Best of Jo Malone (IMO)

I say best, and by that I mean the three fragrances I own, and won't branch out on trying any others as I feel like that would be unfaithful. Undoubtedly I wouldn't of brought these if I didn't like them, therefore for me, they are the best.

Jo Malone Blackberry and Bay. Can you tell this was a present? Just compare sizes of the bottles I brought with my own money (crying face Emoji needed). This is the perfect mixture of fruitiness and freshness, there is something weirdly comforting about this scent. It doesn't edge on sickly sweet at all like the name would suggest, but this is my current 'go to' Jo Malone scent.

Jo Malone Peony and Suede Blush cologne, this is a sweet and romantic scent that combines the freshness of red apple, jasmine, the luxury of peony (favourite flower) and the unusual mix of suede into the one heavenly fragrance.Think a floral scent with a touch of leather won't work? Think again. This has no trace of leather at all, so no worries that you'll smell like a new car. The combination leaves a scent I think is a tad musky but the floral edge leaves it warm and understated. Think Marc Jacobs Daisy or Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb, but nicer.

Jo Malone London Black Cedarwood & Juniper Cologne. No I can't pronounce 'Juniper' either, but regardless of what I end up calling this, it will always been known as my 'surprise' scent. First sniff actually led to the words, "Mum you can have this one" as it was too strong and woody for me. Yet one week down the line once I tried it again, and let it settle on my skin my mind was changed. It is dark, spicy and woody still, yet the Juniper (its a plant according to Google) gives it a little fruity freshness. Very much a evening fragrance in my books, but if you're after something different from Jo Malone, this is the one. And yes, my mum did let me have it back.

What are your favourite Jo Malone products?

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The beauty mistakes I am glad I made

It was only half way through writing this post (I was writing my 'mistakes' first FYI) that I realised I might actually insult people with this post, and that really isn't my intention. We all need a smile put on our faces at the moment.
So let me start, the word 'mistake' in the post is a very loose term, and only a 'mistake' for me - if any of the below work for you then I am insanely jealous...I do not like learning the hard way. 

1. Over plucking my eyebrows, again.

What is that old saying, 'hurt me once, shame on you. Hurt me twice, shame on me.' Well me and my tweezers are having that sort of relationship currently. I have let them get their way once leaving my eyebrows (or lack of), just stupidly over plucked that I can't even describe a shape. So what did I do recently? I did it again...because when you don't suit thin brows for numerous reason of course I would go through the pain twice. Twit.

2. Dying my hair brow.

This one is the reason for my very PC intro to this post as I realised I was probably going to insult half the people who may actually read this. Brown hair is amazing, and that was my issue, as I love it just that bit too much that I wanted to join the club. What I failed to realise is that it looks great on others, and that no, I did not look like Cheryl Cole (current name?!) once the dye had covered my blonde tresses. Washed out, puffy faced, pale and natural hair that was in fact lighter was what I ended up with - see my problem?

3. Never conditioning my hair.

For some reason I was under the elusion that using conditioner on my fine hair would just make it limper and even more lifeless. But then I learnt, so did badly conditioned hair. I don't use loads, but starting at about ear level, I do use enough now for my poor hair to get some looking after, and to be finally appreciated by the head that it lives on.

4. Racoon Eyeliner 

This was due to my gothic stage I went through as teen, nothing wrong with the gothic look I may add, but when your like me and can't pull off the gothic look then it isn't such a good idea. I just wanted to look like Avril Lavigne/ Ashlee Simpson, but I just wasn't cool enough. Yet without this epic mistake, and Facebook evidence, I would not of found my beloved cat eye style liner, which I would like to think is much more flattering. 

5. Lack of bronzer

More so matching my ears with my face, as even with bronzer I still very much like my pale look. Yet this showed me quite how much I was wearing as my ears often looked like they either weren't mine, or that I had brought joke stick on ears (plus it doesn't help I have big ears). It took me surprisingly long to remember I actually have ears, and am very glad I went all those time forgetting them as I have hopefully ended up with a far more natural glow. 

What beauty mistakes are you glad you made?

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The Unglamorous Beauty

I had to choose this picture as she looks how I feel when I have to look at some of the unpretty makeup items in this post. A this is saying something I love the colour grey, yet these grey tubs just are the most unglamorous things to put on my dressing table. Sigh. But this whole not going out thing has one thing going for it, I can go back to basics with my beauty routine, and wallow in the 'unglamorous' side of beauty.

First on my unglamorous list the E45 Cream. The 'help me' of all creams. There is rarely a skin situation that E45 can't fix for me. Plain and simple, but when your skin is being a rebel this is the one to make it behave. Instantly soothing and calming, many eczema and dry skin situations have been saved by this. Such unglamorous packaging, but luckily small enough to shove in my dressing table draw.

Next is the slightly oversized tube of Oilatum Cream. For when my skin needs more than E45, a real emergency sort of cream, in one ugly big tube. Not only for my eczema but Oilitum is also a complete savour on my hair line when all it wants to do it flake. Yes naturally this does make my hair greasy, but when you sleep alone (minus the cat) it doesn't really matter.

