Christmas | Beauty Stocking Fillers For Under £25

Are you finished your Christmas gift shopping yet? 

I thought I was finished until I went shopping recently and fell in love with a few extra bits *insert embarrassed emoji here) and then I had a wee look around and discovered I had some amazing bits at home that would make ideal stocking fillers for the beauty lovers in your life and the best part?  They're all under £25....'Cos we ain't millionaires

Christmas | Luxury Beauty Gift Ideas

Being organised at Christmas is a pretty new thing for me, I used to wait until the week before Christmas and try and cram in all my gift shopping into one week and sadly for my bank balance that meant usually one pay packet

Shop Local | Folli Follie Launches in Shannon's Jewellers, Lisburn

If you're an NI local, brace yourself for some serious bling being added to the Christmas shopping lists for 2017.

Don't fret though, the latest drop in Shannon's Jewellers in Lisburn, is from Folli Follie and is extremely purse-friendly

Haircare | Avocado and Manuka Honey Collection by Superdrug

So Superdrug are killing it with their own brand products right now, right?

The Avocado and Manuka Honey range is one of the more recent additions to the hair-care aisle - I've been treating my tresses recently and giving it a bash.

Christmas Gift Planning With Prestige Hampers

If you're not in the Christmas frame of mind yet, I do apologise but I'm totally the kinda gal that likes to get orgainsed well in advance. To be honest, I've actually been putting a few bits away since Spring and personally that works for me, to buy things when I see a good offer and spread the cost throughout the year.

Beauty | Sleek Into The Night Collection

The newest collection from Sleek Cosmetics has dropped and it's all about the METALLICS for the forthcoming party season which is right up my street.

Shop Local | Halloween Menu at Souls Restaurant, Belfast

If you're a Belfast local you are in for a real treat this Halloween.

Grab all the fake blood and best eerie costume but make sure to wear your stretchy pants 'cos Soul's Restaurant on Dublin Road, Belfast have a Halloween menu fit for all you guys and ghouls this spooky season.

Halloween Beauty Picks

I love an excuse for a themed product list so I thought what better than to share a few Halloween inspired beauty products that I've either already purchased or that I'll be picking up in the next week to celebrate one of the best seasons of the year.

I picked up a few of the Vanilla Pumpkin shower gels from the Halloween range in The Body Shop recently and the scent is just beautiful.  As I mentioned on the blog recently, I'm actually not the biggest fan of a true pumpkin scent but The Body Shop have manged to blend the pumpkin with a light and luxurious vanilla fragrance and the results are just too good to pass up, I'd highly recommend you grabbing some of this range while it's still around.  (side note, it's currently on 40% off).

Temple Spa | Repose, Aromatherapy Resting Cream

With self-care being high on my agenda recently I've been branching out and trying a few more new products and with the change in seasons, a more indulgent moisturiser has been top of that list.

I'm still loving the L'Oreal Hydra Genius Aloe Water for a light but intense boost in the mornings but recently at night I've been reaching for a new addition to my routine, the Temple Spa Repose Aromatherapy Resting Cream.

Ghost Dream Eau De Parfum Review

There's a few beauty products that instantly remind me of my youth, Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse, St Ives Apricot Scrub and Ghost perfume are but a few that immediately jump to mind.

 

The original Ghost perfume was released over 17 years ago and is still their most popular to date but there's a few new kids on the block recently and the latest is the seductive scent;  Ghost Dream!

Beauty | The Body Shop Seaweed Range

I've been a regular in The Body Shop for many, many years.

 

It all started back in the early 90's when I used to pinch my sister's White Musk perfume and think I was a real, proper grown-up.

 

From there I moved onto their make up, I'll never forget one of my first ever make up purchases; a pale green eyeshadow that when applied over a darker base colour really POPPED and make me feel like the sassiest 12yr old out.

 

The Body Shop are pro's are producing new and interesting products that we all lap up but sometimes I feel like we forget about the basics.  Those staples, in favour for the newest and most exciting release.  Recently I picked up a few items from their Seaweed range, a range I feel that kinda gets over-looked a lot now. 

Haircare | Xtava Satin Wave 5 in 1 Curling Wand Review & Giveaway

 

I've been on a bit of a hair journey over the last year.  

It all started when I decided to try and grow out my fringe as it was just too heavy.  It was always my intention to get the fringe cut back in but to try and ease the transition, I cut a lot of the length off my hair too.

 

Find Serenity this Spa September With Galgorm Resort & Spa

Galgorm Resort & Spa,  I feel like it needs no introduction at this point, you all know it by now, yes?

 

Galgorm is one of those places in Northern Ireland that everyone knows.  Everyone has dreamt of visiting/ staying/ spa'ing there and the resort really is one of those places that needs to be on your wishlist.

 

I visited Galgorm Resort & Spa back in March this year for some food (here) and these photos are still some of my favourite I've ever taken - the food was SO bright, so tasty and just screams elegance.

