Real Techniques - Nics Picks

For years now I have wanted a Real Techniques brush set and finally this Christmas, I got one. My wonderful sister bought me these and it was such a coincidence that it was the exact set that I wanted! 'Nics Picks' retails for £29.99 and I have to say it is such good value for money. The set includes 5 brushes that would help you complete a whole face look, 3 of them are exclusive to the kit. 

 Here is a close up of all the brushes:

I will definitely be purchasing more from Real Techniques in the future, the brushes are just such great quality! My favourite so far is the Duo Powder Fibre brush as it just makes my skin look so smooth when I apply my powder. I also love the cheek brush as it is so dense and applies my bronzer on perfectly! The angled eyeshadow brush looks perfect for applying a crease colour, I am still yet to use it though. I have used the base shadow brush to apply colour all over my eyelid and it was good, not a very unique one but it did its job. Finally I have been using the eyeliner brush to outline my lower lash line with black eyeshadow, it would be great for winged liner but I use a marker one. Would also be good for eyebrows actually. I really do recommend this kit!

Have you tried any Real Techniques brushes?

Sales Wishlist

I hope you all had an amazing Christmas! Have to say that I am already missing the festive atmosphere but am loving the sales, I do not even know where to look first. Here are some picks of mine so far. I am almost 100% sure that there will be more added to the list!

1, 2, 3

4, 5, 6

7, 8, 9

Have you gotten any good bargains in the sales?

Perversion and Subversion

For ages now I have wanted to try Urban Decays Perversion mascara and when it appeared on Cohorted, I jumped at the chance of purchasing it for a good deal! Normally it retails for £17 but I got it for £10(something) and with a bonus sample of Subversion primer. The company claims that the mascara glides on smoothly and is mega black... I have to agree!

The photo really does not show how good the mascara is! I used both the primer and mascara and loved the results. One coat is definitely enough as it goes on very black and gives lots of volume to your lashes, even without the primer. Two coats also works too, you just have to watch that you don't make it so clumpy though! It didn't smudge on me or flake, which is a must for me when it comes to mascaras. I feel that the primer does add to the results but is not a must. It is now one of that products that I wish I never knew how amazing it is! £17 is definitely a bit steep for me... I will probably buy this again at some point, just when I have the money to spare. You know, poor student problems and all that. Have you tried Perversion?

I hope you all have a fab Christmas!

Festive Night Out

Top - Primark

Skirt - New Look

Heels - New Look

Necklace - Primark

Last week, me and my friends decided to go on a night out. Since it was near Christmas I wanted to wear something festive! I originally wanted to wear something sparkly but with nothing in my closet I was stuck for ideas... and money. When I remembered my flat mate Charlotte has this tartan skirt I jumped at the chance to wear it. Tartan is also festive in my opinion, especially this colour. Teamed with my black long sleeved crop tee and black heels made it an outfit that I loved, the sleeves also kept me warm while walking to the club. As usual a gold chain was added, it would not be an 'Eilidh' look without a chain would it? I also borrowed Charlottes Mac lipstick in Viva Glam III (if thats even how you type it), its gorgeous though! On another note, how cute is my brussel sprout wrapping paper from Paperchase?!

Have you been on a Christmas night out? If so, what did you wear?

Christmas Wishlist

I always enjoy wish list posts and since Christmas is near, its the perfect time to put one up. Really I do not expect to receive any of this except the Naked Basic 2 palette which my mum has got for me, so excited! However like I said these posts are always fun to read! Just wish that I could buy this all for myself...

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

First on my list is any form of Real Technique brushes.. I have heard so many great things about them and have wanted them for years (1)! Next is definitely Mac's Rebel lipstick (2), isn't it the perfect winter colour? Another beauty is this paisley print shirt dress that would be perfect for day or night (3). I am imagining it with chunky black heels and maybe leather shorts under. I have actually had my eyes on this studded black bag from River Island for ages! (4) It is so practical yet still fashionable in my opinion, would go with so much. As mentioned above my mum has actually got me the Naked Basics 2 palette (5), I don't even think that I need to explain how great it will be. Every girl would love a Lush set huh (6)? Snow Fairy is definitely my favourite winter scent so this one would be perfect. The Samsung NX2000 would be an absolute dream present... my sister has it and I am in love (7)! It would be so great for my blog instead of using my iphone camera. Finally are these gorgeous gemstone heels (8). Sadly when putting the links into this post the black ones had mysteriously disappeared but linked are the silver ones instead. Still perfect for the party season! 

Whats on your wishlist?

The Christmas Tag

I came across this tag on Milk Bubble Tea last month and since then have been really wanting to do it! I love reading this type of post, it totally lets you know more about a person. I tag anyone reading who would like to do a post on this tag, also feel free to write your answers in the comments!

My nephew Vince a few years ago, don't think he liked the hat? So cute though!

What is your favourite Christmas movie/s?

Oh this is hard! Is saying 3 cheating? I remember going to see The Polar Express in the cinema with my sister when I was younger and since then have loved it. Elf is also a favourite in my house at Christmas, we had it recorded on our Sky box 2 years a go and we watched it so much! Finally I have to say Home Alone, who doesnt love it?