Lastly (and potentially the most unglamorous) is Sudocream. This one is no secret is it? In two words? Spot. Savour. Whoever initially thought they would put nappy rash cream on their spots is a slightly questionable genius. In a pretty ugly grey tub, this can't even remove spot glamorously (if there is such a thing) as first comes the white blob you have to tolerate, secondly is making sure you don't forget this white blob on your face and either smudge it like warrior face paint or worse smudge it into your mouth. Not speaking from experience of course...but lastly does come a less angry looking spot.

What are your unglamorous beauty products?

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The perfect bitch: Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick

Not often do I squeak when opening post, and when I do it is always for the wrong reason (brown envelopes I'm looking at you), but a certain package from FeelUnique did this to me recently. All for the right reasons of course, and tucked away in the packaging was the Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick in Bitch Perfect lipstick from the K.I.S.S.I.N.G range.

I am probably Pillow Talks biggest fan - one look in my makeup bag will show you the lipstick, lip liner eyeshadow palette...ok you get it, and I until I looked up this lipstick for this post I didn't realise how well loved this shade is in the beauty world. Being a gorgeous peach-toned nude this is hardly surprising, and it seems Bitch Perfect from Charlotte’s signature K.I.S.S.I.N.G range has become a bit of cult among beauty bloggers (this shade is said to have been inspired by a modern or classic icon did you know?).

I did think this would be to dark and slightly harsh on my pale skin, but it is surprisingly natural looking and just gives that 'my lips but better look' that I always try and achieve as I'm not adventurous enough for much else. Even my mum said 'oh this is a shade you'll actually wear.'

To be honest though, I think I would of fell in love with this lipstick regardless of the colour purely for how creamy and long lasting Bitch Perfect is. You can definitely tell there are some 'light diffusing pigments' thrown into the formula as even after a few hours of wear this doesn't lose its just applied look like some lipstick do. I would say the K.I.S.S.I.N.G range of lipsticks are very similar in finish to MAC Cremesheen or a YSL Rouge Volupte, just better. Bitch Perfect is mum approved and squeak worthy - what else is needed?

Have you tried any Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks?

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Handcare 101

Hand washing has become second nature to us all (hand wash recommendations are welcome BTW), but wow my hands have suffered as a results, clean yes but dry? No, extremely dry would be a far better definition.

A few tips I picked up the past few weeks?

Ok, pat your hands dry. Do. Not. Rub.

Look to hand creams that contain emollients - these have been my savour. The Body Shops Almond Milk and Honey hand cream needs a special mention at this point.

Old fashioned soap and water is always is preferable. Obviously out & about hand sanitisers are essential, but at home (which is the only place I am the moment) soap is far more gentle on my skin.

Face mask for your hands, or otherwise known as hand masks - yes these are a thing. Epionce’s Renewal Hand Cream is ideal for a nighttime treat, a nice think layer will do the trick.

And now for to add to the glamour of self isolating - gloves gloves gloves. Get the marigolds out - helping minimise the expose your hands experience when cleaning.

Marigolds and loungewear - trust me, they go.

What are tips for keeping your hands in top form?

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The Monday Pick Me Ups: Part Three

Ok, so beauty products won't be much of a distraction from what's going on currently -and caffeine pick me up only lasts a certain about of time, beauty products make me feel uplifted and well, 'picked up' for a little while, or at least somewhat distracted.

Firstly is the Philosophy Pure Grace body butter. This is very much a grown up Lush sort of smell, and I can apply this on a Saturday night and wake up on a Sunday and get a waft of this scent pass me buy - even after a serious Neflix binge. 

Next is the Makeup Revolution Highlight Palette, and being made up of three different shade options I can vary this based on my mood. Well, all of this is providing I actually make it to the point of applying makeup...some days do not quite reach this level...

Lastly is the Lee Stafford Coconut Hairspray. Again, this is providing I get to the point of needing hairspray. Sitting around watching Friends repeats do not require hairspray. But when I do, and when I subsequently move my head I get the most wonderful coconut scent and I almost feel like I could be sitting on a beach drinking Pina Colada out of a coconut, which to be honest, is a thought we could all use as a distract at the moment. 

What are your favourite pick me ups?

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Wallpaper Wednesday

Cliche title? Obviously, but who doesn't want a mid week pick up with a wallpaper change? I change my technology wallpaper more than I drink water (the sin), so naturally I spend far too long browsing the internet for choices/options/new finds - so here are my current favorites:

Corrie Broomfield - AKA best wallpaper around IMO - find all of her creative doings here.

Friday Faye - Pink and motivational? I'm done. Find more here.

 Ariana Grande inspired? Blogpixie, well done. Here you go.

Want to make your phone feel expensive (as phones are cheap eh...) you can't go wrong with a Dior feel.

Ok, I know, marble cliche, rose gold etc - but tell me you can't resist this? Here you go.

Tell me your favourite places to find wallpapers?

