The Lipstick Palette You Need | Urban Decay Vice Metal & Matte Lipstick Palette

I haven't owned a lipstick palette since I was about 8 years old, so as soon as I saw the Urban Decay Vice Lipstick Palette, it was like an instant nostalgic feeling hit me and I knew that I had to have it, so when Dan's mum offered to buy it me for Christmas on a shopping trip back in December, I was pretty excited to say the least!

First let's talk about the packaging, this strikingly beautiful purple metallic case embossed with the Urban Decay branding is sure to attract attention when pulling it out of your bag and it's the perfect size to keep in your handbag, for those after work dinner and drinks or for taking on holiday because why would you only take 3 lipsticks when you can take one compact with twelve colours?! I know, it's a no-brainer right?! The lipsticks are also protected by an inner lid featuring the phrase 'lipstick is my vice' which could not be truer and you simply flip this over before and after use to protect the wells and it even has a retractable lip brush for ease of application, which I would usually just swap up for my own choice when these come with palettes however this one I actually do use and love!

The lip brush has gorgeously soft bristles that don't harden like some lip brushes do, yet are stiff enough to allow for precise application. It's easy to keep this brush clean and the retractable mechanism means it takes up much less space allowing it to fit in the bottom of the palette perfectly. The 'stair-step' wells that contain each lipstick colour allows you to wipe off any excess product, perfect to ensure that you don't waste any of your favourite colours and it also stops the colours from being mixed. The lid also encases a very handy sized mirror, perfect for touch-ups on the go and unlike some cases, the lid actually stays upright so you can balance your case on the table rather than needing to keep it in your hand and multi-tasking.

Top Row (L-R) Banger, Amulet, Fast Talk, Big Bang, Mad, Spark

Bottom Row (L-R) CSB, Tame, Backtalk, Double Team, Shallow, 714

Featuring twelve shades altogether, six metallized and six matte, with six of them being new, this palette has a lot to offer. The shades range from gorgeous neutrals to more daring brights, making it suitable for all skin tones and making it easy to go from office to date night in just one easy step, simply apply the metallized pairing on top and voila, you have yourself a glam lip, ready to go! The shade range for me was pretty exciting because it meant that I had every day colours to wear but also colours that I could experiment with and create makeup looks that I wouldn't usually wear day to day but that would be fun to create and photograph. I would say that Backtalk which is a matte nude-pink is most definitely my most worn colour so far thanks to it's versatility, followed by Tame, which is very similar but a little less pink, both are perfect for all occasions, whilst Banger and Fast talk made regular appearances over the festive period.

What I really love about the Urban Decay Vice palette is that the formula is the exact same formula as the vice lipsticks which gives a rich, creamy consistency that doesn't dry out the lips and the pigmentation is amazing meaning less application time, less touch ups and overall using far less product so you do get plenty for your money with this palette. The staying power of these lipsticks isn't quite as long as I would like, like quite a lot of lipsticks, they're good until you have food and drink and then they seem to disappear but I do find that to be quite standard for most lipsticks on my lips unless they have a very dry matte liquid formula and with how handy this palette is for travelling and touch ups I don't mind at all!

At £31.50 it is most definitely a splurge but if you think you get 12 shades making them just over £2.50 per colour, it's actually quite a bargain! Sure, you don't get a full sized lipstick but who actually ever gets to the bottom of a lipstick? I don't think I ever have! I love lipsticks too much to use just one colour so for me, it's most definitely the way forward!

Have you tried the Urban Decay Vice Lipstick Palette yet?

Love Abbie x

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WhiteWash Laboratories Nano Whitening Kit

Teeth whitening products always draw me in, I've always wanted perfect teeth but unfortunately wasn't blessed with them and although they may not be straight, who doesn't want pearly whites?! The only problem is, I worry about them damaging my teeth as they are often quite abrasive and I do not deal well with toothache, which I know a lot of them can cause if used incorrectly. So I have been testing out the Nano Whitening Kit* (£39.80) by Whitewash Laboratories for over a month now, developed by dentists, gentle on the teeth and backed by science, these products are fast becoming my favourites! I have seen such a difference already but the amazing thing is, I'm not the only one to have noticed! Dan has constantly been commenting on how white my teeth are looking and has even sneakily started using the products himself too!