Do you open your presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?

When I was younger we got to choose a present from a family member and open it Christmas Eve and then the rest on Christmas. This was always the hardest decision, I just had to choose the right one!

Do you have a favourite Christmas memory?

I dont however every Christmas was I was younger was majorly exciting! I am sure my mum loved me and my sisters waking her up at half 5..

Favourite festive food?

oooh, just Christmas dinner as a whole! I am a veggie so eat Quorn ham but have everything else that a roast dinner consists of. Nothing beats a yorkie pudding

Favourite Christmas gift?

I can't say that there is a favourite but 2 specific ones come to mind. My mums amazing and got me a net-book one year and an iPhone two years ago. So grateful!

Favourite Christmas scent?

Got to be cinnamon! My mum has this scent burning every winter and when I am stuck at uni it just reminds me of her

Do you have any Christmas eve traditions?

We just hang out together as a family. I have 2 sisters and both have kids so usually one set stay at my mums therefore making it so much more exciting. I love watching the kids opening presents so excitedly!

What tops your tree?

At home we have a massive over the top angel called Susan that my sister bought my mum years ago. However since all of the kids have moved out my mum has toned the decorations down, boo!

As a kid what was the one (crazy, wild, extravagant) you always asked for but never received?

I think that I changed my mind every year so there isn't just one!

What is the best part about Christmas for you?

Just the happy atmosphere and spending time with family, nothing beats it!

Not On The High Street Christmas Gift Guide - Best Friend

I always think that best friends are the easiest to buy for whether its cute presents or joke ones. Me and my friends are so alike therefore I know if I like something then they most probably will too. If all else fails put together a goody bag of all of there favourite food! Here's my picks from Not On The High Street:

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

These gorgeous necklaces (1) come in many different pastel colours and black. I just think they would make the perfect gift for any girl who likes jewellery. The lip balm (2) comes in a Pina Colada scent, which is just so unique. Another balm is this hangover rescue (3) which is such a great idea for a girl who you know that loves going out. It is funny yet effective! To create said hangover then the set of 6 cocktails (8) is great (not that a hangover is great). I love the idea of this as it gives your friend many different cocktails to sample. For getting ready on nights out why not get your best friend this initial makeup bag (6), if she lives far away from you then it is a good excuse for her to come and visit as she can use it for travel makeup! Most girls love nail varnish right? This makes the wintry coloured nail varnish trio (9) a perfect gift. If your friend has a ipad then why not get her a personalised cover (5)? I know if I received this then I would think that it was so thoughtful. Another thoughtful yet humorous gift is the partners in crime friendship necklace (7), does it just not take you back to your childhood? Finally every girl loves to pamper herself so the bath set (4) would be well appreciated!

What are you planning on getting your best friend?

Fluffy and Tartan

Jumper- New Look

Skirt - New Look

Shoes - Ebay

Tartan again... I know, its getting bad but I just love it! This skirt is from New Look and I have actually featured it in a post before, which can be found here. The colours are gorgeous, burgundy has to be my favourite colour to wear right now. Sadly this cant be found on the website anymore but there are so many like it. Ah this jumper has to be the cosiest one that I own! It was actually gifted to me by my mum last Christmas so again its not on the website anymore but here is a similar one. You can also find these in other stores such as Topshop too! Mine is terribly unflattering but I love it. My shoes have been featured many times of my blog and even have their own post dedicated to them. They are so comfy and I must say, they are just beautiful!

Not On The High Street Christmas Gift Guide - Sister

Having two sisters myself, I know how hard it is to choose presents for them. As mentioned in my previous gift guides, I love buying personal or personalised of presents. Its pretty much guaranteed anything from me will be! Here are some items that I would choose for my sisters:

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Christmas is a time that you can be cheesy with presents right? First soppy item is this silver bangle (1) which says 'sisters share a special bond that lasts a life time', there are also other thoughtful sayings that can be chosen. Another jewellery item are these earrings (9), I chose these mainly because of the cute saying on the card! How cute is the porcelain key ring(5)? it would make a great addition to any ones keys. I added in hot chocolate because surely every one loves it (6)! The love heart necklace (3) would be perfect for my sisters as there is three of us and the colours are gorgeous. However if there aren't three siblings in your family then it would still look lovely on. I found this 'Me & My Sister' frame (4) absolutely adorable, it would make the perfect photo gift. Another perfect item is the make up bag (2), everybody needs a pick me up every so often! If your sister loves tea/coffee then this mug (7) is perfect, make sure you get her preferences right though or that could be a bit awkward! I never make hot drinks for anyone so I would definitely be stuck choosing.. Finally the most cheesy but cute award goes to this print (8), I would love to get this for my sisters! I only live an hour and a half away by train but its still mega cute.

Do you have a sister? If so what are you getting her?

Christmas Gold Eyes

Everybody loves a good old gold smokey eye around Christmas right? I love the look and it makes me feel so festive! Once again, just like my winter day time look, I am using the Makeup Revolution Iconic 2 palette which I absolutely love.

