10 Holy Grail Beauty Products

I'm often asked what my 'favourite' this or 'favourite' that is and alot of the time I don't have a definitive answer.

But there are a handful of products out there that I can easily class as my holy grail's. Products that, since finding, I haven't turned my back on, replaced with anything else or haven't yet found better.

I always love seeing everyones ultimate beauty favourites (as beauty blogger's I mean... it takes alot to become number 1 in someones eyes) so I thought I would share 10 of my beauty products that I just cannot be without!

SKINCARE

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish

My number one, my favourite, my desert island choice. I love this stuff.

 I am yet to find a product better than this when it comes to make-up removal and I really do struggle to live without it. I mean, I'm sure most of you have tried this by now but if not I'll give you a quick low-down. Cleanse and Polish is a lovely creamy hot cloth cleanser which you pop straight onto your skin. You then remove it (along with all your make-up) with a wam muslin cloth. I usually use 2-3 pumps depending on how much make-up I'm wearing and I also feel fresh as a daisy afterwards! THE best.

Nivea Hydration Primer

My everyday base. Yes I use other make-up primers such as Porefessional and Baby Skin but this is always my first step when it comes to my make-up routine.

I'm not a fan of day creams or thick moisturises as they tendd to clog up my skin alot and I hate that feeling. This however is a lovely light moisturiser which really does waken my skin each morning, leaving it feel hydrated and smooth - I couldn't even tell you how many of these I've been through in the last 18 months or so.

MAKE-UP

MAC Lipsticks

Duh! What beauty bloggers DOESN'T love MAC lippys! My collection is ever-growing and I don't think I'll eve get bored of the colours I own already. The amount of choice is insane and the quality is just fabulous! Want to know my most worn shades? Then check out my post - here.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation

This is my everyday foundation. The foundation I wear to work, for days out, even when I pop to the shops - I love the coverage and haven't switched back to another foundation in nearly 2 years now! I'm always recommending this stuff and even mix it with my MAC stusio sculpt for girls nights out.I wear the shade Vanilla most of the year.

Urban Decay Naked Palette

The ultimate holy grail. This is my favourite eyeshadow palette of all time and the one which I always go to as my fail safe. I've had this palette for nearly 3 years now and it has been one of the best Christmas presents I ever got (Thanks Mum & Dad!). and as you can see from the photo - it really does last and last so it is so worth the price.

Eylure False Eyelashes

The greatest and easiest to use eyelashes out there. I'm pretty useless when it comes to eyelashes but slowly but surely I've learnt the nack of how to pop these on with ease ..... even after a couple of vodkas! 101 and 107's are my ultimate favourties.

BODY

Mitchum Deodorant

The greatest deodrant ever made? I think so. I've used this since I was a teenager and have dared to try anything else since! I've got so many of my friends using this too - no sweating, no smelling.... it's amazeballs.

St. Moriz Fake Tanning Mousse

I've tried a good few fake tanners in my time but I always seem to go back to St, Moriz, for the price the quality is insane - just as good as the more expensive brands, This is the tan I always send people too, plus they have so many different products and shades to choose from aswell so there is something for everyone. (I've only just started to brave using the 'dark' shade!)

ESSENTIALS

Bath & Works Anti-Bacterial Hand Gels

Well.... I couldn't live without these could I?! The amount I have gone through in the last 3 years is kind of embarrassing! Obviously I can't get them here in the UK so each time I have been in the US I have tried to fully stock up! (especially as they are so cheap, I think they are like 5 for $5 - bargain!) The scents to choose from are incredible, I akways have one lurking around in my handbag!

Tangle Teezer

Last but not least, my Tangle Teezer. Well.... one of the three that I own... yes 3! I hardly ever use a proper hairbrush anymore, only these. I feel like my hair is so much stronger from swapping over to these plus I don't loose as much hair whilst tugging and pulling like before! A total must.

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What's In My Beach Bag?

This season Boohoo decided that they wanted to put a summer spin on the classic 'what's in my bag?' post/tag (yes we've all written them/read them) and what better idea when the sun is shining than a 'what's in my beach bag?' version!
I live so close to the beach and being able to walk there in less than 10 minutes makes it so easy to pop down and enjoy the sunshine when we are lucky enough to have some so I know what I need to take with me each time without even having to think about it.
 This is also the same sort of bag I'd take down to the pool or beach with me on a holiday!