A beauty lovers dream - these products are free from parabens, alcohol, SLS, triclosan and PEG, in lamens terms, all the nasties that you don't want in your products! Instead, each ingredient has been selected for a specific use, ensuring that there are only ingredients in the products that need to be in there and they're cruelty free! 

WhiteWash Laboratories also donate a toothbrush to a child in need for every product sold! How amazing is that?! The 'Brush For A Brush' campaign aims to prevent tooth decay in children which you can read more about here!

The WhiteWash Laboratories Nano Whitening Kit - 

Nano Whitening Toothpaste 75ml 

Made with special micro-polishes that help to remove surface stains and advanced Enamel Care Technology© which helps to whiten, remineralise and repair teeth whilst reducing sensitivity and helping to create that pearly white shine! 

Nano Whitening Mouthwash 300ml 

Again, this contains Enamel Care Technology© so double the whitening! The advanced complex in this helps to reduce any sensitivity to the teeth and the naturally occuring xylitol helps to prevent bacterial plaque from forming.

Nano Whitening Toothbrush

The whitening bristles removes 35% more stains than normal bristles whilst the ergonomic designs makes for a comfortable grip!

Anti-stain floss

A non-shredding floss that provides anti-bacterial action, glides easily between teeth and helps to brighten the gaps between your teeth.

I also received a Micro-rinser floss too which is the only clinically tested floss which removes up to 40% more plaque compared to others.

The Nano whitening range is gentle enough for daily use, is designed for 7years+ and can even be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. 

Using this kit has completely changed my brushing routine! With the Nano Whitening Kit you floss first, use the mouthwash second and then brush, which really took some getting used to let me tell you, however its surprising how quickly you adapt. When using the Nano Whitening Toothbrush as apposed to a regular toothbrush with the products, I noticed that my teeth seem so much whiter and feel so much cleaner. The bristles of the brush are quite soft so I feel that I can scrub a little harder without fear of making my gums sore. 

Often teeth whitening products can have quite a chemically taste but I find that the sweet peppermint taste of the Nano range doesn't taste much different to my regular toothpaste, if anything it is just a little plainer, which I prefer as some can be quite overpowering meaning that I don't brush for as long as my mouth can feel irritated if it's too strong. Texture wise, the toothpaste is a little thicker, similar to a clay and as you don't dilute this toothpaste with water you can feel a slight difference at first but it isn't unpleasant and you soon get used to it. 

Having teeth that overlap means that flossing is essential to my routine and I have been loving using the flosses provided, especially the Micro-rinser Floss which I swear has been the key to getting the gaps between my teeth white! I hate flossing as it can be quite uncomfortable between the teeth that overlap however I find that this one is easy to use and doesn't cause me any discomfort at all so this will be straight on my shopping list when I run out!

I have been loving using the Nano Whitening Kit and the effect that it has already had on my teeth, quick fix it is not and to be honest I'm glad that it isn't, as quick fixes don't tend to be permanent. However I am so pleased with how much whiter my teeth seem already and by replacing my old routine and products with this kit I feel so much more confident with my smile! 

The WhiteWash Laboratories Nano Range can be purchased from the website here, Harrods, Boots, John Bell & Croydon, amazon and leading dental practices.

Don't miss their January Sale with 25% off!**

Have you tried the WhiteWash Laboratories Nano range yet?

Love Abbie x

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* gifted pr sample, please see disclaimer

** correct as of 07.01.17

The Limited Edition Birchtree by Bloom & Wild x Birchbox

Having a toddler, kitten and a Fiance whom I nickname 'Grinch' every year, means that my Christmas tree will most likely be going up pretty late this year but I always find that it's putting up the Christmas tree that really makes me feel festive, that and a festive treat or two! However this week I was lucky enough to receive The Birchtree* from Bloom & Wild the amazing flower delivery company and it has well and truly got me in the festive spirit already!

