Christmas this year was just perfect, the kids were over the moon with the array of goodies Santa left, as was I!
@cimota and I spent our first Christmas as Mr & Mrs at my mothers and the spread of food was top notch as usual, including my brother Gordon’s ham, done “Nigella” stylie.

My only complaint was that it was over too quickly and due to a shortage of beds in my mother’s @cimota and I had to spend last night apart.. boooo!!!!

So although the festivities were fun and it was lovely to be spoilt, I am secretly very pleased to be back in our own town, in our own house, on our own sofa that smells a bit odd, with my own gorgeous husband as a foot rest

…….and if I needed anymore proof that he is my perfect partner, it would be that he didn’t tell me to go f*ck myself or huff for hours when I quite bluntly admitted to not being overly keen on the necklace & earring set he surprised me with.

Instead he has promised we can go exchange it next week to something I we both like!

The actual set was lovely, solid silver with a deep red enamel detailing, but a tad too modern for me. When it comes to quality jewellery I’m quite traditional and classic. I like to have pieces that I feel won’t date and I will be able to wear forever.
Any modern pieces I do buy tend to relatively cheap, costume jewellery. They enable me to keep up with the trends and avoid being out of pocket when that trend dies a certain death (Carrie style name necklace anyone?).

So what did I get for Christmas….?

• A cornflour blue knitted scarf
• Flower by Kenzo
• Champneys Hand Treatments
• Coastal Scents Original 88 Palette
• 3 Sleek Palettes; Original, Chaos & Jewels
• MAC Holiday Collection SE Brushes & Caddy
• MAC Strobe Cream
• La Senza Gift Voucher
• Real Leather Jewellery Box (Humongous! lol)
• Selection of Primark Jammies & Slipper Socks Yay!!

I’m over the moon and very thankful for everyone’s generosity, especially in what has been a tough Christmas in regards to the cash side of things.

I am particularly pleased with the jewellery box that I received from my mother, it is an absolute beast of a treasure chest, but exactly what I need and more. My present set up for storage is pretty unsightly, many many different boxes, a corset mannequin thing that necklaces hang off (purely invented to tangle them IMO!) and even a few make-up bags of costume crap. Its a headache and a half to find that “exact” pair of earrings when I’m heading out. This suitcase of a jewellery box is going to be a lifesaver.
I’m nearly sure she got it in good ole Argos and although this one is cream to match my boudoir, I think it is available in black leather also.

What did you get for Christmas?? xox

xexfx from Twitter gave me this idea, although I think she managed to break it down the 5 products. Unfortunately I’m just not that restrained

These are 10 products I would choose above all others if I was forced to. I have literally hundreds of pieces of make-up, creams and potions in my kit but I could happily live with just these 10.

I haven’t included eyeshadow as although I love to wear it and play with it, I think mascara is all that is truly necessary to open up your eyes and make you feel gorgeous!

1. Laura Mercier’s Foundation Primer (all skin types), I discovered this when I was looking for a primer to keep my wedding make-up in check all day. I bought this and Smashbox’s Photo Finish, and although I like the latter it isn’t a patch on Laura Mercier. I use this every day, much like a moisturiser before adding my face. It has the lightest cleanest fragrance, and makes the skin feel incredibley smooth without the waxy, greasy finish I get from Smashbox. I use the all skin types version but it is available in oil free should your skin require that. Its pricey but totally worth it and lasts about 2 months per 50ml tube.
RRP £27.00

2. MAC’s Select Cover-Up in NW20. I know that everyone has a different preference to how they apply concealer, I apply mine prior to my foundation, as I feel just slides off if I try and blend it over it. I think everyone should do whatever works best for them though. Consistency is great, creamy and fantastic coverage, especially on spots, without being drying or overly thick. Lasts for absolutely ages too.
RRP £11.00

3. Revlon Colorstay Make-up with SoftFlex SPF 15 Normal/ Dry Skin, this is a recent discovery. It was recommended a number of times by You Tubers and I decided to see what the fuss was about. I love it! I have and still use (hate waste) various MAC foundations, but to be honest I have never been overly impressed with them. I have found them to be quite drying and patchy as the day goes on. I also feel that there is no one particular shade that completely suits my skin tone.
This make-up is superior to MAC’s Studio Fix Fluid IMO. It gives silky even coverage, that is buildable, without caking or feeling mask like. Comes in 2 finishes, depending on if you skin is oily or dry and it also doesn’t come off on everything you touch. Bonus! I wear shade Sand Beige 180.
RRP £11.99 (NB Boots have 3 for 2 on all Revlon cosmetics at the moment)

4. MAC Mineralize Skinfinish MSF in So Ceylon. I can’t begin to describe how much I love love love this product. It brightens and highlights giving the most amazing glow and polish on my cheekbones.

This is it swatched on my hand prior to buffing. The colour is metallic and bronzed without too much glitter. Using a MAC’s dinky 181 brush you buff it into the skin to acquire the finish you want. Go heavy or light, its up to you!

This particular colour is limited edition now and is sporting the triangle of death beside it online so I will definitely buy another and store it.
RRP £16.50

5. NARS Blush in Deep Throat, I adore these blushes. The colour variety, the finish, the pan sizes. I particularly love Deep Throat because it is a beautiful peach with shimmer that doesn’t try too hard. It gives a healthy flush, perfect for attaining that natural make-up look on days off from being a glamour puss
Other colours of note in the range for me are Sin, Torrid, and Outlaw.
RRP £18.50

6. MAC Brow Set in Mink, this was a limited edition colour within the Emmanuel Ungaro collection I believe but its the formula which I love and there are still comparable colours in the range. I normally use it over pencil, but if I had to use just one item it would be the Brow Set. It holds and tames my brows into place, once this stuff is on, I find they don’t budge all day/ night. But not in that cakey, rock hard way some brow gels can give.
RRP £10.00

7. L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black, its just the best mascara ever. I try others regularly, but I always come back to this one. It makes my lashes thicker, longer and more seperated looking without any clumping. And I always used to think black is black, right? wrong! this truly is dark dark black, really makes my eyes pop. I think the wand and formulation work together to make this unbeatable IMO. Bargain that it is pretty inexpensive too
RRP £6.99

8. Nivea Caregloss & Shine, in the Winter my lips get so dry. I can’t possibly wear lipstick all the time or gloss. This is a saviour, repairing my lips while still letting me pout with glossiness
Some chemists are doing 3 different flavours in a little gift set for £3.19 which is a total bargain considering one costs me just shy of that!
RRP £2.69

9. Flower by Kenzo Eau De Parfum, this is my signature scent. I wear others now and again, normally at night, but this is my daytime staple perfume. Its a love affair that I know will last forever.

Whats number 10? My MacBook Air *strokes it, hugs it, cries with pride* nuff said