My 'beach bag/pool bag' contents are actually pretty different to my usual everyday handbag.... I mean I don't really need 15 lipsticks while I'm splashing around or sunbathing do I?!
So here's a little look for you all at what I like to take to the beach plus a couple of gorgeous summer bits from boohoo to complete my beach babe look!

When it comes to my beach bag contents... I'm pretty lazy and don't pack alot.
I need stuff that's going to make me 1. comfortable and 2. entertained, I can't just lie back and sunbathe like I used too as a teenager, I need to something to at least just read/listen too and with the beauty bits I keep it so basic!
I'm just going to go through the bits and bobs pictured above and then I can get onto the gorgeous duo I received from Boohoo's holiday shop.

Now a bikini, for me, is something that I have with me when I'm sunning myself on holiday (obvs), but at home in my small town I'm way too self-conscious too whip out a 2 piece and strut around on the sand, but obviously it IS a must-have in my standard beach bag, this dotty green number is from ASOS (and it was a bargain in the sale!)
Next is my number one thing I have to take to the beach with me and that's - reading material! Right now I'm reading Holly Madison's Down The Rabbit Hole.... and I am obsessed (seriously if you are a Holly/Playboy/Girls Next Door fan you HAVE to buy this!).
There's nothing better than escaping into a book whilst tanning on the beach and hours can pass and pass and I won't even get bored if I have a good book to get stuck into.
Hair bands are ALWAYS in my bag no matter where I am going, if it's hot you're going to want to get that hair up and out the way - taking back-up's in my bag is a no-brainer!

Next up.... anti-bac. Yes, this has got to come with me to the beach - sand, sea and everything in between ... it's not clean, so if I'm having a snack or heading to the nearest beach cafe I want to be able to clean my hands quickly - I'm a bit of a germophobe and I don't want bacteria all over my Mr. Whippy!

Lipbalm is another must! I'm not going to have a face full of make-up on but lip balm is great for a little tint of colour and keeping my lips hydrated - ones with SPF in are obviously alot better to rock whilst exposed in the sunshine don't forget!
SUNCREAM. I mean... that's just obvious.
Sunglasses - also another obvious one - easier to read my book, they protect my eyes from the sun, stop me squinting AND hide the fact I'm not wearing any make-up!
A hairbrush* has to be in the top 3 things I would take with me to the beach. Especially I'm heading to the sea or if it's windy, my hair can be a total nightmare so having a brush handy helps me keep it under control!
I always like to have my headphones with me - normally just for my phone. Whether it's music or, my new found love, podcasts, when I've had enough of reading it's fun to lie back and listen to my favs!

Last but not least - a towel! You can't forget your towel when heading to the beach.... that's why my beach bag's are always so big!

Bridget Border Print Playsuit* | Millie Ghillie Tie Gladiator Sandals*

Now....  beach fashion! Boohoo let me pick out 2 gorgeous bits from their holiday collection to help me create a lovely summer look and after a long, hard look and lots of umming and arring I decided on these two bits.

My favourite tings to wear to the beach or the pool are either a maxi dress or a playsuit - items that are comfortable, quick and easy to get on and off and when I saw this playsuit I feel in LOVE immediately!

I love cold shoulder detailing and this pattern is so so pretty! I got a size 12 and it fits really well - I'm even thinking I might wear this to the Bestival (when I manage to get myself a ticket!) so no doubt you are going to be seeing this alot more! (Plus I've just seen that it has gone into the sale so it's now only £15!!!)

The sandals I picked out are super cute, with the lace up front these are a lovely little pair of shoes to keep you looking on trend even with the plainest of outfits - I wore these out for lunch last week and got so many compliments on them, I was seriously glad I had given my feet a pamper because everyone was looking at them!

The fact they are white aswell makes them go with so much - these are easily going to be my most worn pair of sandals this summer I can feel it already!

What do you like to carry in your beach bag? Do you have any go-to beach outfits aswell? Do you like to keep it comfortable or do you still get glammed up for a stroll along the seafont or on the sand?

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10 Things You Need To Pack For Disneyworld

Okay so you can probably tell I've had Disneyworld on the brain ALOT recently! The thought of being able to book my next trip in just a few months has got me so excited and constantly thinking about it! (I just need to keep the boyfriend on board until we book....)

I see so many people tweeting about DW at the moment and have had a few people ask me questions and for some advice over the last few weeks, so I thought I'd share a bit of Kirstie experience with the 10 things that are a MUST in my suitcase.