Presented in a cute wooden pot, The Birchtree is Bloom & Wild's latest genius collaboration with Birchbox, the UK's number one beauty box. Complete with 5 luxe beauty miniatures and the perfect size to dress up your desk, table or window, The Birchtree makes the perfect Christmas gift for you or your beauty loving friends and family. I mean, does is actually get better than Christmas trees AND beauty products?! This is literally my dream tree!

 Included in the box is a Birchbox drawstring bag with sample sizes of some amazing products just like you would receive if you're a subscriber to the beauty box. The products included are - 

Caudalie Instant Detox Mask - This deep cleansing mask is said to remove impurities, minimise pores and leave your skin feeling soft all in just 5 minutes, making it the perfect pre-party prep!

Rituals The Ritual of Sakura Magic Touch Body Cream - A rich and velvety body cream that helps to strengthen, nourish and firm the skin is perfect for those party pins! 

Benefit The POREfessional - This primer helps to minimise pores, blur imperfections and provides a smooth surface to apply your makeup, I'm already a big fan and am so happy to have a miniature size to pop in my bag for touch-ups.

Lord & Berry Red Lipstick - I'm all about red lipsticks come Christmas and this one is the perfect shade for the season!

Givenchy Live Irresistible EDP - With hints of pineapple and rose, this sweet smelling perfume is sure to turn heads! I'm saving this one for Christmas Day!

Each of the beauty samples has a red ribbon attached that allow you to hang them on your tree like baubles which I think is just the sweetest idea! Though, if like me, you can't resist using your samples before Christmas (oops) you could always replace these with some miniature baubles and some miniature battery powered lights which is exactly what I intend to do.

What I love most about this oh so festive miniature evergreen  is that although small, it fills the room with that nostalgic scent of a real Christmas tree, a scent that makes me so happy that I have had a ridiculously huge smile on my face since the day the tree arrived! The Birchtree is also really easy to take care of by simply watering once a week and keeping away from direct sunlight, I'm hoping that I manage to keep mine alive for a while (plants are not my forte) as I do not want that Christmas scent to fade any time soon!

Just like Bloom & Wild's Letterbox flowers, The Birchtree also comes in a box perfectly sized to fit through your letterbox which makes it the perfect gift as you don't need to ensure anyone is waiting in for it and at £30 it makes the perfect 2-in-1 gift for those who already have everything! Make sure your quick though as this one is limited edition and I predict that it will sell out like hot cakes!

Will you be treating yourself or anyone else to The Birchtree this year? You can get 20% off your first Bloom & Wild purchase with the code: BEAUT

Love Abbie x

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* gifted pr sample, please see disclaimer

Christmas Beauty Decorations

          

I cannot explain to you just how excited I am to put my Christmas tree up this year, albeit a little nervous with a toddler and a kitten, i'm sure it won't be up for long! If your one of those people who puts your tree up before December, I envy you, Dan would have me both put it up and take it down on Christmas day if he could get away with it, so our compromise is that it's allowed up from December 1st. My second favourite thing to Christmas is beauty products, I have far more than I am able to use but that that doesn't stop me lusting after more and what could be better than beauty filled festive treats, on your tree and your table?!

I have always loved the idea of Christmas beauty crackers and baubles as they usually contain miniature versions of cult beauty products, which allows you to try out some more expensive products for a fraction of the price, they also make the sweetest gifts and are usually within budget for secret santa gifts too!

By Terry is one of those luxury brands that I have always lusted after, so many bloggers seem to rave about this brand with some of their most popular products being their Ombre Blackstar Eyeshadow Sticks and their Baume De Rose Multi-Protective Lip Balm but I could never justify the price of some of their products. However I would be seriously happy to find the Impearlious Baume De Rose hanging on my Christmas tree this year! This festive take on the original is what beauty dreams are made of!

The Oskia Merry & Bright Christmas cracker from Space NK has to be one of my favourite picks of this post, I have always wanted to try this cult cleanser but at £29.50 for 100ml its not a price I want to gamble with, especially as skincare isn't a one-size-fits-all kind of product, however this cracker miniature is just £18.50 for 40ml which seems far more reasonable so i'm hoping this one will make it's way into my stocking this year!

