2015 Favorites: Skincare

It's time for 2015 Favorites part two, this time we're talking skincare. 2015 has been the year where I have really got into skincare and figured out some real favorites in terms of products and brands. Obviously these are all tailored to my dry skin type but I can certainly recommend these brands to everyone.

Simple Micellar Water- I have chopped and changed between many Micellar waters this year but the one from Simple is what I always go back to. It removes all traces of makeup, even mascara and I love using it before cleansing in the evening to remove the majority of my makeup and also if I am feeling lazy in the morning then I will use this instead of a traditional cleanser.

Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm- I have only been using this for the latter part of the year but I already love it so much. It melts makeup away and deeply cleanses the skin while still leaving it feeling hydrated. It is a thick balm that is still very oily making it easy to massage into the face.

NUDE Advanced Renewal Serum- This serum is everything! It makes my skin feel soft and hydrated while adding a ton of glow and youthfulness. I have a full written review HERE on it and if you're in the market for a new serum or skincare of any kind then I can't recommend NUDE more.

Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist- This toner really does make you feel like a queen. I am not exactly sure what it does nor can put my finger on why I love it so much. It smells wonderful and just awakens the skin, leaving it bright and refreshed. The heavy bottle feels very luxe and when my last drop of this runs out I think I will cry.

REN Wake Wonderful Night-Time Facial- You apply this before moisturizer at night and by morning you wake up with baby soft skin that's glowing and refined. It's a gentle exfoliate so if you have sensitive skin it's one to try. You can read a whole review HERE.

La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Sleep Mask- This is the mask of all masks. it is darn expensive but it makes my skin feel amazing. It tightens, lifts and hydrates all while you sleep. So it's similar in price to solid gold but it's as good in my book.

La Prairie Cellular Swiss Ice Crystal Dry Oil- Again this oil is ridiculous in price but amazing! It hydrates the most dry skin, reduces redness and makes my natural skin look practically flawless. It adds the wonderful glow and never feels oily or heavy on the skin, meaning it can be worn in the day ant at night.

Kiehls Creamy Eye Treatment- This avocado powered eye treatment hydrates my dry under eyes like nothing else and is generally a great eye cream. It is perfect for the delicate eye area and sits under the eye well. I have a whole post on it HERE if you would like to read more.

Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture- I have been addicted to FAB's Ultra repair cream for the longest time... That was until this came into my life. It is like a refined lighter but more buttery version of it and is deeply hydrating on the skin without feeling heavy.

Eve Lom Moisture Mask- This mask has a gel like texture that adds lovely hydration to the skin while brightening and firming. With just a thin layer it feel light and refreshing for the whole night or just for 10-15 minuets.

Tula Exfoliating Treatment Mask- I have gone on and on about this stuff but it truly is my favorite mask ever! I have a full review post HERE but in short it exfoliated, rids blackheads and uneven texture, all while hydrating. Pretty amazing right? Tula is a brand that's not talked about too much but you should check out their probiotic infused line.

GlamGlow ThirstyMud Hydrating Treatment- Again this is one for dry skin, it hydrates really well and smells like coconuts, bonus. It feels lightweight on the skin and I would say this is the cheapest alternative I have found to the La Prairie option, still not cheap but a lot less expensive than that.

What skincare have you been loving for the past year? Love...

2015 Favorites: Makeup

We are in the last few days of 2015, so it can only mean one thing. 2015 Favorites time! When I began to gather my favorites for this years favorites I realized I have so many that this needs to go into three parts, so today we are beginning with makeup because really it's the best. First off a quick disclaimer, the majority of this is high end mainly because they are just my favorites but there are a few drugstore items too. There is quite a bit here so grab your left over Christmas chocs and take a seat.

Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation- This has been my HG for the past year and when I think of my all time foundation it has to be this. I have a full review on it HERE that you can read if you want to know more, but in short it has a sheer to medium coverage and some serious glow.

