Winter Staple 

A healthy chunk of my skincare routine is now Dermalogica, and for good reason too. I've been loving their Hydro Masque Exfoliant  since it arrived in the mail. Their latest launch was a welcome addition as the weather became colder and my skin reacted by completely drying out. 

ALL The Paige Toon Books Read & Reviewed (& A Must Read List)

*This Post Contains Affiliate Links

All About Paige Toon Books...

I very quickly fell in love with Paige Toon's writing style, her characters and her books. To the point I've read them all in just over a month. So I thought I would give you the low down on which ones should be at the top of your reading list. 

Paige Toon's books are all romance novels, so if you don't like them these probably won't be your cup of tea, but if you are in the mood for a romance that will have you hooked from the first few pages these are the ones for you! 

Urban Decay Lash Freak Mascara Review*

*[AD] This Post Contains a PR Sample & Affiliate Links

A New Mascara Launch!

Say hello to the new addition from Urban Decay. They have launched a new mascara boasting volumising and lengthening properties. They very kindly sent me it to try, and I was so excited to give it a go! They describe it as: 

Dermalogica Age Bright Range + Retinol Clearing Gel Review*

*This post contains PR Samples 
Another Incredible Product From Dermalogica

I have been using and loving Dermalogica products for quite some time now, and I couldn't be happier with them. I've discussed the AGE BRIGHT range previously, you can see this post here. 

Urban Decay Naked Ultra Violet Palette*

*This Post Contains a PR Sample 

A New Palette Review... 

I love a new palette launch, and Urban Decay always does it so well. Their newest naked palette is a purple twist on a Naked classic.  They very kindly sent me this to try out. I was so excited to try it out and see what I made of it. 

A Treat From Charlotte Tilbury! (A Haul)


A Haul! 

It's been such a long time since I purchased any makeup at all, so I figured this was the perfect excuse to nab some stunning products on an awesome deal too. 

I already own a fair few Charlotte Tilbury products, so it was a risk going for a mystery box - but I knew gaining 9x full-sized products I was bound to be worthwhile (and I could sell/giveaway whatever I got which I didn't need or want). 

Luckily, I really won with this box. Everything was new to me, and I was SUPER happy with the contents. 

NEW IN: Pixi Retinol Range!*

*This Post Contains Gifted Products & Affiliate Links
A new Range from Pixi... 

Say hello to the Retinol range - one which I was VERY excited to see launched from Pixi, a brand I have grown to love over the past few years. Retinol has to be one of my favourite skincare ingredients, so seeing a full range dedicated to it - I was buzzing! 

Pixi describes the retinol range to be: 

"This potent youth-preserving tonic features a unique time-release Retinol to help rejuvenate the skin for a natural glow. Powerful Antioxidants and Botanicals replenish the skin for a smoother, softer appearance while soothing sensitive skin."

Clinique Even Better Vs Clinique Even Better Refresh - Which is Better? Review & Swatches


The Best of the Best... 

I've praised both - but which is better? Which one should you go for? The Answer in a blog post!

Quarantine Beauty Haul


It's terrible, but really all I've done since lockdown began is online shop...

So, I thought I would share with you a few beauty bits and pieces I have picked up over the past few weeks. Was it needed? NOPE, but did I do it anyway?... well yeah. Treat yo'self and all that jazz. 

May's Best Bits 2020


I cannot believe what 2020 has turned into... 

Another month over... how is this year going so quick? Yet lockdown seems to be lasting forever. How are you all? I feel I've been cut off from social media a fair bit this month! 

Dermalogica Active Clay Cleanser Review*

*This Post Contains a Gifted Product & Affiliate Links
A new Favourite... 

This has been a morning staple for me now for over a month - and I have been loving it! I know shower cleansing isn't exactly the best, but for me, it works. I've used this every morning in the shower since it arrived. Being a clay cleanser - I assumed it wouldn't lather well, but I was pleasantly surprised. The formula is lightweight, fresh and easy to use - I find it really helps to leave my skin feeling clean without any residue. I typically have an issue with oil production - so I've found it really helps to keep my skin looking it's best without drying it out. 

For My Love of House Plants #2 (Guide & Information)


F O R  T H E   P L A N T   K I L L E R S
I kill cactus too. 
I can't keep succulents alive.
I suck with the obviously "easy" to keep alive plants. 
This is the list for you. If I can keep these alive but kill a £4.00 Jade, Aloe, Cactus and moulded wax you can handle these too. 

Pixi Hydrating Milky Collection Review*

*This Post Contains Gifted Products & Affiliate Links 

Pixi sure does spoil us! 

First up, the packaging this came in was just incredible - milk carton style, so cute. Perfect for the white sleek packaging of the bottles too, just a shame I've been using this all for months so it isn't looking this cute anymore! 

April Best Bits (of Quarantine) 2020


*Gifted Items & Affiliate Links

 Unprecedented Times and all that... 

