Party ready with Bourjois and Sleek make up

I'm not usually one for super sparkly make up, but seeing as it's new years eve, it seemed the perfect time to try out some of the latest releases from Bourjois and Sleek make up:

Bourjois Paris Blue Moonlight collection*

Bourjois 1 seconde nail enamel in Gris nightomic and Bleu moonlight*

Bourjois Smokey eye trio in Bleu nuit and Gris party*

The Bourjois Paris Blue Moonlight collection launched earlier this month, and includes two smokey eye trios as well as two festive 1 seconde nail enamels.

I was instantly drawn to the bleu moonlight nail varnish, which is surprising as I usually shy away from blue shades. Bleu moonlight however is the most gorgeous metallic deep navy blue, a colour that's super eyecatching and perfect for any New year's eve party.

The smokey eye trios are surprisingly pigmented and although I'm not a big fan of the blue palette, the Gris party trio will come in handy for taking my look from day to night.

Sleek make up sparkle 2 iDivine eyeshadow palette*

Sleek make up have also brought out a new sparkle 2 iDivine palette. If you already own their original sparkle palette, then this may look rather familiar as it includes 7 of the same eyeshadows.

As usual, the pigmentation is second to none but they definitely have more of a glittery finish. Of the 12, my favourite shades are Truffle, Glitz & Glamour and Starry night.

With so many of the same eyeshadows, I don't think it's worth getting both palettes. However if you don't already own the original, then this retails at a rather bargainous £7.99 for 12 beautiful shades.

What do you think about the new make up collections? How will you be celebrating new years eve?

Prolonging the festive spirit

Is it just me or has 2012 flown by?! I genuinely can't believe it's going to be the start of a new year tomorrow. Now Christmas may be over for another year, but if like myself, you're not ready to let go just yet, then these scented candles and diffusers are lovely way of carrying on the festive spirit:

Elemis the royal candle*

Neom christmas wish organic reed diffuser*

Next Noel luxury fragranced candle*

On opening The royal candle from Elemis, my first thought was wow, they've certainly put a lot of thought into the packaging! I love the purple and silver presentation box and they've even gone to the effort of decorating the glass tumbler. Scent wise, it's on the more subtle side, but I do like it's luxurious blend of lily, jasmine and vanilla, a combination which I find to be sweet and comforting.

Neom Christmas wish reed diffuser on the other hand is made with pure essential oils of cinnamon, ginger, mandarin and tonka bean. For some reason it reminds me of Chai tea lattes, but a lot of guests have commented that it smells very similar to mulled wine. With such a powerful blend of essential oils, it's strongly scented and instantly noticeable on walking into a room. I found the bottle top difficult to remove (and would have preferred a screw top instead), but scent wise, it really is Christmas in a bottle!

Finally, Next NOEL fragranced candle is a great high street alternative. It's a festive blend of cinnamon, apple, pomegranate, clove, musk and vanilla. Although it's not as strong as a Neom candle, it's by no means weak, and easily fills my room with it's festive scent. Prior to this, I had no idea Next even did candles, but considering the price, I'd say this is nearly as good as some of my more high end ones. Definitely one to check out if you're on a budget or just getting into scented candles.

Did you have a good Christmas? What are your favourite festive scents?

Benefit she's so jetset giveaway

 The final day of my Christmas giveaway, and for today's prize, I wanted to pick something special as a way of saying thank you for all the support you've given me this year:

Blogging has become such a big part of my life, and although 2012 had it's ups and downs, it also brought along some amazing friendships and opportunities, none of which have been possible without you girls. I truely am grateful for all the support and I really do appreciate you taking the time to read and comment on my blog posts. 

So as a way of saying thank you, I wanted to give away this lovely Benefit she's so jetset gift set. Inside you'll find a mini POREfessioal primer, 4 eyeshadows, a dual ended applicator, a first class face powder and brush, life on the A-list lipgloss and the much raved about they're real! mascara.

There's a good variety of products inside, and all the shades are quite neutral, so hopefully this palette will appeal to everyone.

