What I've been Reading: Clockwork Angel By Cassandra Clare

Lately I've gotten back into reading. When I was younger I was such a bookworm, I always had my head in a book. I wouldn't say I leaned towards any specific genre as I do read just about anything. I used to love Jacqueline Wilson growing up and I was lucky enough to meet her when she visited my Primary School. I'm sure I have a signed copy of her book, Vicky Angel floating around my room somewhere. I was such a huge fan, I loved everything from fun writing style to the gorgeous illustrations by Nick Sharratt. Now a couple of years down the line I have a Kindle (wouldn't of thought something like this would ever exist back in the 90's) and I have to say I still prefer physical books. For me, nothing beats cracking the spine of a real book and looking at much loved titles on my bookshelf. I do like my Kindle but I have to admit I still pop into my favourite book shop (Hodges & Figgis) often to pick up the latest releases. Over the Summer I haven't had a lot of time to kick back, relax and read a good book. That said I have managed to read a couple on the go, my favourite of the bunch has to be Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare.

I hadn't heard too much about this series before I was given this book by a friend over the Summer. Clockwork Angel is the prequel to the Mortal Instruments series and Book One of The Infernal Devices series. The City of Bones, the first book in the Mortal Instruments has been made into a movie featuring Lily Collins and Robert Sheehan. I went to see it recently with Paddy and we both really enjoyed it. It  did think it was pretty scary though. Reading the blurb on the back of Clockwork Angel, I immediately thought this was another Twilight, I thought wrong. The main character in the book is Tessa Gray, an American who arrives in England to live with her brother. From the outset her world is turned upside down when she discovers that everything she's known about her life thus far isn't what it seems. She's introduced to London's Downworld were lots of supernatural dwellers exist. After seeking shelter with Shadowhunters, a clan that keeps humanes (humans) safe from demons, Tessa delves further into their world and what she discovers she may not be ready for. I'm terrible for ruining the ending of movies so I don't want to give too much of this book away.

Clockwork Angel is written really well and you actually get sucked into Tessa's World. There are tonnes of supernatural creatures in the book which may seem like overkill after Twilight but that's certainly not an issue here. There's so many twists and turns in Clockwork Angel, I seriously couldn't put it down. I brought it in my bag everywhere and being nearly 500 pages long, it wasn't the most practical book to carry around. My favourite character from the book is Will. He's mysterious and from the get go I was always wondering what his story was. I'm guessing I'll have to pick up the other books in the series to find out more. I'm glad I hadn't heard of these books when they first came out as I probably would of had to wait an age for the next installment. I don't have to worry now as there are tonnes to keep me going. I would recommend Clockwork Angel to anyone who is looking for a new read. This one is page turner so you get into it pretty quick. I'm really looking forward to picking up the other books in the series soon, I'm already trying to guess what happens next.

As always I'd love to hear what you guys thought of this post. I'd love to take a new direction with All-Made-Up-21 and add something different, maybe book reviews could be the way to go. I'm actually going to be ordering some books from Amazon today for my holidays so I'd love to hear some of your favourite reads! I'm heading to Spain for a week so I'm sure I'll have plenty of time to chill out in the Sun and read lots over there.

Laura<3

Christmas Gift Ideas #1 - Skincare & Body

I'm a bit late starting my Christmas series this year but better late than never I guess. I really enjoyed doing these kind of posts last year which I thought you guys enjoyed so I wanted to do the same for this Christmas. My first part in this series is going to show some skincare and body products. I feel alot of brands bring out gorgeous sets this time of the year so it would be a shame if I didn't mention them I think. I know skincare can be a bit of a messy gift to get someone as everyone has different skin types so you may not necessarily know what to get them. I've made two skincare suggestions that I think would make a nice gift this Christmas so I had to give them a mention.

First off is Lush's Let The Good Times Roll Cleanser which is a new addition to their Limited Edition festive collection. This was always going to be a winner for me as it smells like cinnamon which I adore! For €7.95, this exfoliating cleanser would make a super stocking filler to go with other small gifts. With such a small tub some of you may think that you don't get much product but seriously a little goes a long way. This cleanser may not look too appeal in the tube, it reminds me of cake mix but it works amazingly well. I know I'll be picking up another one before Christmas comes and goes.

My other skincare selection is from Liz Earle and it's their 24 Days of Liz Earle Advent Calendar. Alot of the brands products make up my daily skincare routine. I love their Cleanse & Polish and Skin Repair Light Moisturiser, I always make sure that I'm stocked up on both these products. Their new beauty range has been much talked about this year and the range definitely contains some must try products like their Signature Foundation and Natural Glow Bronzer. This gorgeous gift set is on the pricier side of things at €120.50/£100 but saying that I think this would make a truly lovely gift. First of the advent calendar itself is enormous, I love how it opens up like a big book. On the run up to Christmas under each door is a gorgeous mini treat. This would be perfect for someone who is maybe new to Liz Earle or hasn't tried too many products. With this set they'll definitely get a feel for the brand, how could you not with twenty four miniatures. These little treats would also be great for post Christmas holidays as they are the perfect size for travelling. There's a great selection in this advent calendar from haircare to bodycare to skincare etc. Liz Earle always run brilliant offers in the weeks coming up to Christmas, there always worth having a look at too. I've opened up door #1 just to show you how big the products are, I decided not to open up all the doors as I didn't want to ruin the surprise just in case one of you get this for Christmas.