I managed to survive all of April in lockdown... *YAY* fair enough I'm probably a dress size more, and definitely drinking WAY more than I normally would - and my hair is now sporting some grey hair - ick. But I survived, in time for going back out onto placement tomorrow. 

Clinique Even Better Foundation Review + SWATCHES


The Even Better Range from Clinique has to be a favourite. 

I must say when my local Clinique counter told me the original Even Better is just as good as the Even Better Refresh - I doubted them. The Refresh is now my go-to full coverage, stay all day foundation... but this one is incredible - just in a different way. 

Magnitone Wipe Out Microfibre Cleansing Cloths Bamboo & Original*

*Gifted Items & Affiliate Links

My favourite skincare tool...

Now, I already love these. I have been talking about them on my blog for almost two years now - and for good reason too - they are incredible. My favourite up until this point has been the antibacterial ones - but with the launch of their Bamboo SuperNatural option, I was desperate to try them out. 

For both, the shape and size are perfect for use. They are rectangular, long enough for two hands to use on your face at once - it's hard to explain, but trust me when I say this - they work beautifully. They are also super easy to wash and clean - I simply pop them into the wash after use. 

March Was Sh*t


This would typically be a monthly favourites post... 

I would usually post about all my favourite things throughout the month of March, but let's face it - this month was pretty crap. There is a global pandemic, people are dying, people are sick, we are all stuck inside our houses self-isolating and we can't get pasta. IT SUCKS - on every level. It feels so surreal to even have changed so much in a month. It's terrifying. 

This month we also lost my Grandad. Nothing to do with Corona - he had Acute Ischaemic Bowel, with Sepsis. It was very quick, very sudden - and utterly heartbreaking. I lost one of my favourite people, and I miss him beyond words. We did get to spend time with him before he died - which I will forever be grateful for. But still... shit. 

2020 is working out to be a pile of crap, and it doesn't seem to be improving anytime soon either. So I thought I should share with you the few things that have brought me some level of joy - despite the turd pile we are currently living in. 

QUARANTINE: Play Sims 4!


Join the Sims Obsessed!

My love for Sims isn't new. I've played since age 10... back when it was just sims - at it's basic but incredible starting point. From there I upgraded to Sims 2, and fell even more in love with the game - I would spend HOURS playing with my best friend. I was forever chasing the Green alien Sims from Sims 2 onwards. Sims 3 was my favourite gameplay - it had everything I had ever wanted as a game - and I will be the first to admit that Sims 4 is disappointing in some aspects in comparison... but let's be fair - it's still the best game out there (in my opinion anyway)

Bobbi Brown x Elizabeth Scarlett: The Pretty Powerful Collection Makeup Gift Set

*This Post Contains Affiliate Links

SUCH GOOD VALUE (And a good cause too!)

I love a bargain, and especially a makeup bargain - I especially love a bargain when it's for a good cause too. This is the best of both, and I couldn't be happier with my latest purchase. I've been loving Bobbi Brown recently - they just seem to deliver launch after launch - and really impress me at every opportunity. This is no exception. 

February Best Bits & Catch Up

*This Post Contains Gifted Products and Affiliate Links

Okay, This is REALLY late. 

February seemed to take forever, yet seemed to zoom past in the slow blink of a mentally exhausted student. Just like that, a whole month has passed. My exam was over and done - I passed YAY! And I went back to the world of placement hours. So I thought I would share with you everything I have been loving the past month... even if I have been part zombie for most of it! 

Dermalogica Biolumin-C Eye Serum Review*

*This Post Contains Gifted Products and Affiliate Links

A New Eye Brightening Serum... 


Say Hello to the latest addition from Dermalogica. Vitamin C within skincare is something I know a lot of people are slightly obsessed with - so I know this is a very welcomed product launch. Personally, I find Vitamin C works well with my skin - and I love the glow it gives overall - and I love how refreshed my skin feels. I do find other active ingredients can work more effectively within my skincare routine - but there will forever be a place for Vitamin C. 

Bobbi Brown Jewelled Rose Eye Palette Review + SWATCHES


Yet another Bobbi Brown palette which has captured my heart. I just love their style, formula and colour choices. The minute I saw this one I knew I was going to need it. The warm red/gold-tone is right up my street in terms of colour choices, and I just love the limited edition packaging. 

January Best Bits & Catch Up

*This Post Contains Gifted Items & Affiliate Links

This is a little late... 

I cannot believe January is over already - I feel like it was swept away in a study stress mess with me on a diet and hating life due to my lack of chocolate and ice cream. But, it's over now. The exam stress is DONE, so I can finally sit on my couch with a cuppa and write out a blog post. So here is everything I have been loving this month...  


I am still in love with this scent - it is SO beautiful. So warm and sexy, perfect for this time of the year. I've been reaching for it almost daily this month - helping boost the studying mood? Who knows! I love Shay & Blue, definitely becoming one of my absolute favourite brands. 