For your chance to win, simply be a GFC follower of Peonies and lilies, then leave a comment below telling me what you are most looking forward to next year. Feel free to tweet about this giveaway, or like my Facebook page for 3 extra entries each. This giveaway will be open internationally and will close at 11pm on 6th January 2013.

Good luck! 

Merry Christmas!

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Merry Christmas everyone!

 Thank you all so much for the support this year. Hope you're all 

having a wonderful day at home with loved ones. Enjoy Christmas dinner 

and hope you've all been truely spoilt by friends and family.
  

 xxx

Christmas giveaway day 8 - Bronzing duo

Day 8 of my Christmas giveaway, and today's prize is a Boots Soltan wash off instant bronzing lotion and St tropez perfect legs spray so you can be tanned and party ready for the new year:

Boots soltan wash off instant bronzing lotion

St Tropez perfect legs spray

For your chance to win, simply be a GFC follower of Peonies and lilies, then leave a comment below telling me how you usually spend Christmas day. Feel free to tweet about this giveaway, or like my Facebook page for 3 extra entries each. This giveaway will be open internationally and will close at 11pm on 27th December.

Good luck!

Christmas giveaway day 7 - Skincare set

Day 7 of my Christmas giveaway, and since the Liz Earle giveaway was so popular, I've put together another skincare set, this time with an exfoliating scrub and face mask to help your skin look it's best after the festive season:

Nivea daily essentials gentle exfoliating scrub

Sanctuary 5 minute thermal detox mask

Superdrug oil balancing serum

Kleenex extra gentle facial cleansing wipes

For your chance to win, simply be a GFC follower of Peonies and lilies, then leave a comment below telling me what you're hoping to find underneath the Christmas tree this year. Feel free to tweet about this giveaway, or like my Facebook page for 3 extra entries each. This giveaway will be open internationally and will close at 11pm on 26th December.

Good luck!

Christmas giveaway day 6 - Revlon make up

Day 6 of my Christmas giveaway, and up for grabs today is a Revlon nail enamel in red plus one of their best selling Lip butters in Creme brulee:

Revlon nail enamel in Red

Revlon lip butter in creme brulee

For your chance to win, simply be a GFC follower of Peonies and lilies, then leave a comment below telling me what's been the highlight of your year. Feel free to tweet about this giveaway, or like my Facebook page for 3 extra entries each. This giveaway will be open internationally and will close at 11pm on 25th December.

Good luck!

Christmas giveway day 5 - haircare goodies

Day 5 of my Christmas giveaway, and today's prize is a selection of Toni & Guy, Tresemme, Urban therapy and Redken hair care products:

Toni & Guy sea salt volumising spray

Tresemme split mend sealing serum

Urban therapy twisted sista curl activator

Redken color extend multi benefit treatment spray

For your chance to win, simply be a GFC follower of Peonies and lilies, then leave a comment below telling me what's your favourite Christmas movie. Feel free to tweet about this giveaway, or like my Facebook page for 3 extra entries each. This giveaway will be open internationally and will close at 11pm on 24th December.

Good luck!

Christmas giveaway day 4 - lip balm trio

Day 4 of my Christmas giveaway, and today I've put together a trio of MUA cosmetics, Carmex and Burt's Bees lipbalms so you keep your lips nice and moisturised this winter:

MUA love heart lipbalm in great lips

Carmex original lip balm 

Burts Bees honey lip balm

  

For your chance to win, simply be a GFC follower of Peonies and lilies, then leave a comment below telling me what's been your favourite lip product this winter. Feel free to tweet about this giveaway, or like my Facebook page for 3 extra entries each. This giveaway will be open internationally and will close at 11pm on 23rd December.

Good luck!

Winterlicious tag

This has been one of my favourite videos to watch this month. Now I'm not brave enough for YouTube, but I love the festively themed questions and with Christmas just around the corner, I thought why not do this as a blog post instead:

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1) Favourite Winter nail polish?
I've been obsessed with deep berry/burgundy shades this Winter, this it'd have to be either Essie Wicked or Avon Tweed.

2) Favourite Winter nail product?
Again rather predictable, but my choice would to be Pixi Bitten berry. Not only is it the most beautiful colour, it's also super moisturising and glossy on the lips.