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Makeup Revolution Liquid Highlighter Liquid Starlight

Hello, my name is Annabel and I am addicted to all things shiny. But trying to find the balance between on trend highlight and full face sparkle/illuminating is hard. The struggle is real. So when I found out Makeup Revolution have release 7 new highlight shades, including this Makeup Revolution Liquid Highlighter Liquid Starlight, my summer was made. 

Spoiler alert: it's incredible.

This highlighter is a reflective, iridescent champagne toned liquid, and it comes packaged in a holographic droplet bottle, which just adds to the fun (because let's be honest, packaging matters). Think Iconic London and Cover FX in terms of staying power, as this highlighter stayed on all day, despite the Bank Holiday heat and ever the swatch I did on my hand was staying put. Makeup Revolution also suggests mixing a little with body lotion for a whole-body unicorn glow.

The other shades from this new range include; Starlight, Champagne, Luminous Gold, Lustre Gold, Rose Gold, Bronze Gold and the next one on my list Unicorn Elixir - because what is that saying? Always be yourself, unless you can be a unicorn, then always be a unicorn. I'll be a very well highlighted one at that.

Have you tried the Makeup Revolution Liquid Highlighter Liquid Starlight?

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Lee Stafford Coco Loco Mousse & Hairspray

I don't often buy things purely for one reason. Well okay, that may be a slight lie I am a slight magpie for pretty things, but generally speaking I like to buy things when there are a few reasons for me to do so. But did this happen recently? Of course not, I saw the word coconut and the Lee Stafford Coco Loco Mousse and Hairspray just fell into my basket....

To give myself credit, I do know I like Lee Stafford haircare and their 'Hair that doesn't grow' range has been a massive hit in my bathroom but I hadn't really seen much on his new coconut range, but nevertheless being a huge coconut fan this purchase was a 'no brainer'. The hairspray is designed to, well do what hairspray generally does and keep hair in place. No hairspray has ever overtaken Elnette, it's Elnette then everything else, but this Coconut hairspray is on par. Yes, on par. No not better, but just as good. Its does just what I want, holds my hair in place without 'showing', and stays in all day and then brushes out. An added bonus for this pink can? Not only does it smell of coconut (duh), you can smell the coconut when you move your head. Genius.

The mousse in similar fashion is designed to give soft, big, bouncy hair with a deliciously coconut scent, and that it does. Its less of a stiff foam then others, but disappears into my hair and leaves me with hair that is full of volume and with no crispy fringe in sight. This is the first mousse I have actually stuck with using, usually I don't see any benefit so I don't bother but Coco Loco has changed this.

Both were so worth the impulse purchase, and if anything my nose definitely thanks me on a daily basis with the coconut trace following me round - being a magpie for coconut has worked in mine, and my flat fringe, favour.  

Have you tried the Lee Stafford Coco Loco Range?

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The L'Oreal Paris Paradise Collection

So, I'm a cliche. I could pretend otherwise, but to be honest I don't mind and I am well on my way to pick up my marble background as we speak....

But, lets be serious as there was no way I was putting down a rose gold packaged mascara and eyebrow pomade was there? It is just far to Instagrammable to miss out on. I'll give myself credit here as I do normally love anything L'Oreal so I knew there was a good chance I'd see beyond the prettiness and use the products regardless. Out of their new range I opted for the L'Oreal Paris Paradise Mascara (£9.99) obviously, and the L'Oreal Paris Paradise Brow Pomade (£9.99) as my new lashes would need new eyebrow friends.

I had heard rumours that the mascara was a dupe for the slightly well known mascara out there... the Too Faced Better Than Sex, and with a price tag of £9.99 compared to £19 and rose gold packaging L'Oreal already had brownie points. L'Oréal's Paradise mascara promises to give "intense volume, spectacular length and a feather soft feel." Which basically sounds like my dream lashes in a rose gold tube. What have pleased me even more with L'Oreal is that I can get away with just one coat of this (hello work mornings), and when one coat doesn't happen, which is quite often, I can build up volume without clumping and with my lashes seeming to grow in length. A versatile mascara? This tube can stay firmly in my makeup bag.

No pressure for the L'Oreal Paris Paradise Brow Pomade....and it was off to a good start at the stand in Boots due to the colour choice. No three shade choices from L'Oreal and I opted for the 'warm blonde', which matches my pale skin and mid blonde hair perfectly. As in it actually looks like my brows, not like I've drawn them on with a darker shade. The natural look that can firstly be achieved with the L'Oreal Paris Paradise Brow Pomade is ideal to match my one coat mascara days. And like the mascara this can be build up (without clogging and looking OTT) to get more of an evening look. But the best thing about the Brow Pomade? The smudge proof qualities...tried and testing accidentally in one of those 'I forgot I put my brows on' situations as I wiped my brows and they stayed put. A miracle. This was then extended to the removal, as this did take quite a firm rub to totally remove.

I am glad L'Oreal didn't let me down here, because as much I don't mind being a walking cliche, I do feel much better about myself (as does my bank account) when the products are nothing less than wonderful. A blonde beauty blogger with a rose gold obsession? Now you don't see many of those around...but least I can have good lashes and brows when I get my marble iPhone out...

Have you tried the L'Oreal Paris Paradise range yet?

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