Comfortable Trainers

If there's one thing you are going to do alot of whilst in Orlando it is walking! I always take a variety of shoes with me but I always seem to throw on whatever trainers/converse I have when heading to a park for the day!

 Comfy footwear is a must when heading out for the day, I couldn't imagine walking around in a pair of flip-flops for hours and hours on end, my feet would ache so much! (Saying this though a simple pair of flip-flops is a must for the pools and water parks, easy slip on sandals make life a whole lot easier)

Sunglasses

You are heading to the sunshine state and even if you end up going in storm season - you are still going to see some sunshine at least (you would hope!).

 I cannot live without a pair of sunglasses, if the weather is super hot aswell you may not want to wear any make-up.... this is where they come in even handier!

Hands-Free Bag

Disneyworld is one of the most exciting places on earth so you are constantly going to be seeing and doing things so having a bag that you have to take on and off or put it down and pick it up again, when doing something, is probably the most annoying thing ever! 

I always take a small across-body bag to keep all my essentials in! I can wear it all day and not have it get in the way and all my possessions are easily accessible! You don't want to be putting your handbag down everytime you want to take a photo or a selfie!

A Towel

A total must for the pools (if staying on site) and water parks! Not only are you fully prepared and don't haave to rent one but you can spot your stuff easily out of the huge aray of sun loungers there! The towel in the picture below is the one I took with me and it came in so handy!

 A Poncho

Orlando is known for it's sunshine... and showers! My boyfriend and I were caught in the rain almost everyday when we went last year and a poncho was something we hadn't thought of packing. This meant we spent about $8/10 or so each on buying a Disneyworld poncho! What we really should have done was bought a couple of bargains ones before we went and popped them in our bags! Save yourself some money - you will probably only chuck it away after anyway!

Anti-Bac Hand Gel

Disneyworld is host to thousands and thousands of people a day and you will be touching alot of the same stuff as those strangers so, for me, anti-bac is in my bag 24/7 without question! Something to pop on my hands after going on rides and before I eat!

Suncream & Aftersun

Even if the sky is cloudy - you are still going to be affected by the sun. I went to Blizzard Beach on a seriously cloudy day and came back with sunburn! A sensible factored suncream and aftersun is vital for a trip to Florida! 

A Small Purse

Like I said before, I only like to take a small handy-sized bag with me to the parks, so with that comes a small purse! You don't need all your cards and bits and bobs with you (especially if you have your magic band linked to your bank account!) so I just like to take a small coin purse to pop all of my money into.

Brand New Perfume

I've said this many times on here - a brand new perfume on a holiday is a must for me! That way the scent will forever remind you of your amazing trip away :) Can't find one before you go? Grab one in the airport before you depart, that's what I did!

Portable Phone Charger

Yes, you don't want to forever be on your phone while you are on holiday - but there will be a few things you will need on there. 

For me it was mostly my camera (obviously) and my Disney Experience app! The app helps you organise your whole trip - from fast passes to park timings to restaurant bookings! It's handy to have that to look at at all times so running out of charge isn't an option! You can get these charging sticks so cheap nowadays and they are so easy to just chuck in your handbag!

What's top of your packing list?

You might also like :

A Few Disneyworld Top Tips

The Disneyworld Tag

Florida Haul 2014

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I'm Loving... #20

It's been a while since I did one of these - I've missed it!
 I've decided to change the name of these posts to "I'm Loving" instead of "This Week I'm Loving" just because they may not be weekly so I think it suits it better!

MAC Velvet Teddy Lipstick

I thought I had lost this favourite of mine, so when I stumbled across it in an old bag this month I coulnd't help to whip out a happy dance! I had been missing this shade so much and since finding it I have been wearing it so much, perfect with my Whirl lip liner.

Armani Diamonds Perfume

New perfume alert! Yes I finally cracked and spent some of my Boots points I was saving for Christmas.... shame on me! I had got up to £86 and was feeling like cheering myself up and this was on offer so I couldn't really say no! £29.99 instead of £52! I love this scent, it's not something I've had before and I think I will be saving it for special occasions - not an everyday work scent.

Brita Fill & Go

Something else now that I splashed out my points on because it was on offer! I had been looking at these for a while... I buy so many bottles of water which is ridiculous really so I thought this was a great way to save some money. I've been keeping this in the fridge and popping some lemon slices in there too - great for the skin!

Rock Challenge (Ryde Academy)

This is something very random for the blog but also something very close to my heart! I did Rock Challenge throughout my years at high school, in fact I did it for 5 years with 3 of those years being part of the committee that create the pieces.