3) Most worn Winter clothing piece?
Since buying my dark grey sparkly H+M jumper, I've been wearing it non stop. It's so warm and comfy yet perfect for this time of year thanks to all the sparkles!

4) Most worn winter accessory? 
I've been wearing my New Look spike necklace almost every day, but for a true winter accessory, you can't go wrong with a super snugly scarf.

5) Favourite winter scent/candle?
It has to be a NEOM candle, and although it's not your classic winter scent, I'm still loving the citrus fresh notes of their Invigorate candle.

6) Favourite Winter beverage?
I love hot chocolate this time of year, and even better if it's low calories and mint flavoured! Mulled wine is rather yummy too, although I tend to only have that when I'm out and about at parties and winter markets.

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7) All time favourite Christmas/Holiday movie?
It's not a classic Christmas movie, but I do love Bridget Jones. It's always on TV around the festive period and you all know how much I love a good chick flick!

8) Favourite Christmas/Holiday song?
Ooh that's a tough one, probably Mariah Carey All I want for Christmas is you. It's such a feel good song and so catchy too.

9) Favourite Holiday food/treat?
It's got to be roast turkey, with plenty of stuffing and all the trimmings! Warmed up mince pies with cream are rather nice too.

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10) What is your favourite Christmas decoration this year?
We haven't really brought any new decorations this year so I'd have to say our multicoloured Christmas lights. It looks so pretty wrapped around our Christmas tree and it really does bring the tree to life, especially at night when there are no other lights on.

11) What's at the top of your Christmas list?
I didn't really a wish list this year. I'd love a new watch or some cosy winter pyjamas though. 

12) What are your plans for the holidays this year?
Christmas is all about family and friends, so this year I'll be relaxing at home and catching up with old school friends, who are also back home for the holidays. On Christmas day itself, we'll be going around to a family friend's house for a big dinner party. Everyone brings along some home cooked food so there'll be a big feast, and afterwards we'll all sit around chatting amongst ourselves, play party games and watch Christmas TV, all whilst enjoying a festive tipple (or two!).

Let me know if you decide to do this tag too as I'd love to read your answers.

Are you looking forward to Christmas day? What are your plans for the holidays?

Christmas giveaway day 3 - Party nails

Day 3 of my Christmas giveaway, and today I'm giving away a Kiss French manicure set, 17 fast finish nail polish in sulk, Gosh nail lacquer in splish splash and MUA nail varnish in U R Fab:

Kiss everlasting French manicure set

17 fast finish nail polish in sulk

Gosh nail lacquer in splish splash 

MUA nail varnish in U R Fab

For your chance to win, simply be a GFC follower of Peonies and lilies, then leave a comment below telling me how you store your nail varnishes. Feel free to tweet about this giveaway, or like my Facebook page for 3 extra entries each. This giveaway will be open internationally and will close at 11pm on 22nd December.

Good luck!

Last minute gift ideas from Marks and Spencer

Marks and Spencer may be best know for it's mumsy clothes and yummy food, but earlier this year, they decided to revamp their beauty department. The result of which is Your beauty, a brightly lit, spacious area which sells an impressive mix of mainstream, niche and own brand beauty products.

Brands on offer include Nuxe, H20 skincare, Apivita, Cowley Manor and Lyn Harris perfume. I recently had the chance to preview their Christmas gifts so here are some of my top picks:

 Roger & Gallet fleur d'osmanthus discovery vanity case

Nuxe gift set

Cowley manor sampler packs and diffusers 

Fragonard Riviera gift tin

H20 plus sea salt spa trio

Lyn Harris coffret gift sets 

Finally, we were given the opportunity to decorate our own gingerbread men 
at the event, what do you think about my decorating skills?

M&S your beauty is only available in selected stores, but all the products are online, and the good news is many of the gift sets are currently 50% off. Be quick though, as December 21st is the last day you can get them delivered in time for Christmas!

Did any of the gift sets catch your eye? How's your Christmas shopping going?