Zoeva 105 Luxe Highlight Brush- I just love this brush, it applies highlight perfectly and works great for contour also. I love it so much that I am certainly buying at least two more. It is super soft and is just the perfect shape and of course it doesn't break the bank which is great.

Colourpop Lippie Pencils- When it comes to lip liners Colourpop's has to make some of the best in my opinion. They are creamy so don't dehydrate the lips but at the same time they lock your lipstick in place and don't budge. A huge plus is they come in at only $5 each and in a ton of different shades.

Becca Moonstone Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed- This has been my go to highlight for most of the year. I never really got on the Champagne Pop bandwagon (controversial I know), I found that it was just a little to dark and golden for my preferences. But Moonstone is a lovely pale warm champagne color that really compliments my warm toned skin. You can wear this pretty intense or just dust it on for a natural look making it perfect for all occasions.

L'Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow in Iced Latte- These pressed pigment like shadows from L'Oreal are some of my favorite from the drugstore and this shade is the perfect inner corner highlight for that real pop of brightness. The have a loose like texture but can be pressed down making them easier to use, they are also intensely pigmented and just generally amazing for the price.

Beautyblender Original- I think this was probably in last years favorites too but what can I say, I just love it so much and I don't think I will ever be without one. Some people say they are the same as every other sponge but I tell you, they certainly are not.

Charlotte Tilbury Eyes To Mesmerise in Mona Lisa- These are my favorite cream shadows and Mona Lisa is a beautiful bronze shade. You can wear them as a sheer wash or build them up to full pigmentation.

Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder in Medium- This is my all time favorite contour, it's not to ashy, or cool, but also not to orange or muddy. The texture of the powder is very smooth and this paired with the Zoeva brush has given me some cheekbones I have never before had.

Marc Jacobs Hi-Shine Lip Lacquer- I have fallen in love with these glosses over the last year, they are extremely shiny but still creamy and non sticky. The two shades photographed here are Pretty Thing and Pink Flamingo. If you want to splurge on a luxury lipgloss then these are the ones to go for.

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye- I have never found a creamy hydrating under eye concealer that has covered my horrible dark circles so well. It blends out without looking cake-y or chunky under the eye, its consistency is think but not heavy and well you can tell how much I love it just from the beat up packaging.

Burberry Kisses Lipsticks- I have become enamored with Burberry Beauty over the past year and there kisses range of lipsticks have become a firm favorite of mine. Rose Blush is the perfect fall berry and English Rose and Nude Pink are great everyday colors.

Kat Von D Tattoo Liners- I have this liner in both the black and brown so that's a testament to how much I love it. If you suck at doing eye liner like me then you need one of these in your life. They create the perfect thin winged line you usually can't do.

It Cosmetics Tightline Lash Primer- I love using this as natural everyday mascara, it adds a lot of length but still looks very natural. It also has a peptide enhancing serum that enhances the lashes with long term wear and I can honestly say my lashes have grown since using this.

Tarte Blush- I have used the limited edition shade Celebrated at least once a week in the past year (that's a lot for a girl who owns about 30 blushes) I don't believe you can buy it any more but a similar shade is Exposed, it's very neutral so perfect with any lip color. (Link to Celebrated included<)

Maybelline Dream Lumi Highlighting Concealer- On no makeup makeup days this has been my go to. It doesn't cover dark circles but it sure does brighten them making you look more awake naturally. You can use it all over the face just to cover what you need and it keeps your skin looking natural and fresh.

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipsticks- I was never a fan of matte lips before these lipsticks came into my life. They are creamy, hydrating, but matte. Crazy right? I have a whole post on them HERE if you are interested. I do hope Charlotte releases some more shades soon.

Let me know what you're 2015 favorites have been in the comments. Love...