This has been in my shower for quite some time now - and I am so shocked by how long it seems to be lasting. I'm terrible and wash my face in the shower *hides face* (Only in the morning). But I love this for it, the smell is incredible - and a little does really seem to go a long way! 

3. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask £41.00 (Review to come soon)
There are definite pros and cons to this - but so far so good. It smells incredible, and I have been loving the way it has made my skin feel. I understand the hype - I just wish it wasn't so gloopy! 



4. Dermalogica Biolumin-C Eye Serum* £63.00 (Review to come soon)
Vitamin C has been a hero to brighten up my under eye exam stress. This has been applied nightly since it arrived and I have been loving using it. 

I cannot believe I forgot quite how much I loved this! It is so incredible, really lifts and lengthens my lashes without them looking super clumpy. Doesn't flake and crumble over the day - what's not to love? 

6. MAC Mehr £17.50
Another one I had forgotten how much I loved. It's one of those lipsticks where you apply it and instantly fall in love. Definitely reaching for this one more now! 

7. Bobbi Brown Jeweled Rose Eye Palette £32.00 (Review to come soon)
I feel like this was SUCH a steal for the price and brand. The colours are stunning - and I have been using it every chance I have had to apply makeup. This little palette is perfection in both packaging and shades. It is limited edition - so grab it while you can! 


8. Outlander 
Jamie Fraser is the ONE. If you haven't seen it yet you really do need to - it is incredible! Next season comes out this month and I am SO excited about it! I've even got my Mum watching it! (Available on Amazon Prime)

9. Sex Education 
I am SO happy it came back for another season - I so love Eric! I need more though, ASAP. Especially with that ending. (Available on Netflix)

10. My Physiology and Anatomy Exam being OVER
As much as I loved listening to my lecturers on repeat discussing Cardiac Complications, Diabetes, Thyroid Disorders, Bleeding Disorders, Obstetric Emergencies... etc. I'm SO glad it's done and out the way. It felt like my brain had turned into mashed potato and I was unable to retain basic information anymore. It's done, and onwards to placement. Just let me nap a little first yeah? 



What have you loved this month? 


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 *PR Sample & Links May Be Affiliated - Disclaimer 

 COMMENTS: I LOVE receiving comments, and I read every single one. I really am SO grateful for every comment you leave on my blog, but commenting "Thanks!" for every comment seems false to me. So, instead please consider the "Thanks" as a given, and if you have any questions or comments I will answer ASAP. Instead of replying to all comments, I will check out your content instead, after all, this is a community. So please feel free to leave your own link as a signature!

Discovering my Hair Goals for 2020 with FIN&CO (Carnoustie) #hairgoals2020*


*This post contains a Gifted Service 


Fin&Co are starting a new hashtag for their clients, asking them to really think about the goals they have for their hair - simple or extreme. Bold colour changes to growing it all out. So they kindly invited me along to start off my #hairgoals2020 - so of course, I just had to share the experience. 

PopBeautyUK Permanent Pout Liquid Lipstick Review + Swatches*


*This post contains gifted products. 
A new brand to try...

It's been such a long time since I did a swatches post - or tried a new brand - so why not tick both boxes with these new lippies from PopBeautyUK? They have a whopping 6 new shades to add to their three existing fan favourites. A shade for everyone.  


Personally, I love Butter Babe, Plump Peach, Red Velvet and Razzle Rose. 

Butter babe is the perfect warm nude shade. I love a more subtle lip with a bold eye - and this is such a classic shade for this. 

Plump Peach is my ideal summertime peachy nude. This is the perfect peach for those warmer days where you aren't quite willing to go full hog on a bold peach/coral lip. 

Red velvet is the go-to shade for a bold lip to me. A deep, rich red seems to suit my pale skin beautifully. 

Finally, Razzle Rose is my favourite. I LOVE a dusky pinky nude shade which just seems to be the one for me. I will always go towards a shade like this for any occasion. Love it! 


There are fifteen shades to choose from in the range, and worth picking up if you fancy trying out a new formula or brand. There really is a shade for everyone here!


Which shade would you try first? 


Follow 

*PR Sample & Links May Be Affiliated - Disclaimer 

 COMMENTS: I LOVE receiving comments, and I read every single one. I really am SO grateful for every comment you leave on my blog, but commenting "Thanks!" for every comment seems false to me. So, instead please consider the "Thanks" as a given, and if you have any questions or comments I will answer ASAP. Instead of replying to all comments, I will check out your content instead, after all, this is a community. So please feel free to leave your own link as a signature!

2019 Beauty Advent Calendar: My Final Thoughts


Another Year Over...

So, after last year's three advent calendars I had made the decision to only make my own this year. You can view that decision in the final thoughts from last January here.  So I did what last year Erin told me to do: I made another advent calendar.