Whistles Maria Slim Textured Top

I am now the proud owner of a Whistles jumper and I can’t retain my excitement as this is my first ever Whistles purchase! The jumper in question, the Maria Slim Textured Top, was part of the A/W 13 collection and I managed to find it in the sale for £45.

Despite it being a slim fit top, I picked it up in a bigger size as I wanted it to be a little bit baggy. The sports luxe feel of it makes it perfect for a little casual chic. I've been pairing it with a pair of rather thick black leggings or a pair of simple jeans and a slight heel.

I think this will be the start of a new addiction. Someone restrain me before I head to Whistles. You can still get your hands on the Maria Slim Textured Top (here) at John Lewis, hurry before they all go!

The MAC 217

Last summer I finally got my hands on a MAC 217 and it made me wonder why it took me so long. It’s the perfect eye tool. The 217 has made wearing eye shadow so much easier. The oval shape helps me to effortlessly find and define my crease. It does all the work for me without the need of elbow grease.

The MAC 217 is dense enough to hold the right amount of shadow on the brush, fluffy enough to blend any harsh edges, and perfect at creating a little smokiness in my crease. I don’t only use the 217 to blend away harsh lines and define my crease, but it’s also fab at adding a wash of colour all over my lids and blending in concealer. 

At £18.00 the 217 is much pricier than any other shadow brush in my stash, but I think I’ll be purchasing a second 217 soon as I just can’t seem to be without it. 

What do you make of the MAC 217?

My Top 5 of 2013

I thought that it was better late than never to introduce you to my top 5 products of 2013. They're the most reached for products in my stocks and have been in constant use since I purchased them.

Denman Paddle Brush

My hair is long, very long, and I am currently resisting chopping it off until my 22nd birthday. Brushing my hair is a laborious task, but the Denman Paddle Brush just seems to help remove any knots without me having to tug at my hair.

Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Moisturizer

For two years I had been on the hunt for a lightweight moisturiser that nourished my skin without adding any extra sheen. Origins Ginzing moisturiser not only answered my prayers, but the panax ginseng and caffeine formula awakens my skin. 

Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Pink Truffle

I have never been through a lip product as quick as I have with this. After just 2 months of using Pink Truffle I purchased my second bullet and I have a third for safe measures. It’s a 'my lips but better shade' - nude pink perfection.

Rimmel Salon Pro by Kate Nail Polish in Soul Session

This has been my most worn nail shade of 2013 and I've already reached for it this year to paint my toes. It’s a gorgeous neutral with a slight pink tone. It's easy to wear and manages to complement any outfit.

Diptyque Figuier

I had heard the raves for a while, but I was yet to make up my mind on the matter. Last year all changed in my home fragrances once I purchased Figuier and there has been no looking back, it's been purchased time and time again. It's the sole cause for my obsession with fig scents.

Maybelline's Brow Drama

When Maybelline Brow Drama Sculpting Mascara was first released I was a little scared to try it. I imagined that my eyebrows would be left looking crispy, but I was wrong. It’s now a staple in my stash and ever since I've used this mascara I've barely picked up anything else for my brow maintenance. I have the shade Dark Brown as it complements my dark Asian hair.

So what about the finish? As the name suggests, it adds a little drama. My eyebrows are left looking natural, with a slight tint but nothing too obvious. The best bit is that when I use this my eyebrows aren't left feeling wet, hard or looking crispy.

One quick swipe on each brow and I’m ready to head out the door. At £4.99 I can’t see myself using much else on my caterpillars for a while.

Shop My Stash #1

I've often seen the 'Shop My Stash' videos pop up on YouTube and I thought that with January being the month of saving, it seemed appropriate to dive deep into my stash for those forgotten gems.

With December being the month of palettes I've often neglected Urban Decays Naked Palette and I just don't understand why. But, I'll make an effort to start using it again as it houses my favourite matte combination; Naked and Buck.

Rimmel Scandaleyes Shadow Stick in Bulletproof Beige throughout summer I couldn't stop singing Rimmel’s praises to my family and friends. The Shadow Sticks managed stay put whilst the rest of my makeup dripped off in the heat. I didn't only use this on my eyes, but I found that it doubled up as a highlighter.  

Dior Addict Lip Glow when I purchased this I was all over it. The clear balm offered my lips a natural just bitten look, but throughout the winter it was put aside for bolder lip offerings.  

Will you be shopping your stash? 

A little bit of MUJI

The Acrylic Box

This 2 drawer box from MUJI currently resides on top of my chest of draws and houses all of my makeup essentials. I love the fact that MUJI’s acrylic boxes are clear as it means that finding my makeup in a hurry is no longer a challenge.

I have my eyes on their PP Baskets so I can organise my jewellery and makeup draws. Have you tried any of MUJI’s storage solutions? 

The Candles 

I have fallen hard for MUJI's candles, not only do they smell divine, but I don’t feel guilty when I burn my way through a few of them. The small tins are more of a steal than a splurge as they set me back by £3.50. My favourites are Log Fire (a dead ringer for Diptyque's Feu de Bois), Candy floss and Vanilla.

Here's the exciting bit, its MUJI’s Beauty Month from the 13th January till the 13th February 2014. MUJI are offering shoppers 10% off of their selection of acrylic storage, cosmetic accessories and home fragrances. You can shop online using the code MUJIBEAUTY or you can take this voucher into your nearest MUJI store. I think it’s about time I get organised!

Who doesn't love a bit of MUJI?!

I have not been compensated for this post and am simply sharing my love for MUJI.

The Soap & Glory Rinse

A peek into my bathroom reveals that I am a Soap & Glory lover through and through. There's just something about affordable indulgence. As soon as my stocks run low I head to my nearest Boots and pick up a few of my favourites on 3 for 2. Here's a look at a few of my top Soap & Glory picks.  

Rich & Foamous

Rich & Foamous is my all time favourite scent. My sister often states that it smells like cake batter. It's the combination of raw flower honey, almond milk, coconut oil, sweet almond oil and cocoa butter that create it's gorgeous aroma. Soap & Glory's 500 ML body washes seem to last me a while and as a result they dominate my bathing routine.  

Smoothie Star Breakfast Scrub 

I was never really one for scrub and used to use exfoliating mitts. I found that the majority of scrubs I tried were either not gritty enough or too abrasive on my skin. All changed once I discovered Soap & Glory's Smoothie Star Breakfast Scrub. Now this smells just as sweet as Rich & Foamous. What can I say I'm a sucker for sweet scents? The combination of scrubbing flaky patches away and the banana, almond, honey and shea butter formula leaves my skin feeling silky smooth.  

Butter Yourself

After my quick rinse, I like to butter myself up. I am currently using Butter Yourself it's rich in exfoliating AHAs which helps to combat any dead skin cells and it also shea butter that leaves my skin nourished all day.  

Have you tried a Soap & Glory rinse?  

Revlon's Quick Dry Top Coat

Here’s a little confession, I have never tried the Seche Vite Top Coat. I know shock horror! But, the list of health warnings makes me a little wary. Not to worry though, I'm here today to tell you about my favourite drugstore top coat. 

This is my second bottle of the stuff and it's a good’un. Revlon’s Quick Dry Top Coat does what it says on the tin, in 60 seconds you are left with a high shine finish and a dry mani. My manicure usually lasts 5 days before any signs of wear and tear appear and my pedicures last a whopping 2 weeks.

You can get your hands on Revlon’s Quick Dry Top Coat at Boots for £6.49.