A Reflexion On 2015

As 2015 comes to an end I thought it would be a good time to reflect on the past year and look forward to the next. I feel like so much has happened but at the same time nothing has, if that makes any sense at all. 2015 has certainly been a big year here on Perfect Peonies and I hope 2016 is even better. Over the past year I feel like I have achieved so much in my 'blogging life' and I am so happy Perfect Peonies keeps growing as well as it is and that I still love doing this 'blogging' thing so much, it really is my happy place. If you want to hear me ramble more about this then read This Post from Perfect Peonies first birthday. In short I have got to work with some amazing brands and companies while doing what I love and I am so grateful for that. January feels like a whole world away now but at the same time only like yesterday, I can't believe it's almost the New Year again already. Back in the spring my family came and visited us here in DC and it was lovely to spend a week or so showing them around and just spending time together. We also had a really nice vacation to Mexico in August as a family and it felt a little like it could be one of the last times were all together not at home, as me any my sister both grow up. Last week I also turned 18 meaning I am now an adult (in fact I am writing this on my birthday and it feels oh so weird) and honestly I don't feel like I am ready to be. It is only in the past few months that I have decided what I want to do with the next few years of my life with Uni ect, so I certainly don't feel settled or ready for what 2016 has to bring but I am excited nonetheless. I am hoping over the next year I can get finished with school early and start blogging full time, at least for a few months before I get a job. I have decided to take a gap year before uni, partially because I was unsure of what to do but it will also give me a great chance to feel out blogging full time which should be really fun. I have never made my hobby a job before, so we will see how that goes. If any full time bloggers have any tips do let me know. I have also dabbled with the idea of starting a youtube channel. I love watching youtube beauty videos and am thinking why not make my own, I am still rather hesitant but never say never. Of course the big change in 2016 will be moving back to the UK, for those who don't know I have been living in the US for the past three years. It's only a matter of weeks now until we move and I have to admit I am really sad about it. I now feel at home here and there are so many things I will miss but I am excited to be back home and around all of my family again, and who knows I may end up back here some day. Reading this back through I realize this really is a post for me to get things of my chest and well 'reflect' but I hope you have enjoyed it anyway. I would love it if in the comments you would tell me your dreams for 2016. Love...

A New Years Eve Look With Tom Ford

A few items from the latest Tom Ford Noir Color Collection are perfect for my New Years Eve look this year and I thought today I would share them with you just in time for the big night. The Cream and Powder Eye Color in the shade Night-Sky makes the most perfect deep navy smokey eye. The cream base is a deep rich sky blue with some metallic running through and then the powder color is similar in shade but with the most beautiful duo chrome pink, blue, purple, and silver shimmer. I love using these two all over the lid for a dramatic dark look that's perfect for ringing in the new year. To add to the eyes even more I love lining my upper lash line and tightline with the Eye Defining Pencil in Navy Black. Then for the finishing touch I am using the Waterproof Extreme Mascara heavily on the lashes. As the eyes are so heavy I am going to keep the lips simple in the form of a matte nude, First Time by Tom Ford to be exact. If you want that extra bit of sparkle then the Lash Tips Mascara adds a touch of color and shimmer to the tips of the lashes, pretty fun huh? A luxury New Years Eve makeup look is my version of a fancy bottle of Champagne this new year. What's your favorite way to say hello to a new year? Love...


*PR Samples, all opinions are my own. Refer to my disclaimer for more information.

Merry Christmas

There is not a 'proper' post today post today as I am celebrating Christmas but I just wanted to send a quick note to say have a very merry and safe Christmas, play all those Christmas tunes and I will see you again next week with a bunch of yearly favorites and New Years Eve posts. Love...

Chantecaille Holiday Collection


This years Chantecaille Holiday collection is based on the ever so beautiful Himalayas and the collection itself certainly shares that beauty. The Creamy Colour Lipstick in Larkspur is a beautiful rose petal pink that adds a lovely natural flush to the lips. the formula is creamy and hydrating and perfect for everyday. The new Cheek Gelee, a hydrating gel-cream blush is perfect for the winter months and that horrible dry skin you're suffering from. The colour Happy is a soft peachy petal that can be really sheered out on the checks for a soft flush. Lastly I have the Le Chrome Luxe Eye Duo in the shade Tibet. Both shades are very metallic and perfect for a New Years Eve look. One is cooler in tone and the other is a strong bronze shimmer. The collection also features a few other products that I don't have but as whole it is rather beautiful. Love...