Do you have any beauty baubles ready to decorate your tree with? or beauty crackers to gift on Christmas day?

Love Abbie x

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D.I.Y Beauty Advent Calender

Images via Pinterest 

I've lusted after so many beauty advent calenders for the past few years but I can never seem to justify the prices. However with Black Friday bringing us so many amazing deals, I have literally been hooked to my inbox over the past week so when I spotted that Latest in Beauty had 30% off, it gave me an idea to create my own beauty advent Calender!

Latest in Beauty have recently relaunched and now offer a subscription box with a choice of 3, 6 or 9 products that you choose yourself, this means that you can choose products that you know you'll use, check the sample sizes and choose the colours/scents to suit you, however you can also choose to have these boxes as a one-off and you can buy multiple boxes too. I decided to purchase two boxes, a box of 9 products (£18) and a box of 3 products (£9) to make a twelve days of Christmas Beauty advent Calender that I know I'll love.

If your quick enough and order this Cyber weekend there's 30% off EVERYTHING with the code 'CYBER' (ends Tuesday 29th November 16) which means that you can get 12 products for your D.I.Y Beauty Advent Calender for just £18.90 plus delivery (£3.95) instead of the usual price of £27 when following what I did.

Latest in Beauty have so many amazing brands to choose from right now and some very generous sample sizes too, here's what I chose:

Revlon Ultra HD Lipstick in Rose (830) 30g

Elemental Herbology Facial Soufflé Overnight Repair Cream and Mask 30ml

Philosophy Purity Made Simple 3-in-1 Cleanser 90ml

Nails Inc Nail Polish in Uptown 14ml

Fleur de Figuier Body Lotion 50ml

Vita Liberata Self Tanning Gradual Lotion 50ml

Rosie for Autograph Nuit Parfum 15ml

Bee Good Youth Enhancing Hydrate, Smooth and Prime Serum 10ml

Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pen in Black

Caudalie Divine Oil 15ml

Melvita Damask Rose Floral Water 28ml

Kitsch Hair Ties X 5

These are of course all subject to availability, I already missed out on the Alpha H Liquid Gold (sobs) so if theres something you really want, be sure to place your order sooneer rather than later top avoid missing out on a product like me.

I have a few ideas from Pinterest on how to create my Beauty Advent Calender, from simply placing them in paper bags (£3.50 Ebay) with pegs (£1.65 Ebay) maybe in a basket (£6 Ikea) and numbering them with gift tags (£2.35 Ebay) to hanging them from a wooden tree ladder (£10 John Lewis) which means that you can make it cheaper or a little more expensive depending on your budget. I already have the pegs and wicker basket so if I go for thar option I only need to buy the bags and tags which means my whole Calender comes to a total of £28.70 including delivery! Though I am tempted by the wooden ladder tree that's for sure! I am seriously so excited to put this together and will update this post with a picture when it arrives and is complete! Be sure to check my Instagram here for updates too! 

Will you be making your own Beauty Advent Calender this year?

Love Abbie X

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Marula UK Deep Moisture Hair Mask

Having long, thick hair is well and truly overrated, at least for me! Don't get me wrong, it gives me so many options when it comes to styling and it looks amazing when my best friend and hairdresser Sophie has styled it after a trip to the salon. However hairdresser I am not and I cannot recreate those curls that she so perfectly creates, not to mention it's ridiculously hard to maintain, so I often find myself wishing my hair were a litte finer or somewhat shorter but then we always want what we don't have! I'm pretty sure that's built within us! You see, my long thick hair is naturally wavy at the roots, the kind of wavy that takes forever to straighten out, the kind of wavy that doesn't look good left undone, so in order for my hair to look even a little tame, I have to blow dry and straighten my hair pretty regularly, resulting in incredibly damaged and split ends! I have to admit I am guilty of mistreating my hair, not only do I use a lot of heat styling, I don't fret if I can't find my wet brush, I will quite literally pull my hair out with a hairbrush and I don't use hair protection or treatment products anywhere near as often as I should!