Beauty | Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask

Y'know when you read about a product and just know that you need to own it?  Well a long time ago I read a rave review of this product by Nishi V (link) and I just knew I needed to have it in my possession. 

 

Surprisingly, it was a long time before I actually took the plunge and hit "checkout" on this one though.

 

You may ask why I waited so long and there was two main factors;

Beauty | Seoulista Beauty Instant Facial Masks

If you're anything like me, you may have a bathroom filled with skincare products.  Cleansers, scrubs ands oils bursting from the cupboards like you'd cleaned out your local Boots branch on Black Friday.

One of my vices has to be sheetmasks.  I just can't walk away from them so when I find a new brand to test out, I'm all over them.

Beauty | In The Beginning, Deep Cleansing Melt By Temple Spa

What's better than getting home from a long-ass day at work, yanking off the bra and heading to the bathroom to remove your make up immediately?

For me, it's one of the best feelings and I've found myself falling in love with removing my make-up more these days, than actually applying it.

Beauty | New In, On Trial & First Impressions

I've been a bit of a new product junkie recently, testing out loads of new bits and shopping just a tad too much too, so over the next few weeks I'm hoping to share some of these newer products on the blog and share my first impressions with you.

Beauty | Get That High End Manicure At Home With ImPRESS Nails

I've said it many, many times before so I hope this is not too shocking to you, but I'm a lazy girl.  Like, really lazy.  When it comes to tending to the everyday beauty tasks I look for all the shortcuts.

Spray on body moisturiser - check

Brush on brow gel - YES PLEASE

And my most recent discovery - stick on nails.

OK, I know what you're thinking - stick on nails are not a new discovery but stay with me here.....

Beauty | SENSSE Silicone Facial Cleansing Brush and Exfoliator

As a serious cleanser addict I thought I had tried just about everything on the market.  Gel cleansers, foam cleaners, exfoliating brush tools, you name it; I've tried most of them but the one thing I had yet to try was a silicone cleansing brush.

So when the Sensse Silicone Facial Cleansing Brush and Exfoliator landed on my doorstep from the brand recently I couldn't wait to put it to the test.

Beauty | An Affordable Guide To Colour Correcting With Skinn Cosmetics

I'm usually a bit of a basic make-up kinda gal, y'know the type; foundation, concealer, powder, eyeliner and off I go.

Sometimes I break the mould and throw on a bit of lipstick or blush if I'm feeling fancy but usually on a normal 9-5 day, I just throw the basics at my face and rush out to work - still looking like a zombie.

But colour correcting is all the rage right now and I've been meaning to give it a bash, so when the Skinn Cosmetics Forget-Me-Not Skin Perfecting and Correcting Palette Duo* landed on my doorstep recently I was intrigued and excited. 

Hydra Genius Aloe Water - The New Product From L'Oreal You Need On Your Dresser

 

 

In the market for a new moisturiser?  Well L'Oreal have you covered.

 

I've spoken many times on this blog about how terrible I am at moisturising regularly.  I find waiting around for products to sink into my skin tedious, I'm very impatient and really, very, very lazy.

 

When I saw this latest release from L'Oreal landing in stores recently I was instantly drawn to it.

Make Up That's Good For You - Nude By Nature Launches in Debenhams, Belfast

Love rose gold packaging and dreamy cosmetics?  Well good news; now you can fill your boots in your local Debenhams and feel good about it at the same time.

Nude By Nature; Australia's No.1 make -up brand has arrived in-store and online and extra bonus points; they're cruelty-free too!

Haircare | Style Freedom @ Superdrug

Fancy grabbing yourself some budget-friendly, high-performing haircare products?  Well Superdrug have you covered.

The new range of Style Freedom hair styling products by Knight & Wilson are available online and in-store NOW to save you from all your haircare woes!

I've been a fan of the bold Colour Freedom hair colours for a few years now, they're ideal for a speedy colour refresh when I don't have time for a full day of colouring so I was stoked when the new styling range landed on my desk recently.

Lifestyle | The Home Office Edit

It's coming up the three year anniversary of buying our first home and apart from the "Holy hell, where did that time go" thoughts, I've also been getting itchy feet to start redecorating some of our rooms all over again, much to Mr Flicks' dismay.

 

The room I seem to be drawn more towards redoing at the moment is my dressing room/ office - as fancy as that may sound, it's really just a spare room where I keep all my crap but I'm always on the hunt for nicer pieces to make it that little bit sexier, y'know?!

Lifestyle | 6 Reasons I'm A Shit Blogger

There is no denying blogging has become a HUGE deal in the last few years.  Just take a look on any social media site and you'll find reviews, stylish flat lays and #ad's all up in 'yo face.  You can't escape the blogger/ influencer influx and personally I love it.

 

I've always been more of a reader than a writer so when someone new pops up on my suggested blog page over on Bloglovin I jump right in there and devour every post

Beauty | Optrex Warming Eye Mask

It's no secret I love a good facemask, it's possible to say I'm actually a little bit addicted to masks.  I think it may be physically impossible for me to walk past a Boots or Superdrug these days without a trip down the skincare aisle.