 Since leaving high school back in 2008 I have missed being part of this amazing, fun and emotional thing that is Rock Challenge! I went and watched my school participate in the Premier Final this week and am SO proud of them! They came 2nd and are on their way to the National Finals and rightly so! #RydeRockTheHouse (I would literally do anything to go back to school and take part again!)

Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub

You may have seen my review on this a few weeks ago! This has happily slotted it's way into my everyday beauty routine and to be honest I'm not sure how I spent so many years without it! If you want to know a bit more check out my review - here.

Little Mix - Black Magic

I.love.this.song. Little Mix can do no wrong in my eyes - I cannot wait to get their new album!

Benefit They're Real Mascara

When I was clearing out my make-up collection earlier this month I found a whole aray of Benefit minatures that I had forgotten about - some I hadn't even tried yet! This was one of them and using it for the last week or so has reminded me how brilliant it is! Although I can't decided whether I prefer this one or Roller Lash..... what do you think?

Jurassic World

This movie is bloody brilliant!!! I love the originals so much and have been So excited for this since it was annouced and it didn't disappoint! In fact... I want to go and see it again! Chris Pratt gets 11/10 from me.

Bath & Body Works Vanilla Berry Sorbet Anti-Bac Gel

My most favouritest hand gel at the moment! Aswell as smelling amazing this brings back so many memories of America - I LOVE this scent. 

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This Week I'm Loving... #6

Pinterest

Okay..... I'm officially converted to Pinterest! (Or as my mum likes to say "Pin-Interest") I've probably had this social media account for years but have never caught the pinning bug..... Until last week! I can't stop, I won't stop! It started when I started looking at tattoo inspiration and  ideas that was it! I could spend hours on this site!! My username is   KirstieLouiseS - here's my account! 

Jerseylicious

This show is awesome. How have I never watched it properly before? I know it's been out for years and yes I'd heard of it but after stumbling across it on ITVBe one lunchtime I have been trying to watch it every weekday when I pop home from work! 

I need them all on DVD - ASAP. (I like Tracy AND Olivia .... Is that okay?)

Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Lipstick - Nude-ist

You may have seen this in my recent boots haul! I had been eyeing up this shade for a while and was super happy to finally bring it home last week! I have been wearing it constantly, it is a gorgeous everyday colour and it lasts for hours and hours! The only thing I'm not a fan of is the scent.... It is horrible! 

Sia - 1000 Forms Of Fear

I loved Chandelier when it came out and downloaded it immediately. After watching lots of Dance Moms again recently it reminded me to have a little listen of Sia's album - 1000 Forms Of Fear! I have been listening to it on YouTube and have fallen in love! It's really not my usual style of music but I've been really enjoying it - Fire and Gasoline is my favourite! 

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara

Yes, like every other beauty blogger I ran and grabbed Elle magazine as soon as if was released this month! Free make-up is always a bonus... free Benefit make-up is even better and free brand new Benefit make-up is the best! I have been loving this little tester and I definitely think it will be something I'll be investing in once it is released properly!

Fishtail plaits

I have finally mastered the art of a fishtail plait! I am so happy my hair is finally at a good length that I can wear a fishtail and be excited about it!

Bath & Body Works Sweet Pea Hand Cream 

My hands have been seriously suffering these last few weeks and this has been my go-to hand cream! It really helps to soothe and hydrate my poor dry hands and smells amazing at the same time! It's rich and creamy without being greasy - I just wish it was easier to be able to get some more!

New Look Lace Up Black Boots

I bought these back in November in the sale and over the past few weeks I have been wearing them alot! They are so so comfy and make my feel a little bit glammer when I'm dressed in casual clothing!

Warburtons Crumpets

These with marmite = the greatest winter breakfast.

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POTW #34 : Bath & Body Works Sweet Pea Hand Cream

Oooo cheeky US product alert! 
I'm am totally and utterly obsessed with Bath & Body Works and their magical aray of beautiful smelling things. 
Each time I've been to a store I've just walked in like a kid in a candy store not knowing where on earth to start looking! If it wasn't for luggage allowance I would have bought back thousands of candles and fabulous products but unfortualey for me I could only buy what I knew I could squeeze in.... which wasn't alot :( (you may have spotted this in my Florida Haul!)