*PR Samples, all opinions are my own. Refer to my disclaimer for more information.

What's On My Birthday Face- Inspired By Claire Danes


So today is my birthday yay, and I thought why not share what's on my 'birthday face'. As I am going out to dinner I am using some of my favorite makeup items to make this day extra special. I took some inspiration from Claire Danes December Allure cover look as I love it so much and I am also a big fan of hers. First of all I am starting with Burberry's Fresh Glow Foundation for a sheer but glowy finish to my skin. I am also going to conceal my under eyes with the wonderful It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye concealer for fresh look and to hide my horrendous dark circles. I am setting everything with the Hourglass Ambient Lighting powder in Diffused Light to add even more light and glow to the face. Onto the eyes and I used a pale gold all over the lid and slightly under the lash line. Into the crease I blended a warm toned medium brown, added lashings of mascara and that was it. I filled in my browns ever so slightly with Tom Ford's Brow Powders and then set them with a clear brow gel. Like Claire I went for a poppy flush of pink on the cheeks in the form of Tarte Tipsy blush. I also used some Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Moonstone on the cheek bones, nose, cupids bow, and forehead. Of course to finish off I went for the bold vampy lip like Danes, the closest in my collection was Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick Love Liberty. I am very happy how it turned out and I love the gold eye and vampy lip combo so much. I don't look as good as Claire obviously but I love the look and it looked better with brown hair than I had anticipated. Oh and sorry for the lack of photo's, the lighting around here with the horrible weather has made it impossible to get any half decent images. Love...

Oribe Gold Lust Collection


Oribe are the leaders in luxury haircare and this Gold Lust Holiday Collection would make a very special gift under the tree in a few days. You can also purchase these separately so I would recommend reading on if you fancy a haircare treat. The shampoo and conditioner come in very fancy and beautiful bottles for starters, they also have a formula to die for. They reawaken your hair to its glossiest, healthiest, and lest damaged self. A blend of precious oils like Argan, Maracuja, and Cypress rehydrate the hair leaving a brilliant shine, and reinforcing inner strength in each strand. My hair has never been so shiny since using this and already I can see the damage in my hair diminishing. In this set you also get a travel size of the Balm d'Or heat Styling Shield which I have become a big fan of. You apply the lightweight cream into damp hair before heat styling and it protects while sealing in sleekness and radiant shine, making your hair look even healthier. So spending a small fortune on haircare might not be your thing but if it is you won't be sorry with these products. Love...


*PR Samples, all opinions are my own. Refer to my disclaimer for more information.

Tarteist Contour Palette


One of my favorite makeup brands, Tarte has recently released a contour palette. Yay for chiseled cheeks and no football face. It has 6 shades in total, all you need for contouring, highlighting and even a blush. There are two matte yellow and pink highlights for setting under the eye and generally brightening the face. Both powders feel very smooth and have good pigmentation without feeling chalky. The yellow one is my favorite and it really brightens the under eye. You also get a slightly shimmery highlight that can be worn alone or over the top of the other two. It's not my favorite but it's very nice and natural. The blush is a matte neutral pink that will work well on every skin tone and then of course you get two contour colors. One is more warm toned and bronzer like and the other is a lot cooler and darker, but again both matte. I personally like using the warmer shade as more of a bronzer contour hybrid and then a very small amount of the darker shade in the very hollows of my cheeks. The powders blend out well and don't look streaky or fake on the cheeks. One thing I will say is that I hope they create this in another shade for darker skin, anyone from pale to medium dark can probably use this but if you're really dark then I believe it will be to pale which is a shame. The packaging is small and round making it compact and perfect for travel. It's also gold and faux leather making it very swanky indeed. So if you want a palette with everything in and prefer a more natural contoured look like me then this is certainly one to try. Love...