You may remember me raving about a genious little product called Marula Beauty Oil back in May last year (you can see that post here) which I still swear by and use during my skincare routine as well as to reduce the appearance of my stretch marks. Well this time I am back with another product from Marula UK, the Marula Deep Moisture Hair Mask*. When I was contacted by the lovely Iran from Marula UK and asked if I wanted to review the Deep Moisture Hair Mask, I was overjoyed at the hope of a product that could finally make my hair more manageable but what I didn't expect from this product was immediate results! Just like skincare, I like to test out hair care products on my hair for a good few weeks to see the true effects but even after the very first wash I noticed an amazing difference in the condition of my hair and how much easier it was to style, it finally felt  healthy and dare I say it, easy to manage, ok, I said it!

About the product...

The Deep Moisture Hair Mask* (£24) by Marula UK contains antioxidant-rich Pure Marula Oil which absorbs quickly and locks in moisture. The high levels, 70% to be exact, of Oleic Acid which can be found in fats such as olive oil and avocados, enables the Pure Marula Oil to penetrate the hair shaft along with Keratin Amino Acids and treat it from within, working deeply to repair and hydrate it, providing deep conditioning and improved strength, making hair healthier, shinier and more manageable. 

How I use it...

When applying the deep moisture hair mask, I like to wash my hair twice to ensure I rinse out any product build up, dry shampoo is a necessity with a toddler, I then apply this mask liberally to my ends, working the product up my hair and up to my scalp. I leave the mask on for the recommended 5 minutes while I cleanse my face or exfoliate and if I'm having a pamper evening I'll apply it for around half an hour whilst I have a soak in the the bath. I ensure that I use my wet brush whilst the mask is on and again when I've rinsed the product out with warm water to ensure there are no knots or tangles. The ColorDefend technology which locks in colour, also cuts down drying time which is amazing for me as being a mum means I just don't always have the time to dry my hair and my hair is so hard to manage if I leave it to dry naturally!

So is it worth a try?

This luxurious mask really is worth the splurge! I have noticed such a difference in the overall condition, appearance and manageability of my hair since using this mask. From the very first use, I noticed that when it came to styling my hair, my hair felt amazingly soft, my ends felt noticeably smoother, it was amazingly so much more manageable and it looks so much healthier and shinier! I was so impressed that I actually asked the OH to feel my hair, of course he nodded, smiled and agreed but I couldn't stop feeling my hair, it hasn't felt this healthy in years!

Have you tried the Marula UK Deep Moisture Hair Mask yet?

Love Abbie X

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* gifted pr sample, please see disclaimer

Detox with Facetox

Becoming a mum means you really do learn to appreciate the simpler things in life, gone are the days when a shopping spree and a bottle of wine put a smile on my face, ok, the wine still puts a smile on my face but now after a long day, nothing makes me happier than a face mask and a bar of chocolate whilst binging on Netflix so when Facetox contacted me and asked me to review their 7 mask supply* I couldn't say no, with many celebs including Charlotte from Geordie Shore and Lydia Bright from Towie having shared their love for the face mask, I knew it had to be pretty amazing!

My skin has always been troublesome, I've always had spots and more recently adult acne which means that choosing the right face mask is really important for me. Although I've always loved skincare, I have to admit, I don't often stick to a routine and I don't always remember to take my makeup off before I go to sleep which wreaks havoc on my skin so I rely on face masks to give me a helping hand and Facetox has been my saviour! 

Available as a 7, 14 or 21 day treatment, Facetox is an organic, cruelty free, vegan face mask which extracts, pulls and detoxifies your skin. The face mask comes in two seperate sachets, one containing rose water, the other a unique blend of clay that causes a negative charge when mixed together and literally pulls the toxins out of your skin! It also helps to draw out blackheads, reduce the appearance of scars, even skin tone and shrink pores.

I love mixing the face mask together, its feels extremely satisfying and adds to the experience of your pamper night. It's very important for the face mask not to come in contact with metal so you are provided with a plastic bowl and spoon. As you mix the blend together, the face mask becomes very thick, you then simply apply the mask to a clean dry face avoiding your eyes and mouth, allow to dry for around 20-30 minutes, wipe off with warm water and a face cloth or a Facetox Konjac Sponge and apply your usual moisturiser. 