So now I'm taking my mask addition to a new level ! 

 

Food | Gillies Bar & Grill, Galgorm Resort & Spa, Ballymena

If you're an N.I local I'm sure you're well aware of the grandeur of Galgorm Resort & Spa, Ballymena, it's one of the places to head in Northern Ireland on those special occasions for a relaxing break or a spa day with the girls.

Nestled within the lavish surroundings of Galgorm Resort & Spa, you'll find Gillies Bar & Grill.  A hidden gem full of character, charm and indulgent treats.

Sample Japanese Skincare | The DHC Beauty Bento Box

 

Asian beauty is HUGE right now, right? 

 

I've tried the likes of Tony Moly, Oh K! etc but one brand I've had a my eye on for a while has to be DHC.

 

Luckily I happened to stumble over the DHC Beauty Bento Box over on Escentual a while ago and snapped it up right away for the bargain price of £13.00.

 

I'd been super keen to get my hands on the DHC Cleansing Oil for a few months - I've been loving oil based skincare products recently and I'd heard that this Cleansing Oil was one of the best on the market and the most iconic product in the DHC skincare range.

Local | BeYOUtiful Hair & Beauty, Belfast

 

Following on from last week's opening of Benito Brow Bar's new location in Belfast, this week saw another exciting launch for the beauty addicts of Belfast;

 

Originally located on Belfast's Connsbrook Avenue under the name; Luscious; this week saw the official opening of the relocated, renamed and revamped BeYOUtiful, Hair & Beauty, now located on 137 Holywood Road, Belfast - directly opposite the iconic Strand Cinema and Arts Centre.

Local | Benito Brow Bar Opens in Topshop, Belfast

Love shopping?  Love a bit of a pamper?  Wanna combine a bit of both?  Why wouldn't you?!

Well tonight I popped along to the BRAND NEW Benito Brow Bar, situated in Topshop, Victoria Square, Belfast for a bit of a pamper and to see if I could do just that.

Fashion | Embroidery Trend: Must Haves

1. Long Sleeve Skater Dress  / 2. Only Grey Sweatshirt   / 3. Tie Belt Shirt(SOLD OUT) / 4. Floral Clutch / 5. A-Line Mini Skirt  / 6. Embroidered Hand Bag

 

There is no denying I'm in a major clothing slump right now.  I'm stuck between bulky winter jumpers, cosy PJs and dreaming of spring so I've spent today pulling together a list of all the dreamy bits around the interweb that are not only super affordable, and bang on trend, but they're all mostly BLACK too.....forever goth bonus!

Beauty | Silidyn - A Supplement For Strong Bones, Hair & Nails



You know when you buy vitamins and supplements and just forget to take them?  Yup, that's me.

One of the promises to myself for 2017 was to start taking better care of myself.  I wouldn't necessarily class this as a New Years Resolution but more of a way of life, or at least that's what I'm trying to tell myself anyway.

 

As much as I'd love to spend all day preening and trying out new products, I just don't have the time right now so I've been looking towards supplements to help.  So when the babes over at Thirty Plus put Silidyn in touch with me, I was given the opportunity to be part of their 8 week trial.  

Lifestyle | Alternative Valentine Gift Ideas

So Valentine's Day has to be like the second biggest consumer event of the year for Hallmark, yea?  As I mentioned here last year, I've never really been the lovey-dovey Valentine type, at all.  

Sure we all love a good excuse to give and receive gifts throughout the year but when I popped to my local shops the other day I just couldn't help but laugh at some of the items on display in the Valentine's Day ranges.  Plastic handcuffs and heart shaped photo frames just don't do it for me.

Lifestyle | Start Your Weekend Like A Boss

Y'know what I'm shit at?  Sticking to a blog schedule and not swearing...yea, yea, I know!

 

And apart from that?  Well, I'm not too great at making the most of my time off at the weekends.

I have to-do lists as long as my arm and when it really comes to it, I find myself binge watching Lucifer with a bag of microwave popcorn or in town shopping for pretty things I quite frankly just don't need but I'm trying to work on that.  So I've pulled together a list of things I'm aiming to do at the start of every weekend to get my ass off the sofa and be more productive.  

Beauty | B. Revealed Glycolic Cleansing Peel By Superdrug

I can only apologise if you came here expecting make up reviews, because recently I am on a major skincare binge and I just don't want to stop.  I have such a love for skincare products that my vanity and bathroom are bursting at the seams.

 

I've previously stated my love for a few products from the B. range, from Superdrug and today is no different.

Lifestyle | Things To Do In January When You're Broke

So it's still winter but no longer socially acceptable to dance around with tinsel in your hair so what can do you to keep the spirits up in January when you're broke as a badger?

 

I've been on a bit of a mission recently to stop shopping when I'm bored and actually DO stuff instead.  So if you're bored and trying to stay away from your overdraft this January, grab your diary and plan some fun days instead.