*PR Samples, all opinions are my own. Refer to my disclaimer for more information.

Smashbox Masterclass Palette


Smashbox do some lovely shadows and face powders and this new Masterclass palette that was made in collaboration with Yago Hortal contains 32 eye shadows, 6 blushes, and 2 highlighters. It is a rather large palette but if you love makeup and color then it will make the perfect addition to your makeup collection. Two hand sized palettes come attached in a file like folder with some how two cards. This folder makes the palette pretty heft but luckily you can detach each smaller palette making them slim and perfect for travel. I love that all of the shades have names, I don't really know why but it is very convenient to be able to see them above the colors. One palette contains more warm toned colors and the other cool, both have wearable and very colorful shades so there is certainly something for every eye look. All the shadows are very pigmented and there are a good range of matte and shimmers. The blushes are all very wearable from pinks to peaches, and the shade Sunset would also make a good bronzer for pale skin. There are also two highlighters one that's pretty intense called Glow and the other, Shimmer a more bronzed toned subtler version. The 'how to' cards are actually very helpful, and show how to pair up all the different colors perfectly. All in all this palette has almost everything you need for a full face of makeup, everything feels very high quality and I think it would be perfect for makeup artists and lovers alike. The fact the palettes can be removed for ease of travel is also a great selling point in my book. The really is everything you need and more in here. Love...



*PR Samples, all opinions are my own. Refer to my disclaimer for more information.

Tom Ford Lips & Boys


Just in time for Christmas Tom Ford has released 25 of the old Lips and Boys shades along with 25 more, that's a whooping 50 shades of mini lipsticks; how cute. At a fraction of the price of a normal Tom Ford lipstick they are a little more in reach for us everyday beauty loving folk. They come in a number of different finishes and are the perfect size for a clutch bag. If I found one in my stocking this Christmas I certainly would be a happy girl. I have 4 shades here 3 from the old collection and 1 from the new, granted you don't get a lot of product but enough to certainly keep you going (see photo comparing normal TF Lipsticks to Lips & Boys above). Oh and not to mention they smell divine. Addison is re release from last year and it's a beautiful pale pink nude, it is a perfect everyday color and if you want to give one of these as a gift then you can't really go wrong with this shade. Cary is on of my favorite lipstick shades ever! This berry toned pink plum is a creme formula that feels very hydrating on the lips but sticks around all day. The testament to that is that I wore it through Thanksgiving dinner and it stayed put and the name 'Cary' always reminds me of The Good Wife. Lastly from the re releases I have is Patrick a coral toned pink, again it has a creamy formula but has a very small amount of shimmer. From the new 25 I have the shade Roberto, a orange toned sheer red with micro shimmer. It is seriously pretty and will be perfect for the summer months. So with the slightly gimmicky but cute concept aside these mini lipsticks sure are wonderful, and will make the most perfect Christmas gift. Love...  



*PR Samples, all opinions are my own. Refer to my disclaimer for more information.

Holidays With Lancôme


The holidays are my favorite time of the year, decorating the tree, baking cookies, and sitting by the fire. There is nothing better than spending time with friends and family and of course, gift giving. This Christmas I am going to be going festive with my makeup, specifically that perfect red lip. I am keeping the eye's simple with a champagne shadow all over the lid and then a thin winged liner. I am also keeping the rest of my makeup very simple with a light base and natural blush, and of course the icing on the cake is the beautiful creamy red Lancome L'absolute Rouge Definition in 195 Le Carmin. This demi-matte lipstick is highly saturated in color and the precise shaped bullet makes it as easy as pie to apply. The overall finish is a very festive look indeed. If red isn't you're thing then Lancome have a range of easy to use and Limited Edition Color Design Matte Lip Crayons in 10 different shades ranging from nudes, to bright pink, to deep berry's. The formula of these are incredibly creamy and they leave a wonderful matte but hydrating finish to the lips, the small sculpted tip also makes them the perfect liner, lip color combo. To add that finishing touch spritz Lancome's classic and ever so wonderful La Vie Est Belle fragrance that will enchant everyone as you celebrate the season. The scent has joyous notes such as jasmine and orange blossom, and the bottle is to die for; making your life certainly beautiful. Have a wonderful and charming Christmas. Love...