Christmas giveaway day 2 - Party make up

Day 2 of my Christmas giveaway, and today's prize is a Make Believe bronzer, some Famous eyeshadows and a lipgloss to help you get party ready this holiday season:

Makebelieve enhance sunbeam bronzer and brush

Famous high five eye shadow palette in Marbella nights

Famous spot light lipgloss in Feisty

For your chance to win, simply be a GFC follower of Peonies and lilies, then leave a comment below telling me what's been your best make up purchase this year. Feel free to tweet about this giveaway, or like my Facebook page for 3 extra entries each. The giveaway will be open internationally and will close at 11pm on 21st December.

Good luck!

Bassbuds earphones review and discount code

I must admit I've never felt the need to splash out on earphones, instead making do with the free ones that came with my mobile. I've always found them to be rather uncomfortable though, so last month I decided to give Bassbuds earphones a try:

Bassbuds earphones - classic black*

 Delivery was very quick, and the Bassbuds earphones arrived in a smartly packaged in a matte black box. Being a bit of magpie, I was immediately drawn to the little Swarovski studs, which are embedded within the back of the earphone. It also comes with differently sized silicone and memory foam tips, a velvet pouch and a user manual. 

Unlike previous earphones, the interchangeable rubber tips are very soft and I found them to be far more comfortable. Sound quality was nice and clear, and as far as I could tell, there was no sound leakage. Bassbuds earphones have a mini control panel, where you can pause, play or skip songs at a touch of a button. All very useful, but I do feel that it lacks a volume control button.

Generally speaking, I don't listen to music when I'm out and about, but these Bassbuds earphones do come in useful late at night. I tend to stay up till the early hours and these earphones mean I can still carry on watching movies without worrying about disturbing my flatmates. The velvet pouch is a nice little addition, especially as most people keep earphones in their handbag and there is nothing more annoying than dirty, tangled wires.

Overall, I'm really impressed with these Bassbuds earphones. Price wise, they are on the expensive side, but if you're someone that uses earphones on a daily basis, then these are worth the investment in terms of comfort and sound quality. With over 20 colours and designs to choose from, they'd also be ideal as a last minute Christmas gift.

Bassbuds have kindly given me a discount code, so if you'd like to order your own pair, then make sure you use BB56289 for £5 off.

Do you use earphones on a daily basis? What's your favourite brand?

Christmas giveaway - Liz Earle skincare

A bit of a late night post. From now until Christmas day, I'll be posting daily giveaways, starting today with this 3 step Liz Earle skincare set:

 Liz Earle has been one of the most raved about brands this year, so I thought what better than a mini skincare kit to kick start the giveaways. The prize will include a 30ml Cleanse and polish, muslin cloth, 50ml instant boost skin tonic and 15ml skin repair moisturiser.

For your chance to win, simply be a GFC follower of Peonies and lilies, then leave a comment below telling me what your favourite festive drink is. Feel free to tweet about this giveaway, or like my Facebook page for 3 extra entries each. The giveaway will be open internationally and will close at 11pm on 20th December.

Good luck!

BbloggersXmas meet up

Yesterday, I made my way to Canary Wharf, the heart of London's financial district, for a rather lovely BbloggersXmas meet up:

The event was organised by fellow bloggers Victoria and Lola, and it was a lovely afternoon of meeting new bloggers, beauty chat, mini treatments, yummy nibbles and beauty giveaways.

At PR events, there's not always the chance to chat, so it was great to have an opportunity to sit down and meet so many new bloggers. I had a lovely time chatting to Grace, Ronka, Natalie and Aysha, and it was great to meet Sophia, Annabella and Annie, all three of whom I'd known to for quite some time online.

Aromatherapy associates bath and shower oil

There were also several brands on display, and I managed to get a relaxing hand and arm massage from luxury spa brand Aromatherapy associates. I'd heard a lot about their body oils, so it was nice to finally have a play with the products in person. I'd highly recommend their de-stress bath and shower oil if things are starting to get on top of you and you're in need of a pampering treat.

All in all, it was a great way to spend an afternoon (in fact I can't believe it's taken me till now to go to a bloggers meet up) and I wanted to say a massive thank you to Victoria and Lola for taking the time to organise such a lovely event.

 Have you ever meet to a blogger's meet up? What did you get up to this weekend?