Rinsing the mask off gets extremely messy so I usually apply this and if i'm having a serious pamper night i'll apply a hair mask too before settling down with a hot chocolate whilst the mask does its magic. I love that you can literally feel the mask working, it causes a slight tingling sensation as the toxins are drawn to the surface, as I know that the product is doing its thing. I'll then rinse it off in the shower which makes clearing up far easier. I have never used a face mask that has shown immediate results before using Facetox, it's normal for redness to appear and I did experience this after each use (this should subside within 30-45 minutes) but I was amazed at how bright, soft and clear this made my skin from the very first application and these results only continued to improve, with my spots gradually improving with each use. I have now come to the end of my supply and my spots have completely cleared up, Facetox has not only treated my spots but it has prevented them from coming back too.

Facetox is suitable for all skin types but because it is such a strong treatment, it is recommended that you start off by using the mask 1-2 times per week for 15-20 minutes until your skin adjusts, you can then up this to 3-4 times per week for up to 30 minutes but I would not recommend using it any longer as it can start to become a little uncomfortable as it dries. 

What I love most about Facetox is that due to the product containing only natural ingredients, it can be used safely during pregnancy so pregnant mamas can still have a pamper evening without the unnecessary worry!

I would highly recommend Facetox to anyone in need of a skin detox! The 7 mask supply can be purchased here for £24.99 with worldwide shipping available.

Have you tried Facetox yet?

Love Abbie x

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* gifted pr sample, please see disclaimer

Loving Lately #1

Taking the time to enjoy the things that I love is something I have to consciously make the time and effort for, as being a mum means that I often get caught up in what everybody else needs/wants/loves, so it's nice to take time out for myself and discover what I really love and enjoy, things that make me feel like me! I used to do a monthly favourites post which I loved writing and sharing with you but I just don't find that I have enough for a monthly post anymore so I thought I would do a Loving Lately series instead in which I share with you what I'm currently loving when I actually have a decent sized pile. This time I also plan to share with you food and home items, books and whatever is floating my boat at that time, aswell as beauty products, because lets face it, when you have a little one 90% of your money goes on them and your makeup pile very quickly dwindles, but I wouldn't have it any other way!

On with the post...

Huda Beauty Liquid Matte Lipstick in Muse £18 Cult Beauty

I never seem to get my hands on collaberations with amazing brands so i was pretty chuffed when I managed to get two of the Huda Beauty Liquid Lipsticks on the day they came out, I may not have been quick enough for the two I really wanted and I can't afford them now that they are back in stock, but I'm still going to give myself a pat on the back for getting a hold of these! The shade muse is my current favourite, as it's a great transition colour from Summer to Autumn. This pink toned nude/mauve lipstick is such an on trend colour right now, the formula is so smooth and lovely to apply and it has fantastic staying power, I'm hooked!

Yves Rocher Noix De Coco Coconut Eau De Toilette

I love coconut, the fruit, the scent, the oil, to be quite honest, I don't get that some people don't love it! What's that all about?! Dan hates the fruit but loves Malibu and the scent.. that to me, is a crazy ass concept! Anyhow, I was seriously excited when I opened my My Little Box a couple of months back to see the theme was infact coconut and this Yves Rocher perfume was waiting inside for me! I have spritzed this all over almost every single day since I received it and it smells so freaking good! It reminds me of being on holiday which instantly lifts my mood and its the perfect size to pop in your handbag for an instant pick me up throughout the day!

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara £7.99 Boots

This lash-multiplying mascara makes my teeny tiny lashes look sensational! I have such a love-hate relationship with mascara, often they give volume and sometimes a little length but because my lashes are quite ridiculously tiny, they never give me a great deal (unless were counting panda eyes that is) but this mascara actually gives me visible lashes and then some! I'm already starting to panick about this running out so I may just have to go buy a stash!