*PR Samples, all opinions are my own. Refer to my disclaimer for more information.


A Holiday Gift Guide With Space NK


For my final gift guide of the year I have teamed up with the wonderful Space NK to bring you my top picks just in time for Christmas. Space NK have some wonderful gift sets this year that I will be showing you along with some of my favorite items from the site. There is also a little giveaway in here as a little treat for one of you so make sure you read to the end to see how to enter.

Oribe Gold Lust Collection $97- Give the gift of wonderful hair this season! Oribe have to be the most luxurious hair care brand out there and this gold lust collection contains a full sized shampoo and conditioner that restores dull, dry, and damaged hair as well as a travel sized heat protecting cream. Of course all in beautiful packaging.

Kat Burki Holiday Body Collection $85- Kat Burki is one of my favorite skincare brands and this special holiday set exclusive to Space NK has three of their best selling products. It contains a wonderful smelling body scrub, their ever so famous glossy lip treatment, and a incredibly rich hand cream.

Eve Lom The Perfectors $125- This beautifuly boxed set comes with three brightening items from the ever so classic Eve Lom range. There is a balm cleanser which is my HG, along with a illuminating moisturizer and primer to give you that perfect dewy glow.

Aromatherapy Associates Ultimate Bath Jewels $98- This 'wardrobe' of incredible aromatherapy oils is the perfect gift for anyone with a stressful job or someone who just loves baths.There are 10 oils in total with at least 3 baths or showers out of each meaning your getting a ton of product for the money. They also make great little travel companions too.

Zoeva Cocoa Blend Palette $32- This palette is full of yummy warm and rusty toned shadows making it the perfect 'chocolate bar' without all the calories. The shadows are all intensely pigmented and there are a mix of matte and shimmer making it the perfect everyday palette.

Anything Chantecaille- If you want to give someone a little luxury makeup treat then there is no better brand then Chantecaille. From their eye shadows, to mascaras, to lipsticks everything is just wonderful and worth their weight in gold. Pictured I have a eye shadow duo and hydrating lipstick.

Space NK Shimmering Spice Candle $20-$40- Every year Space NK always release the much-ly coveted Shimmering Spice Candle in beautiful new glass jars. It has to be my favorite candle of the season and it always makes a wonderful gift. Available in two sizes it doesn't break the bank either.

Space NK have kindly given me one to give away to one lucky reader! YAY! One lucky winner will receive the larger candle to either treat themselves with or give as a wonderful gift to a loved one this holiday. To Enter all you have to do is follow the details on the rafflecopter below. Make sure you enter and share as much as possible to increase your chances of winning, one lucky winner will be drawn on Friday. Happy Holidays and good luck!


Love...


* Thank you to Space NK USA for teaming up with me for this post and giveaway. This is not sponsored but does contain some PR Samples. Refer to my Disclaimer for more information. Giveaway open to US residents only. 

Darphin Essential Oil Elixirs

I a am pretty new to Darphin as a skincare line but from what I have tried so far I can already say I am incredibly excited to try more. Over the past few weeks I have loved using the Essential Oil Elixirs form Darphin's Aromatic range. The two specifically are the Rose Aromatic Care Oil, and the Jasmine Aromatic Care Oil both for hydration and anti-aging.  A few drops of either every evening after serum but before moisturizer adds that does of glow and hydration. The Aromatic Rose Care Oil smells wonderful and melts into the skin perfectly. Neither of the oils feel greasy or heavy on the skin and sink in very easily. The Jasmine Aromatic Care Oil is aimed at more mature skin, it brightens while evening skin tone and smooths out fine lines and wrinkles. There are another five in the line of Oil Elixirs, so certainly something for every skin type. I am such a huge fan of oils, I think they can do wonders for you skin and these two have earned their place in my favorites. I can't wait to try more from Darphin, let me know what you've tried. Love...