First I applied NYX jumbo eye pencil in milk all over my lid like always. Then A was applied all over my lid, I am not actually a fan of this shade of gold on my skin tone so B was then put over the top to create a lighter gold (1). To create a subtle crease colour just to give depth, I added C just above my socket (2). To make this darker D was applied right over the top (3). You could just stop at this stage but I still wanted the look to be darker therefore E was applied just to my outer v. Be careful with this shade though, only apply a little bit as it is not as easy to blend like the others! Finally I added winged liner, mascara and eyeliner on my bottom lash line and its done! If you would like to see what face products, eyeliner and mascara I used, it can be found in this post.

Why do my eyebrows look so different!?

The lipstick that finished off the look is by Makeup Revolution in shade Rebel with Cause. Sadly I have to say that I am not a fan. First off the shade looks so much darker in the bullet! Also, as you can probably see from the photos, as soon as you rub your lips together the lipstick wears off the centre of your lips. In these photos I had it on for 2 minutes! This is just my opinion though, you never know the lipstick might work for you. At £1 it is definitely worth a try.

What is your go to winter look?

Not On The High Street Christmas Gift Guide - The Man In Your Life

 Another person that I find it hard to buy presents for is my boyfriend. Maybe it is just because I am female and have no idea what males like. Most of the time, I force my boyfriend to tell me what to get him but when this fails a personalised gift is always on the cards. Here are a few items that I found on the Not On The High Street website:

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

My all time favourite on this list is the pillow cases (20, it could not be more true for me and Joseph! He constantly moans that I take up most of the bed. I also think the braided bracelets are cute (6) They are still manly too which I find is hard when buying bracelets for boys/men. The key ring (1) is also adorable! It is so personal as you could mark down a special date on it. Of course I included a personalised tankard (8) because don't all people feel cool when drinking out of one? The measurement (3) glass is also a great idea! I nearly always buy my boyfriend a wallet at least once a year, I particularly love this one (5) as his name can be written on it. Like most gift guides, I included a mug (8). I chose this one specifically as the soppy saying is so cute. I recon that all men would love to receive a beard grooming kit, its basically an essential for them. Finally you can not go wrong with a photo gift such as this collage (7). This one is so unique as it is actually Polaroid pictures which adds a little something extra.

What have you got or are getting the man in your life?

Christmas Party Dresses

So its that time of year again... to go through the long process of choosing the perfect Christmas party dress! I tend to stick to either sparkles, velvet or darker colours as you can see below. Many websites are featuring ox blood coloured dresses and I have to say that I love it! Here are a few of my favourites that I have found:

1, 2, 3

4, 5, 6

 7, 8, 9

10, 11, 12

The ox blood choices are just gorgeous! I am particularly in love with 12, skater dresses with long sleeves always appeal to me. Another dress that really stands out to me is this gorgeous cobalt blue one (11). Everything about it is perfect from the style to the pattern! Of course a couple of sequin dresses have to be included in this, both are so gorgeous. Is it just me or does red (3) and green(4) sparkles just make you think of Christmas? A little velvet number had to be included (7). I think that this one is on the top of my list and I might actually purchase it! Finally another one that I am considering getting is this gorgeous patterned one (5). How beautiful is it? All of these could definitely be worn at New Year too!

What style of dress do you like at this time of year?

Not On The High Street Christmas Gift Guide - Mums

Am I the only one who finds it really hard to find their mum a Christmas present? I've already given her all my good ideas the past few years! When I ask her what she would like, the only answer I ever get is 'I do not need anything' so stressful! Anyway Not On The High Street has always been one of my favourite websites to get presents on and it definitely did not disappoint in this search! I just love personal or personalised presents, they just seem so thought out. 

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

The idea of giving my mum a personalised photo album (1) and filling it with photos seems perfect and I think that she would love it. Who doesn't like receiving photo gifts that bring back memories? The photo frame (8) also goes along this lines! This one you can even personalise by writing a little message. My mum loves a glass of wine hence the wine glass (5), I recon any lover of wine would be glad to receive this and find the humor in it, same goes for the mug (3). It also comes in different colours and the word 'wine' can be changed out for things such as tea, champagne and prosecco. Initial necklaces (2)  have to be my all time favourite present to give, they are just so personal and are perfect for parents who are proud to show the initials of their children. Similar to this is the family tree (6), I just think that this looks so clean cut and would make a great addition to a home. If your mum has an iPad (I think you can get it for a kindle too) and loves reading books then this case is perfect (7)! The buyer gets to choose which design to choose and they all relate to a book: these include ones such as To Kill A Mockingbird, The Great Gatsby and The Secret Garden. All of the designs are gorgeous! Another gift which I think a mum would love is the Dear Mum book (4) in which questions are asked and she can fill in all of her memories. Definitely something that can be kept in the family for years and would be so lovely to read! Finally who ddoesn'tlove a pair of luxury socks?(9)

Do you know what you are getting your mum this year?