I can't believe it's Christmas time, December is definitely my favourite month of the year. I love getting my Christmas shopping done and visiting family, everything is very festive in the McKenna household at present. In my last post, November Empties I was fretting about getting my Christmas shopping sorted, I really shouldn't of worried at all. I'm almost half way there so hopefully by the end of next week I'll be sorted. I may of bought some bits for myself aswell so don't be too surprised if you see a Pre Christmas haul sometime soon. Tonight we are finally putting the Christmas tree up in my house, which I'm so excited about. My Mom has the nicest Christmas decorations around, maybe too many at times but the whole sitting room always looks fantastic. I seriously can't believe I'm sitting here writing my December faves for you guys, 2012 was such a quick year that went by ridiculously fast. At the end of the month, I'll be doing a 2012 favourites featuring all my favourite products from this year. I remember writing my 2011 faves which shows how quick the year has gone. There has been quite a number of products that I've been loving this month so let's get cracking.
Most of the products in this post haven't been featured in my past favourites, all except my Urban Decay Naked Skin foundation and Real Techniques brushes. The latter are my favourite makeup brushes ever, I've bought MAC brushes in the past and they don't compare. I find they shed ridiculous amounts and aren't worth the price at all. The buffing, powder and blush brush are stand outs from the range but I seriously love them all, I have no fault with them at all. I couldn't choose one to feature in my November Favourites so I thought I'd mention the brand as a whole instead. If you purchase their brushes you won't be disappointed. Now onto a Christmas product, The Body Shop's Vanilla Bliss Body Butter* is from the brand's Seasonal collection. As I've said in previous posts I love products that are either Cinnamon or Vanilla scented as this falls into the latter category it ticks all the right boxes for me. This have a gorgeous sweet vanilla scent which doesn't smell artificial in the slightest. I love The Body Shop's body butters they are so moisturing which is much needed as my skin gets very dry around this time as of year like everyone else. I can see myself using this body butter all through this month, I'm in love with the shower gel of the same scent aswell. I may treat myself to one of the Vanilla Bliss gift sets closer to Christmas as I do think this scent will be a hit and will be almost impossible to get after Christmas.
As I mentioned above I've had my Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation for a while now and I've included it in a Monthly Favourites post in the past. I stopped using it in favour of my Rimmel Match Perfection that I love too! I use the shade 2.0 which is a perfect match for my skin, from what I've seen they do numerous shades so there's sure to be one for everyone. They are also pretty generous with samples so if your not too sure on forking out for it, I recommend going in to get shade matched and try out the mini sample. This is what I did and I ended up being so pleased with it I had bought the full bottle come payday! The foundation itself is quite light but it gives a gorgeous even coverage which I need. I'd be happy to use this day or night which you can tell as I am nearly all out of the bottle. I'm going to repurchase this after Christmas when the new Naked Basics Eyeshadow Palette comes out, I think I need this in my collection. I can't get enough of Urban Decay's palettes I love them, I think I may be a tad bit obsessed with them. I purchased the Sleek Contour Kit while I was in Manchester during the Summer. I use the shade Light which I find to be just right for me. I swipe my Real Techiques Contour Brush (Core Collection) across the bronzer, I only use the tiniest bit of this as it is very pigmented and I don't like the orange look too much. I use this to contour my cheekbones and my jawline, blending as I go. I love this product alot, I notice such a different when I don't use it. The powder highlighter in this kit is gorgeous aswell so believe when I say this product gets a lot of love. I wish we stocked this brand in stores over here as opposed to always having to purchase it online. I've been using this product a hell of alot during the month and there isn't a dip in it yet. I think that's good value value for money right there and I'll be definitely picking up another one of these when over the other side of the pond early next year.
I'm almost sure that Loreal Paris Elnett Satin hairspray* is only the second hairspray to make it on to my blog. I know you are going to be shocked to here I hardly ever use them. I just don't like how it sometimes leaves my hair feeling as stiff as a rock which is seriously not the look I tend to go for. Like a lot of girls I know I have baby hair and because I have no fringe it doesn't blend into anything resulting in me looking absolutely ridiculous. When I straighten my hair, these tiny bits of hair are the torn in my shoe, they stick up making me look like Alfalfa (Little Rascals anyone?) I've had people comment on it in college, as soon as I went home out came the hairspray like lightning. I was surprised when I first used this product as it doesn't leave my looking or feeling stiff. Being a ultra fine spray it leaves my hair looking nice and shiny whilst holding the style in place which is the most important thing. If you live in Dublin you'll know that during the Winter months it's unbelieveably windy, I don't like arriving at my destination with my hair looking like a bird's nest. Next time I'm in Boots I'm going to buy the full sized can maybe at the Dublin Blogger Meet Up tomorrow who knows.