*PR Samples, all opinions are my own. Refer to my disclaimer for more information.


A Festive Red Lip

Nothing to me says Christmas more than a red lip, you can tell I am a beauty freak right? Well because of this today I am going to be sharing some of my favorite red lip options in every formula and shade. First of all to get that precise clean line you're going to need a liner, now you can get any from the drugstore or Sephora but my personal favorite is Makeup Forever's Aqua Lip in 8C, it's seriously budge proof and shapes and fills the lips superbly. If matte lips aren't your thing then the true red creamy lipstick It Girl from It Cosmetics is the perfect pick. The formula is really hydrating with a glossy finish but do be ware that this won't stay on the lips forever. If you want a red leaning more orange then the glossy Cream Lip Glaze in Jetset by Glo-Minerals is perfect. For a matte budge proof option I love the Sephora Cream Lip Stain in 01, this true red liquid cream applies beautifully and stays put all night long, even through those party canapes. A drugstore option is the L'oreal Collection Exclusive Blake Lively Red, this leans a little more raspberry in color and has a lovely creamy matte finish. Lastly for a slightly darker option I am a huge fan of the NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella. Again it is matte but not dehydrating and because it's in pencil form it means you can skip the liner. What festive red will you be rocking at your Christmas party? Love...

OPI Starlight Collection

O.P.I is one of my favorite nail brands and I always love see their new releases especially in the festive season. This year the collection has taken inspiration from from the stars and space. Usually with the holiday collection's a specific place or celebrity is endorsed but I really like the direction they have go with this. There are 18 shades in total and I have 6 today that I am going to share with you. The collection is very heavy in the metallic and silvers... not the red and golds you might think. My favorite out of them all has to be the beautiful rose gold chunky glitter top coat, Infrared-y to Glow. Comet Closer is a silver meets gold shimmer metallic, it can look a little streaky on the nails but with two thin layers it looks perfectly sparkly. If purple is more your thing then I'm in the Moon for Love will be right up your street. Again it's a metallic and super shiny making it perfect for Christmas. Another favorite of mine is Give me Space, a stunning highly shimmered navy blue. It it packed full of micro glitter and looks amazing on the nails. Cosmo with a Twist is very similar but with a duo chrome twist. It is full of purple, blue, silver and gold flecks making it look different in every light. Lastly I have Super Star Status which isn't silver but also isn't gold, it's kind of in between. It is a glitter metallic mix that is super opaque and I love wearing it on my ring finger with a nude polish on the rest and it's festive but not over the top. Love...



*PR Samples, all opinions are my own. Refer to my disclaimer for more information.

A Holiday Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers


The little gifts at Christmas are always the best so today I am bringing you some of my favorites in this stocking stuffer gift guide. Instead of having a price limit I have go for 'smaller' gifts but there is something for every budget in here. Unlike my other guides I will only be doing a mini description with these as there are just so many but links will be included so if you see something your interested in just give it a click and read away.

BareMinerals Deluxe Mineral Veil $36- This beautifully packaged loose powder sets makeup perfectly and leaves a lovely glow.

Laura Geller Delicious Shades of Cool Eyeshadow Palette $45- These baked shadows have great pigmentation and you have all the right shades to create the perfect holiday smokey eye.

Formula X Bottle Service $36.50- This Champagne bottle filled with 10 mini formula x would be an adorable gift in someones stocking this Christmas morning. 

Dr Jart Ceramidin Duo $18- This duo is the perfect for to winter skin, the lip balm is intensely hydrating and the oil balm heals dry patches like nothing else.

BareMinerals Pop of Passion $16- This little tree ornament contains a beautiful sheer and hydrating ruby colored balm. 