Luxury gift ideas

1. Soap and Glory the best of all gift set

2. Guerlain liu eye and lip calligraphy palette    

3. Crabtree & Evelyn solid rose perfume

4. Elemis Duchess of spa gift set

5. Liz Earle healthy beautiful skin facial

 6. Murad Christmas kits

1. Quite possibly the most talked about gift set this year! And guess what? Soap and Glory the best of all is currently Boots star gift of the week so can be yours for the bargainous price of £27! It's bound to be a big seller though so get in there early to avoid disappointment.

2. I've always associated Guerlain with luxury, and this Christmas, they've brought out a truly beautiful collection of face, eye and lip products. My top picks? The meteorites wulong pressed powder which will be perfect for on the go touch ups, and the Liu eye and lip calligraphy palette which comes with a lovely selection of neutral eyeshadows and bold lip colours.

3. If wouldn't be a Christmas gift guide without some perfume, and for a touch of luxury, what about this Crabtree & Evelyn solid rose perfume. The beautiful gold compact slides open to reveal a solid rose petal scented balm and it even comes with it's own mini zip up purse.

4. For luxurious bath and body products, you really can't go wrong with Elemis. This Duchess of spa set contains a full sized body wash, body cream, body polish and body oil, all beautifully packaged in a red gift box. Perfect for anyone who's in need of some serious pampering this Christmas.

5. Facials are the ultimate indulgence, and if you really want to treat a loved one this Christmas, I'd suggest buying her a Liz Earle healthy beautiful skin facial gift voucher. I was able to try it out for myself last year and it was one of the most relaxing hours of my life. The facial massage was second to none and my skin was glowing for days afterwards!

6. Finally if you're budget doesn't quite stretch that far or if you're outside of London, then what about a Murad skincare set? There are a range of different ones, each for a specific skin type. Each box contains a selection of skincare samples, so it's a great way of trying out the brand and she'll be able to treat herself in the comfort of her own home.

Have any of these gift sets taken your fancy? How are you getting on with your Christmas shopping?

Weekly exfoliators and a new moisturiser

A few weeks ago, I blogged about my everyday skincare routine. Today I wanted to review two of my weekly exfoliators as well as a new moisturiser:
 

Rituals brightening face exfoliator

Ren resurfacing AHA concentrate

Organic surge blissful daily moisturiser for normal skin 

Rituals brightening face exfoliator is a relatively new product, and it's formulated with lotus flower (to cleanse and fight pollution) and moringa extract (which helps nourishes and hydrated the skin). I tend to use this once a week, usually on a Sunday morning. Texture wise, it feels almost powdery, and although effective, it still feels very gentle and non abrasive on my skin. I find the light floral scent to be very refreshing and after use, my skin is left feeling smooth and radiant.

By mid week, my skin starts to look a little sluggish and dull, which is where Ren resurfacing AHA concentrate comes in. This is made with glycolic, lactic, tartaric and citric acid and is more of a chemical exfoliator. I must admit I was very apprehensive about putting acid on my face, but luckily I've not suffered any adverse reactions. The serum comes with a little piplette and I use a few drops once a week underneath my night cream. I'm not keen on the smell, but it thankfully it doesn't linger after application. The effect is subtle, but the next day, my skin look a tad brighter and moisturiser seems to absorb a little better too.

 Organic surge blissful daily moisturiser for normal skin

Finally I've replaced my face oil with Organic surge blissful daily moisturiser for normal skin. I find the thick cream offers more protection against the harsh winter elements. It's formulated with organic rosemary and lemon, which gives it a comforting herbal scent and I've not had any problems with breakouts or excessive oilinness. Despite being a thick cream, once warmed up in the palms of my hand, it doesn't feel at all heavy and is surprisingly quick absorbing. So quick absorbing in fact that I barely have time for my usual mini face massage. Overall though, a great everyday staple and one that I would happily repurchase once it runs out.

Have you tried any of these products? What are your favourite exfoliators and moisturisers?