Lastly I've featured three makeup products in this month's favourites and there all for the eyes. Over the past month I've been using them all to create my everyday eye look. The NYC HD Colour Quad in Best of Broadway* contains four pretty neutral shades that will in my opinion suit anybody. I never steer far way from the old trusted natural eye look so this palette is perfect for me. All the shadows are well pigmented which is amazing for a eyeshadow palette that retails for €3.49, seriously what a bargain. I think this would be great to throw in your makeup bags on holidays or nights out, if you lost it you'd be able to replace it with no hassle whatsoever. I hate when I lose eyeshadows from MAC as I always feel like I have to spend a small fortune to replace them which I probably do! I'm going to do a full post with a Face of the Day showing you the look I come up with using this palette. Sometimes I feel this brand can be looked over but it seriously is a big contender with some of their products, I think there great. I've been pairing this look with a small stroke of Soap & Glory's SuperCat Liquid Eyeliner on the lash line and Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Mascara*. The latter has been a lifesaver for me as you probably all know by now I lost some of my lashes after my friend applied fake eyelashes on me wrong. I know it was a complete nightmare, now that my lashes are growing back I've been trying to find a mascara to make the best of them and I think I've found it. Eyes To Kill gives my lashes a boost with length and volume, leaving them looking amazing. I know this mascara is expensive but it is definitely a holy grail product for me and I'd no problem forking out the money for this, though I will have to wait for payday! It took me a while to try Soap & Glory's SuperCat liquid eyeliner as I wasn't too sure if it was going to be any use or not. After reading a few reviews I'm glad I did. This stuff doesn't budge all day and it has such a fine nib which makes drawing the line a doddle, even for people like me who don't have the steadiest hand. I also love Soap & Glory's packaging and it's no different with this product. I've already bought two of their Boots eyeshadow sets, both gifts for people for Christmas, the palettes contain this eyeliner and I hope both girls love it as much as I do.
Well that comes to the end of my November Favourites, I can't believe my next one will be at the beginning of 2013. Unless your one of these peope that think the world is going to end in like a week??!! I have such a busy week ahead of me, with college, some events and on Wednesday I'm going to see Florence & the Machine!! I'm so unbelieveably excited I can't wait, I've had my tickets since August and the concert has come around so fast. It's a fancy dress themed concert so if you have any suggestions on what I should dress up as let me know. I'm absolutely rubbish at dressing up I just don't like it at all, so your comments will be so helpful indeed.
Are you all sorted for Christmas? What made it into your November faves?
Laura<3
As I mentioned above I've had my Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation for a while now and I've included it in a Monthly Favourites post in the past. I stopped using it in favour of my Rimmel Match Perfection that I love too! I use the shade 2.0 which is a perfect match for my skin, from what I've seen they do numerous shades so there's sure to be one for everyone. They are also pretty generous with samples so if your not too sure on forking out for it, I recommend going in to get shade matched and try out the mini sample. This is what I did and I ended up being so pleased with it I had bought the full bottle come payday! The foundation itself is quite light but it gives a gorgeous even coverage which I need. I'd be happy to use this day or night which you can tell as I am nearly all out of the bottle. I'm going to repurchase this after Christmas when the new Naked Basics Eyeshadow Palette comes out, I think I need this in my collection. I can't get enough of Urban Decay's palettes I love them, I think I may be a tad bit obsessed with them. I purchased the Sleek Contour Kit while I was in Manchester during the Summer. I use the shade Light which I find to be just right for me. I swipe my Real Techiques Contour Brush (Core Collection) across the bronzer, I only use the tiniest bit of this as it is very pigmented and I don't like the orange look too much. I use this to contour my cheekbones and my jawline, blending as I go. I love this product alot, I notice such a different when I don't use it. The powder highlighter in this kit is gorgeous aswell so believe when I say this product gets a lot of love. I wish we stocked this brand in stores over here as opposed to always having to purchase it online. I've been using this product a hell of alot during the month and there isn't a dip in it yet. I think that's good value value for money right there and I'll be definitely picking up another one of these when over the other side of the pond early next year.