Next is a favourite among alot of bloggers, The Body Shop. They've gone all out their seasonal  range this year, I was lucky to go along to their Christmas launch back in October where I got a sneak peak of their festive collection. There are three seasonal scents to choose from Cranberry Joy, Ginger Sparkle and Vanilla Bliss. My favourite scent out of the bunch is the latter, it's not artifical smelling in the slightest and has a gorgeous sweet scent. Vanilla Bliss doesn't only come in a body butter, you can get it in a shower gel, lip balm, body polish etc. Stay clear of the shimmer body lotion though as it leaves you totally sparkly, unless you like the Edward Cullen then you go right ahead and pick it up! If you're looking for something for a friend or a kris kindle gift look no further than this gorgeous gift set, shaped as lollipop how can you go wrong. It contains five of their  popular body butters that are sure to be a hit with just about anyone. The packaging definitely did it for me with this one and for €25.50 you can't really go wrong. To celebrate Black Friday tomorrow, The Body Shop is offering 30% off all their products in store for tomorrow only. It's the perfect time to get some Christmas presents sorted and to also treat yourself. My Nanna loves the Ginger Sparkle hand cream in particular so I may pick her up some more bits in the same scent for Christmas.

Another brand I have alot of time for is Korres, I am a huge fan of their amazing lip butters. Every Christmas they bring out really nice gift sets which contain lovely products and this year is no different. I have two to show you, one for the guys and one for the girls. For the latter, there's the Fig Collection gift set which contains a full sized shower gel and body butter. At first I wasn't too gone of the scent but I actually rather like it now. I find both products to be super moisturising so they'd be perfect for people with dry skin. The body butter sinks into the skin quickly so there's so messing around. Korres products contain alot of natural ingredients which it always states on their packaging. They don't contain any nasties like silicones, parabens etc. I love the body butter packaging as it reminds me of toothpaste so it's definitely more hygienic than sticking your hand in a tub. This personally doesn't bother me but I know it's a issue for some people. Now one for the man in your life the Korres Men's Vetiver Collection contain a full sized Aftershave Balm and Shower Gel in the same scent. This time last year my brother reviewed the Vetiver Root Green Tea Cedarwood Eau de Toilette here on my blog and he loved it. Being the exact same scent as the two products in this gift set, of course it was inevitable that he'd like this too. He described this as a great one for everyday and for the men who like musky scents.

For great gift sets for any ages look no further than Lush. A brand that I always come back to, I love getting their products as Christmas gifts myself. All their festive sets cater for different price points, so there'll be certainly something to suit your budget. All the products are packaged in lovely Christmas wrapping paper so they make the perfect gift. Alot of their sets use to contain a mixture of bath and shower products. A shame for people like me who don't have the latter in their house. This year is different though and I've found that alot more sets contain just shower products. Two sets that caught my eye are Winter Wishes and Snow Fairy, isn't the packaging beautiful? I'm going to do a full review post on both of these to show you what's inside.

I hope you enjoyed the first post in my Christmas series, I would love to know what you think. I'm going to put my next post up next week so keep an eye out. It won't be as long I just had alot to show you guys in this one.

Would you guys like to seen any of these products under your Christmas tree??

Laura
<3

Rediscovered - Urban Decay 15th Anniversary Palette

Whenever I clean up my room I always find products that have slipped under my radar. I store my makeup on custom built shelves in my room but I'm still in the process of organising everything so alot of stuff still remains in boxes. One of the products I've rediscovered recently is my Urban Decay 15th Anniversary palette. I fell in love with this when it was first released so I was surprised I hadn't used it in so long. The presentation of this palette is beautiful. A selection of limited edition eyeshadows come presented in a pretty purple tray which rests in a gorgeous velvet box. I like the idea that once you finish with the shadows you can use the packaging to store other bit and pieces, I may use mine for jewellery. The shade selection is good I like how there is a equal amount of brights and neutrals. I'm a big fan of the latter but it's still handy to have some alternatives in case you need them for a particular look. All the shadows were limited edition when the palette was released last year but since Urban Decay repackaged all their eyeshadows I think some of them are now available on counter. The brand brings out new palettes quite regularly, I think the Naked 2 palette must of took centre stage when I bought it so this one was left forgotten. That's certainly not the case now as I've found myself reaching for this more over the last week or so. All Urban Decay eyeshadows are super pigmented, like everyone I do get annoyed with the fall out but I haven't found that to be the case with this palette at all. They are so easy to work with and blend beautifully.

Here is a quick look I created using the Urban Decay 15th Anniversary palette. I'll list the shadows and the other products I used below.

Face - Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation in the Shade 2.0
Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer in Ivory
Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in Translucent
 Soleil Tan De Chanel
MAC Pink Tea Blush

Eyes - MAC Nubile Paint Pot
   UD Midnight Rodeo (Lid)
UD Deeper & M.I.A  (Crease)
UD Vanilla (Inner Corner & Brow Highlight)
Loreal Super Liner Luminizer for Blue Eyes
Bourjois Volumizer Mascara

Lips - MAC Dervish Lip Liner (All over lips)
Yves Rocher Vanilla Nourishing Lip Balm

I really enjoyed doing this look for you guys as you can see it's quite simple and great for everyday. If you'd like to see more posts like this in the future let me know in the comments below.

Do you own any Urban Decay palettes? What's your favourites?

Laura<3