Sephora Color Wishes $10- this mini set of match box sized eye shadow duos is beyond adorable. You get five mini books in here with a matte and shimmer in each. The pigmentation is great and these would be the perfect gift for beginners or to even split between friends. 

Sephora Be Spotted Makeup Bag $28- Everyone needs a beautiful makeup bag and this rose gold pleather bag would make a perfect gift. 

It Cosmetics Naturally Pretty Eye Set $28- In this set you get a palette with six matte shades and a transforming pearl along with a travel size Hello Lashes mascara.

Aerin Amber Musk Rollerball $28- This luxe rollerball smells amazing and makes the perfect gift for someone who is out and about a lot. 

Laura Mercier Haute Lips Trio $38- This trio contains the perfect pink lipstick, gloss, and liner.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream $12- This Christmas packaged Ultra Repair Cream is a great gift to combat winter skin.

GlamGlow Holiday Exclusive $38- These little trios from GlamGlow come in a plethora of options but you get three travel sized products in each option and it's a great way to either let someone try the brand or split the set between three friends. 

This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Talk $41- My pack has last years packaging but the content is the same. You get a pillow spray that gets you to sleep like nothing else and then a stress less roller ball that's great for anxiety or stress. 

Elizabeth Arden Always Red Eau de Toilette $50- This fragrance smells beautiful and while it is the most expensive gift on this list it is still great value for a fine fragrance. 

CLEAN Rollerball Layering Collection $18- This set of five mini rollerballs smell amazingly natural, like fresh air, clean laundry, and sunshine. Perfect for the person in your life who is a little fragrance fearful. 

The Silver Loft Jewelry- All the jewelry from the silver loft is hand made and just generally beautiful, if you want to give someone a personal gift or something special then this is the place to go. 

Pacifica Hand Cream Trio $18- These hand creams smell amazing and are super hydrating. The packaging is very girly and would be perfect for a young teen.

Sonia Kashuk Makeup Bag $17.99- I have the Floral Always Organized bag here and it's the perfect size for traveling. Sonia Kashuk does tons of different styles and prints so you will find something for everyone. The bags are all great quality and certainly my favorites on the market.  

Caudalie Divine Oil Ornament $9- This little ornament is seriously cute and the oil included is perfect for hair, skin, and nails. 

Fresh Sugar Desire $29- Again this is an ornament filled with two of Fresh's best selling products, the lips scrub and Advanced Therapy lip balm. 

Ciate Kiss Collective Liquid Velvet $22- In this trio you get three velvet liquid lipsticks in a red, nude, and pink berry. The formula of these are great and the fact that they are so small make them perfect for your holiday clutch bag.

WOW that was a lot. I hope you enjoyed seeing my stocking stuffer picks and make sure you come back next Monday for my last gift guide of the season *sad face*. Let me know what you want for Christmas below. Love...


*PR Samples, all opinions are my own. Refer to my disclaimer for more information.

Guerlain Limited Edition Meteorites

If I see something is sparkly, golden, and limited addition for holiday then I am a Magpie to it. This holiday season Guerlain has released a limited edition special version of their ever so famous Meteorites. In case you don't know Guerlain's Meteorites are illuminating loose powder pearls that add a radiant glow to the skin. They come in many different varieties for different skin concerns but this limited edition set focuses on adding radiance to the skin. First of all the packaging is beyond beautiful and looks oh so festive. The white pearly bauble design with gold detailing and embedded image on the top looks so special and would make a wonderful gift. The pearls are all incredibly luminous adding that wonderful glow, the special snowflake pears have micro shimmer in them making this a perfect natural highlight powder or for a real dewy look all over the face. So is it something you need? No probably not, but if you are a makeup collector like me or want a really special piece of makeup then this is it. Nothing says Christmas like makeup in he shape of snowflakes, right? Love...




*PR Samples, all opinions are my own. Refer to my disclaimer for more information.