Benefit ready, set, brow! £18.50 Boots

I am a girl that loves my brows, even on my no-makeup days, I like to at least have my brows done but I often find when I have a busy week that I end up turning to brow pencils for ease! However just recently I have fallen in love with doing my brows again with my ABH dip row pomade and I have been taking the time to do them properly! There's not much quite like grooming, filling and setting my brows and the benefit ready set, brow! has been perfect for keeping my brows in place. This is so easy to use with the combed brush and keeps hairs in place all day!The snazzy packaging is a nice touch too!

The Unmumsy Mum £6.49 Amazon

This book has literally had me laughing out loud on numerous occasions, I even think the other half is starting to think he's missing out as I have now started having to repeat said hilarious phrases/sentences/chapters out loud so that he too can be in on the lols! I love how much I nod along to this book, knowing I've been there, done that and feel sane for knowing that I am not the only mum to encounter such experiences. Sarah tells it how it is when it comes to motherhood and makes you realise that your not a crap mum for admitting that it is hard, we all find it hard, some of us just find it easier admitting it than others and there is nothing wrong with that!

Home Inpiration by Yankee Candle Vanilla Frosting Wax Melt Cubes £3 Asda

I spotted these new melts by Yankee Candle in Asda the other day and was seriously impressed that you get 6 melts for just £3! I love the sickly sweet scents so Vanilla Frosting was straight in my basket and I'll definitely be back to get some more soon. I love that these smell just as good when lit as they do when you smell them in the shop, there's nothing worse than a candle that doesn't create an aroma which is why I usually stick to Yankee Candle!

Snog Frozen Yoghurt Passionfruit £3 Sainsburys 

This is my new current obsession! If you haven't tried snog frozen yoghurt yet, get yourself to Sainsburys, it's only £3 and I promise you won't regret it (if you like passionfruit and frozen yoghurt that is) and if you actually eat it the way your supposed to (and not eat the whole tub in one go, guilty!) it's only 100kcal for 100ml (roughly 2 scoops) so it's relatively guilty free and a nice treat for the last of the summer heat! Just add wine!

What have you been loving lately?

Abbie x

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My Little Mademoiselle Box...

This months My Little Box has such a classy, chic and feminine touch to it, this month they have teamed up with the stylish Parisian brand Claudie Pierlot and lovely blogger Freddy Cousin-Brown, this box couldn't be any sweeter!

Here's what's inside this month's box...

Mademoiselle Pierlot's Purse (£30)

The star attraction of this month's box is this oh so chic navy purse designed in collaboration with Claudie Pierlot. This envelope style purse features the signature bowtie, an envelope opening on the front which reveals a pocket perfect for notes with four card inserts and a zip on the back for loose change. I love this purse, it has such a feminine and sophisticated feel to it and I have already switched it with my current purse ready for my next shopping trip.

My Little Beauty Audacious Volume Mascara (£14)

This volumising mascara is already in my makeup bag and I have been loving it, I find My Little Box's own brand beauty items to be very hit and miss but this one I have been loving! It not only creates amazing volume but it seems to add length to my lashes too which is always a win win for me and my tiny lashes (sadly Emme does not get her luscious long lashes from me!)

Ren Centifolia 3-in-1 Cleansing Water 50ml (£3.25)

This 3-in-1 cleansing, toning and make-up removing water is the perfect size for weekend getaways, it's gentle enough to remove eye makeup (seriously, why aren't they all?) and is actually the cleansing water that I took into hospital with me when I had Emme so it'ss very nostalgic for me and I'm beyond happy to have this back in my skincare routine.

Erborian Ginseng Shot Mask (£6)

I love sheet masks, there's something so relaxing about cosying up on the sofa with my candles on, blogging with a sheet mask on (tell me i'm not the only one). This single-shot sheet mask is known for its smoothing and moisturising properties, it's also said to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and enhance your complexion. I'm saving this one for when I need instant results!

Are you subscribed to My Little Box? What did you think to this months box?

If you aren't already subscribed and want to, you can sign up here

Love Abbie x

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Review | Nanshy Eye Brush Set...