Christmas offerings from Origins and Ojon

Origins and Ojon have both become firm favourites this year, and you all know how much I love a good gift set, so naturally, I couldn't wait to see what they were bringing out this Christmas:

 Origins Christmas 2012 

 Origins Christmas bauble (exclusive to Selfridges) 

There were plenty of gift sets on display, but what really caught my eye was this Origins Christmas bauble. I'm loving the trend for beauty inspired tree decorations and inside this particular bauble, you'll find 5 of their best selling products: Plantscription anti-ageing serum, Plantscription anti-ageing eye treatment, Clear improvements active charcoal mask, Modern friction nature's gentle dermobrasion and GinZing refreshing eye cream. Admittedly they're all sample sizes, but it's such a nice idea and at £6 (or 2 for £10), it'll make for a cheap and cheerful stocking filler.

Other gift sets that caught my eye were the Mask marvels (which contains 2 of my favourite face masks) as well as the Let it glow gift set, which comes with a full sized pot of their much raved about GinZing eye cream.

I also wanted to quickly mention their Ginger scented bath and bodycare products. Ginger can sometimes be very harsh and overpowering, but Origins have blended it with citrus notes for something that's a lot fresher and sweeter. Give it a sniff next time you're in store and let me know what you think :)

Ojon 3 piece travel kit

Ojon rare blend hair oil

Finally, this Christmas, Ojon are bringing out 3 gift sets, each specifically designed for a particular hair type. The gift sets retail for £20, and will come with a mini dry cleansing spray, shampoo and conditioner. I'd also highly recommend the Ojon Rare blend oil. Not only is the tri layer visually appealing, it also smells amazing and never fails to leave my hair soft and silky.

Did any of these gift sets catch your eye? What on your wishlist this Christmas?

My top three winter lip colours

Earlier this year, I fell into a bit of a lipstick rut. However after trying out some new lip pencils I rediscovered my obsession with lip products and have since been trying out loads of new colours. These are my top 3 picks for Winter:

Sleek true colour lipstick in Cranberry,
Pixi tinted brillance balm in Bitten berry

17 mirror shine lipstick in Roasted red

This Sleek true colour lipstick in Cranberry is uncharacteristically bold and matte for me. It's super pigmented, so needs care and precision during application, but once on the lips, it's the most beautiful berry plum shade. I always prep before hand with a good lipbalm as it's not the most moisturising of lipsticks, but it is very long lasting and will instantly make any look far more polished.

On days when my lips are a bit dry or I want a softer look, I'll opt for the Pixi tinted brillance balm in Bitten berry. It contains shea butter and hyaluronic acid so feels very nourishing on the lips. The colour starts of quite sheer, but like most lip pencils, it can be built up for a more intense look. It also lightly stains the lips, so you're still left with some colour once the balm has worn off.

Finally, every girl needs a red lipstick! And 17 mirror shine lipstick in Roasted red even comes with it's own mini mirror (hidden away in the lid). Colour wise, it leans more on the pink side, so it's not your classic red, but I find it more youthful, fun and a lot easier to wear. As the name suggests it goes on sheer, but glossy and like the Pixi balm, I also find it to be very hydrating.

Have you tried any of these lipsticks? What's your favourite Winter lip colour?

Ps. Congratulations to Raffles Bizarre, who is the winner of my Ted Baker giveaway. Jess, can you please email me your address and I'll arrange for your prize to be sent out asap.

Christmas gift guide: £15-30

1. Clinique whole lotta colour

2. H20+ sea salt spa trio

3. Estee Lauder art of nails gift set

4. Armani Female miniature fragrance set

5.Stila Christmas brush set

6. Pixi early bird palette 

1. When I blogged about Clinique Chubby sticks, so many people commented that it was also on their wishlist. Well luckily this Christmas, Clinique have brought out a sampler gift set which means you can now try 5 of their most popular shades, all for a barginous price of £30!

2. H20 recently launched in the UK, and I love that all their products are formulated with antioxidants and hydrating marine extracts. This particular gift set contains a beautifully scented body wash, exfoliator and body butter, perfect for stressed out mums or girlfriends.

2. Nail polishes have been so popular this year and this luxurious gift set from Estee Lauder will be sure to bring a smile to the luckily recipient on Christmas day. It comes with 4 classic shades, as well as a pleather pouch which doubles up nicely as a make up bag. 

4. Perfume will always go down well at Christmas, but with so much choice out there, it's hard to know which one to get. This luxurious gift set contains 4 of Armani's best selling fragrances, so she can try them all and decide for herself.