I'm almost sure that Loreal Paris Elnett Satin hairspray* is only the second hairspray to make it on to my blog. I know you are going to be shocked to here I hardly ever use them. I just don't like how it sometimes leaves my hair feeling as stiff as a rock which is seriously not the look I tend to go for. Like a lot of girls I know I have baby hair and because I have no fringe it doesn't blend into anything resulting in me looking absolutely ridiculous. When I straighten my hair, these tiny bits of hair are the torn in my shoe, they stick up making me look like Alfalfa (Little Rascals anyone?) I've had people comment on it in college, as soon as I went home out came the hairspray like lightning. I was surprised when I first used this product as it doesn't leave my looking or feeling stiff. Being a ultra fine spray it leaves my hair looking nice and shiny whilst holding the style in place which is the most important thing. If you live in Dublin you'll know that during the Winter months it's unbelieveably windy, I don't like arriving at my destination with my hair looking like a bird's nest. Next time I'm in Boots I'm going to buy the full sized can maybe at the Dublin Blogger Meet Up tomorrow who knows.
Lastly I've featured three makeup products in this month's favourites and there all for the eyes. Over the past month I've been using them all to create my everyday eye look. The NYC HD Colour Quad in Best of Broadway* contains four pretty neutral shades that will in my opinion suit anybody. I never steer far way from the old trusted natural eye look so this palette is perfect for me. All the shadows are well pigmented which is amazing for a eyeshadow palette that retails for €3.49, seriously what a bargain. I think this would be great to throw in your makeup bags on holidays or nights out, if you lost it you'd be able to replace it with no hassle whatsoever. I hate when I lose eyeshadows from MAC as I always feel like I have to spend a small fortune to replace them which I probably do! I'm going to do a full post with a Face of the Day showing you the look I come up with using this palette. Sometimes I feel this brand can be looked over but it seriously is a big contender with some of their products, I think there great. I've been pairing this look with a small stroke of Soap & Glory's SuperCat Liquid Eyeliner on the lash line and Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Mascara*. The latter has been a lifesaver for me as you probably all know by now I lost some of my lashes after my friend applied fake eyelashes on me wrong. I know it was a complete nightmare, now that my lashes are growing back I've been trying to find a mascara to make the best of them and I think I've found it. Eyes To Kill gives my lashes a boost with length and volume, leaving them looking amazing. I know this mascara is expensive but it is definitely a holy grail product for me and I'd no problem forking out the money for this, though I will have to wait for payday! It took me a while to try Soap & Glory's SuperCat liquid eyeliner as I wasn't too sure if it was going to be any use or not. After reading a few reviews I'm glad I did. This stuff doesn't budge all day and it has such a fine nib which makes drawing the line a doddle, even for people like me who don't have the steadiest hand. I also love Soap & Glory's packaging and it's no different with this product. I've already bought two of their Boots eyeshadow sets, both gifts for people for Christmas, the palettes contain this eyeliner and I hope both girls love it as much as I do.
Well that comes to the end of my November Favourites, I can't believe my next one will be at the beginning of 2013. Unless your one of these peope that think the world is going to end in like a week??!! I have such a busy week ahead of me, with college, some events and on Wednesday I'm going to see Florence & the Machine!! I'm so unbelieveably excited I can't wait, I've had my tickets since August and the concert has come around so fast. It's a fancy dress themed concert so if you have any suggestions on what I should dress up as let me know. I'm absolutely rubbish at dressing up I just don't like it at all, so your comments will be so helpful indeed.
Are you all sorted for Christmas? What made it into your November faves?
Laura<3
I have been wanting to try the Urban Decay foundation since it came out! And I have been dying to get some of those Real Technique brushes! People have been raving about these!!
ReplyDeleteIt's brilliant I love it!! Ooh you have to get your hands on the Real Technique brushes there brill. xx
DeleteI agree the Real Technique brushes are just amazing. Great favourites. :) x
ReplyDeleteThanks hun:) I really can't decide which brush is my favourite xx
DeleteOhhh no, I've asked for MAC makeup brushes for xmas...now I'm doubting my choice! haha
ReplyDeletefranleanne.blogspot.co.uk
x
I'm sure they'll be nice Fran, this is just my personal opinion from my own experience with them xx
DeleteLOVE Real Technique Brushes, they are amazing! Been looking for a new foundation and really like the sound of the Naked Skin Foundation, think I'll drop in and have a look :) xx
ReplyDeleteThey are such good brushes aren't they? I want to get the Travel Essentials set next:) xx
DeleteHaha I have the baby hair too, I call it my horns - especially noticeable when I've a ponytail! Aussie hairspray is nice too, doesn't leave it crunchy, but I'm almost out (the can has lasted me about three years) so I'm going to try Elnett next. Have also been self-gifting a bit...oops.... x
ReplyDeleteOoh I'll have to give Aussie a go now that you mentioned it:) I hate my baby hair, it sticks up like crazy when my hair is straight which is not the look I go for lol xx
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