The Eye Brush Set £29.95 Nanshy*

Makeup brushes are a staple that I just cannot buy enough of with Real Techniques and Zoeva being some of my favourite makeup brush brands, however Nanshy are a brand that have always intrigued me. Nanshy are a brand based in the UK who pride themselves on their high quality, vegan, 100% cruelty free and affordable brushes. Although popular among the blogosphere, I have never actually gotten around to trying out the brushes for myself despite them being on every birthday/Christmas list for the last few years, so when the opportunity arose to review some, I couldn't have been happier!

I am easily swooned by packaging and I love that Nanshy haven't compromised this factor when creating their products with affordability in mind, featuring a clear plastic tray which holds the gorgeous pearl handled brushes in set, encased in a damask effect tray with a description of each brush on the back to ensure you know the uses for each one, although simple, the packaging is gorgeous.

I hate that a lot of brands within the beauty industry still test on animals or simply cannot state whether or not they do, due to their sources, so I love that all of Nanshy's products are 100% vegan, cruelty free and approved by PETA org! Although this isn't something i am always conscious of when buying products, these are factors that win me over! 

Synthetic brushes are very popular, however finding synthetic brushes of a high quality and that wash well isn't always the easiest task. Nanshy's brushes are made using antibacterial bristles, are hand assembled, extensively tested and are ridiculously soft! I have honestly never felt synthetic brushes that are as soft as these! I hate nothing more on my sensitive eyes than a brush that scratches, especially when blending, but these brushes are so delicate on the skin! So far I have washed these brushes twice with dr.bronners liquid soap and have experienced no shedding at all which is always a bonus, so it's safe to say these have replaced more than a few of my old favourite makeup brushes and have become a firm favourite in my makeup bag!

I often hear people complaining about the price of makeup brushes and I have to admit in the past, I have tried the odd dupe from eBay in an attempt to save money, however from experience, I truly believe that their is no point in buying expensive products if your tools aren't up to scratch, compromising application, so personally I think makeup brushes are worth investing in. Luckily Nanshy included price in their mission when creating their brushes and the prices are so affordable with this set being just £29.95 for seven brushes! That works out at just over £4 per brush making them so much more affordable than most brands without compromising the quality.

Onto the brushes...

Precise Bent Eyeliner Brush

I have always found these brushes intriguing but have never gotten around to trying one out, I was a little sceptical at first as I never find eyeliner brushes easy to work with and usually dismiss them altogether, however this one has become my morning savior, it works perfectly with gel liner with the angle of the brush allowing you to rest your hand on your cheek for balance, making application so much quicker and easier!

Angled Detailer Brush

If you fill in your brows on a regular basis, you will know just how hard it is to find the perfect brush, however this one from Nanshy ticks all the boxes - sturdy, angled and just the perfect size, this has been my new go-to brow brush!

Flat Definer Brush

This brush is great for getting both wide, even strokes when used flat and long thin strokes when turned, however I mainly like to use this one for applying eyeshadow underneath and above my lash lines, as it's just the perfect size to apply a thin neat line of eyeshadow (i try to avoid the panda eye where possible).

Blending Eyeshadow Brush

Blending is such an important step when applying makeup and finding the perfect blending brush to do so is such an important task, this brush allows for smooth application ensuring pigment clings to the skin and not the brush.

Eye Crease Brush

Slightly larger than the tapered crease brush, this one is perfect for applying and blending your transition colour into the crease as it covers a slightly wider area.

Tapered Crease Brush

I like to use this tapered crease brush to apply a darker eyeshadow into the crease of my eye before I blend it out, this gives me a more precise application and allows me to place the colour exactly where I want it.

Large Shader Brush

This multipurpose brush is perfect for both shading and blending, however i find the size of this brush makes it perfect for quick application of my base colour as it covers a wider surface area.

Overall I have fallen completely in love with Nanshy's brushes! Synthetic, soft, vegan, cruelty free and affordable, they tick every box! I can't wait to get my hands on more of their products including their new Marvel 4 in 1 makeup blending sponge which is next on my list!

Have you tried any brushes from Nanshy?

Love

Abbie x

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* gifted pr sample, please see disclaimer