5. Stila have got some lovely gift sets this Christmas, but if I had to pick just one, I'd go for this practical yet fun make up brush set. With 5 basic brushes, it's perfect as a starter kit and will no doubt go down well with any beauty addict.

6. This is by far the prettiest make up palette this Christmas. Not only is is beautifully illustrated on the outside, it also comes with a choice of 3 blushers, 5 eye bases, 16 eyeshadows and 3 face powders. Having swatched this, I think the powders are great quality and it retails at a very purse friendly £16.

How's your Christmas shopping going? What's on your wishlist this year?

Marks and Spencer jewel nail polish - NOTD

Gold, green and red are the first 3 colours that come to mind when I think of Christmas. Unfortunately I'm not a big fan of gold or green nails, but I am liking this limited edition Marks and Spencer Jewel nail polish:

 Marks and Spencer limited nail polish in Jewel

I'd describe Jewel as a beautiful pinky red colour with plenty of shimmer particles. For a shimmer polish, it was surprisingly pigmented and only needed one coat for an opaque even colour. The brush was a tad on the thick side, so it was hard to get a neat edge at the cuticles, but if you have a nail varnish remover pen to hand, then it's quick and easy to tidy up. It's also part of their quick dry range, which means I didn't have to wait around for long.

Overall, considering the price (£3.50), I think this is a great nail polish. M+S isn't the first store I think of when I want to treat myself, but judging by the quality of this nail polish, I'll definitely be taking a closer look at their make up collection next time I'm in store.

Have you tried any beauty products from M+S? What's your favourite festive nail polish?

Soap and Glory small wonders gift set

Soap and Glory have become so popular in recent years, and with four generous travel sized products inside, it's hard to go wrong with this quirky but fun small wonders gift set:

Soap and Glory small wonders gift set 

The four products are hand food, clean on me, the righteous butter and scrub of your life. There is also a pink shower puff. All 4 products have that classic pink Soap and Glory scent, which perfume fans will be glad to hear is pretty much a dupe for the Miss Dior Cherie perfume.

 Having been through a full sized bottle of Clean on me shower gel and 2 tubs of The righteous butter, it's safe to say I'm a big fan of the brand. The body butter is a particular favourite of mine as it's so rich and nourishing - perfect for this time of year. I've yet to try the other 2 products, although I have heard a lot of good things about Hand food.

At £10, I think this is a great value gift set (especially when you consider that the products retail for £2.50 each) and if you're new to Soap and glory, then it's a good way of trying out some of their most popular products.

Have you tried any of the 4 products? How's your Christmas shopping coming along?

Ps. Congratulations to Stacie who was the winner of my Nioxin haircare giveaway and to Lauren who has won the Disaster designs giveaway. Girls, can you please email me with your address asap and I'll arange for your prizes to be sent out.

Instagram 015, Winter Wonderland and Dailymix launch

 Debenhams SS13/ P&G gingerbread house/ A high street Clarisonic dupe

New Avon lipsticks/ Putting my empty NEOM candle to good use/ Dailymix launch party pick n mix

 Origins Christmas gifts/ Gingerbread decorating/ Korean BBQ

 Giant Christmas tree/ Post exam drinks/ Gu chocolate indulgence

Instagram username - @peonieslilies

 Last weekend, after 6 years of living in London, I finally got round to visiting Winter Wonderland. And I have to say, it was an amazing experience! Located in the corner of Hyde Park, it was a magical mix of fairground games, rollercoster rides and of course loads of delicious food and drink stalls. The whole thing was beautifully decorated and you can't help but feel all Christmassy as you walk around. A word of advice though, wrap up warm as it's freezing outside and make sure you enjoy one of the many mulled drinks on offer.

Finally, I just wanted to give a shout out to DailyMix, a new Youtube channel, featuring the likes of PixiWoo, Wayne Goss and Ruth Crilly. If you like watching beauty and fashion videos, then you'll love this new channel. The girls do some amazing make overs and I've really been enjoying Ruth's Street style steal videos.

Have you ever been to Winter wonderland? What's your favourite Youtube channel?