Christmas Reading

Christmas means sleeping in, spending countless hours cooking, five minutes eating and sitting on the sofa glued to the TV. But, this year I plan to break this tradition. I will be spending my down time flicking through the pages of a few of the titles that are on my ‘to read’ list.

The Devil Wears Prada

Is it right to assume that we have all seen the film? And that we all dream of being Andrea and acquiring a hoard of designer wear from work. I will be picking up The Devil Wears Prada before I go to sleep, to help me forget all my woes.

Paris StreetStyle: A Guide to Effortless Chic

Those Parisian girls know how to dress chic, by keeping outfits minimal. The minimalism results in a polished and sophisticated look. I will be reading this book in hopes that I might learn how to nail that less is more look from the most stylish women in the world.

The WAH Nails Book of Nail Art

When it comes to nails I’m lazy and I rarely experiment. For me, nail art is supporting a glitter nail. But, apart from the odd bit of glitter I’ve never dabbled in nail art as it seems complicated. I am no artist and the fact that there’s such a small canvas to plot your masterpieces on makes me a little. So, let’s see if I can calm my nerves and at least create one design.

Last Minute Beauty Shopping in London

As Christmas draws closer it’s time to panic and rush around to find all those last minute presents which we all forget to buy. So, I thought I’d compose a list of places I’ll be heading to for some last minute Christmas shopping.

Selfridges

The king of all beauty halls, Selfridges, is a particularly chaotic in the period leading up to Christmas, but it offers its customers many exclusive items.

In September, artist to the stars, Charlotte Tilbury launched her beauty range exclusive to Selfridges. With many of her products on my wish list, it’s definitely worth heading in store to swatch them. It’s very rare to come across a range of makeup that never disappoints.

If makeup is not what you’re looking for, then maybe a set of nail polish will tempt you? New into Selfridges is NAILS INC Message in a Manicure nail polish set for £45 which includes 18 mini polishes. The set is a bargain as it can often be a challenge to finish a full bottle of polish.

Space NK

Space NK is my Pandora’s Box and whenever I step into the store, I’m unable to leave empty handed. It contains a selection of the best beauty products in the world, and the friendliest staff that help to make your shopping trip as pleasant as they can.  At Space NK you will find rare gems such as By Terry, Chantecaille and Lipstick Queen, as well as a selection of limited edition Christmas gifts. When in doubt, head to Space NK.

John Lewis

The famous brush makers Japonesque have recently released a makeup collection into John Lewis. The makeup is highly pigmented and is all under £25. Quality and price aside, it’s packaging that truly makes a statement with no two items packaged alike, this would be a unique gift to give. I have my eyes on the Velvet Touch Eye Shadow Palette in Shade 2.

Benefit

I often pick up a Benefit set or two for my friend’s birthdays throughout the year, and the Benefit team have added many more selection boxes to their shelves just for the festive period. I have had their little love potions set on my Christmas wish list as it contains a few minis of products I have wanted to try. Please Santa, please can I have it?

MUJI

For some easy organisation I would suggest visiting MUJI in order to buy one of their many acrylic boxes. Any of these boxes would make a great gift for any beauty babes who have way too much makeup to keep track of. The clear packaging means that the makeup is easier to find and it looks appetising housed on any dressing table.

Where will you be heading to for those last minute beauty buys?