This was a must have for me.
Sweet pea is one of my favourite scents from BABW and with the weather taking a turn for the worst back here in the UK I knew hand cream would be one of my go-to products for the next couple of months.
I love having a hand cream with me in my handbag, as well as being a yummy smelling pick me up this stuff helps keeps my hands hydrated - I'm a big over-user of anti-bacterial hand gels and along with the cold weather this sometimes leads them to becoming dry and sore! 

With shea butter and vitamin E this cream leaves my hands soft as a baby's behind and with the sweet pea fragrance has them smelling fab for ages after! It's like perfume for my hands! 
Not greasy in the slightest and rubs in quick and easy, I'm always re-applying this throughout my work days and am always surprised how long the scent lasts for!
I can't quite remember how much this cost me.... how on I'l do some research online...... *a few minutes later* ... it was $5! Such a bargain! I'm going to have a look online on ebay etc to see i I can order some more of these hand creams in different scents - I love it more than I love Soap & Glory's Hand Food.... that's saying something!

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eBay Wishlist #16

Shoes | Cupcake Backpack | Kimono & Shorts Co-Ords | Alice Sweater | Stress Relief Bath | Watch | iPhone Case 

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Do

Don

Wishlist : eBay #8

iPhone Case | Necklace | Skirt | Coat | Candle | Nail Polish

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Wishlist : eBay

Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Hand Gel - Cake | Pink Disney Quote iPhone Case | Floral Hair Scrunchie | Little Mermaid Sweater | Nude Heels  

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Empties #4

Once again I have 5 products that I have used up, loved and now want to share with you lovely lot!

 Like I've said before it does take alot for me to finish a product to the very end as I have an addiction to buying more - so I'm always dipping in and out of different things!

 I think being on a Spending Ban lately is definitely helping me get through the products I already own! Buying less is showing me what I already have to try out and what I have to use up still!
(Also... yay for a bit of sunshine in my photos!)

1. Lee Stafford My Big Fat Healthy Hair 

Having loads of shampoos and conditioners floating all around my flat I decided that before I bought any more to clutter up the place I needed to use up what  I had! This was one of the first I grabbed! We all know I love a bit of Lee Stafford and this is one of the many that I have of his. This left my hair feel soft, smooth and alot fuller than normal with a great bit of lift - one that I would 100% re-buy.

2. Joules Sensational Skin Body Wash Souffle

You may remember this being on A Yellow Brick Blog last year when I reviewed a lovely bath set from Joules for Christmas! I loved the whole set but this was my favourite product! A gorgeous souffle which felt like a skin conditioner - I've been obsessed with this for months and can't believe I used up the tub already, I haven't looked yet but I really hope Joules sell this all year round and not just at Christmas. (Original review)

3. Bath & Body Works Raspberry Pink Peony Anti-Bacterial Hand Gel

Yes, I am one of the anti-bac freaks! Total addicted. I love this scent of this - reminds me of being in LA & San Fran, I love when smells bring back memories.

4. Seventeen Phwoarr Paint Concealer - Fair :

I know I'm not the only who's ranted and raved about this! This has been a life-saver for those pesky ages under my eyes! Fab fab fab high coverage stuff - I already had another one ready for when this one was a goner!

5. Rimmel Eyebrow Pencil - Hazel :

The only eyebrow pencil I have used in years and years, I swear by this one! Total bargain at £2.99 - works perfectly with my brow shade and is great to use before my HD Brows palette!

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Product Of The Week #2

Yeah so I had a bit set back.... started these weekly posts and then - totally missed week 2 (although I did pre-warn it may not be every week)! Haha I'm such a fail, but in my defense it was my birthday week and I was super busy! 
BUT here is #2 and I promise to try my hardest to keep this up weekly from now on!

Product Of The Week #2 - Bath & Body Works I Love You Bouquet Anti-Bac Hand Gel.

I've mentioned before that I am obsessed with hand gels - I always have one in my bag and am constantly applying them. (I'm probably immune to them now the amount that I use them but still... it makes me feel better!)

The fact I've been using this particular one loads recently it a massive coincidence with the fact it is also Valentine's week!
 I had loads of these from when I went to America and have slowly, along with other brands, been getting through them all. Bath & Body Works is so amazing, we need to get it over here!

This stuff smells amazing, if you've had these gels before you will know how awesome BABW make them smell.
This scent is super sweet and lasts for ages - there is a certain zest to it which I can't quite put my finger on but what ever it is I like it! It also has the lovely bursting beads!
I love this anti-bac and I am going to be gutted when it runs out as I actually think it's the last one I have left from the US - *sad face* - time to get myself on eBay I think!

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