Clutch Bag Essentials & Giveaway

It's coming to that time of year again. Christmas parties, family gatherings and that all important New Years Eve.
Most of these occassions will include a cute little dress, a nice pair of heels and of course.... a clutch bag!

Now I have a list of things I ALWAYS carry in my clutch - no matter what time of year or where I'm going - if I'm on a night out... these things will always be in my bag.

1. Tissues
I have to carry tissues wherever I go..... I think it's just the dreaded thought of having to go for a wee without them haha, believe me they have come in handy many a time on a night out!
2. Anti-Bac
Yeah.... I'm not leaving the house without this stuff! My favourite at the moment has to be the Soap & Glory Sugar Crush hand sanitizer, it smells amazing.
3. Eyelash Glue
I'm such an eyelash fan on a night out - I don't feel complete without them! I HAVE to take glue with me though, the thought of one flapping around and having no glue to fix it really scares me, so I always have one packed. 
4.Small Purse
How cute is this little Minnie Mouse coin purse! I don't like to take my huge wallet out with me (and normally it doesn't fit along with everything else in my bag) so a small purse it always a must. 
5. Lip colour of choice
Whatever shade I've picked - I've gotta take it with me! All those drinks sometimes rub it off so re-applying because a regular occurrence this time of year.

(Obviously my phone and keys are in there without question)
Last but not least.... 6. my Travalo! I can't even think how many times I've talked about these since I started blogging - it was even a blogger that made me buy one in the first place back in 2011, they looked so handy and I was about to go travlling so it was a must-have. Your favourite perfume with you anywhere and everywhere 24/7 - perfect for us girly girls!

This is where the exciting part of the post comes in.

Yes! I've teamed up with Travalo to give FOUR of you the chance of winning one of their can't-live-without atomizers!

There are 2 original Travalo's and two Milano Travalo's up for grabs (the colour of your choice... subject to availability) and all you have to do is fill in the Rafflecopter below - the perfect little treat just in time for Christmas!

Good Luck you beauties!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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September Favourites 2015

Well, well, well it has been a little while since I uploaded a monthly favourites post or video, so I thought it was about time I started them up again - let's jump straight on in!

Let's start off by talking make-up. My Seventeen shimmer brick has been a godsend since my Fake Bake beauty ran out a few months back (I just can't seem to get hold of another one).  This is a gorgeous finishing touch to my everyday make-up routine, a summer glow is a constant mission of mine!

My Naked palette has been my go-to palette this month, nearly 3 years and countless smokey eyes later and I'm still so in love with this classic. I still love playing around with the different shades, they are so easy to wear.

My lipstick of the month HAS to be MAC's Velvet Teddy - I cannot stop wearing this, it is such an easy shade to just put on no matter what I'm doing or wearing, it's nearly running out which I'm pretty devo about.

Little Ondine is a brand I talked about last week, their nail polishes have changed my thoughts on doing my own nails - they are just so easy and I love this pretty baby blue shade. (Full review here)

The Lee Stafford Arganoil Nourishing Miracle Mist is easily my favourite hair product of the month, it has made my hair feel so much softer and healthier - I couldn't even tell you how many times I've used it already.

Yes, that is an anti-bac hand gel you see there. This is the cheeky little number that has been living in my handbag for the length of September - one of Bath & Body Works best (of course) this is Cozy Vanilla Cream and it smells so yummy!

Skincare pick of the month is my Simple protecting light moisturiser. I'm not normally one for wearing a moisturiser at night but with the change in weather recently my skin has been a little drier than usual but just a light layer of this each night has worked wonders. My skin never really works well with thick, expensive creams so this is perfect.

My Travalo Milano has probably been everywhere with me this month - armed with my fav Vera Wang Princess - this was amazing when spending whole days at Bestival and great for a little freshen up while I'm at work or out for the day! (Full review here)

Dry lips have been the bane of my life the past few weeks so having a lip balm next to my bed has been a total and utter must! Nivea's lip butter in Blueberry has been my balm of choice - I LOVE these butters so much, I still can't decide what my favourite scent is.

Last but not least is a candle from PartyLite candles - you may remember seeing this in a post last month. This Berry Blossom candle is totally Sweet Pea scented and I have been burning it like crazy (as you can see from the photo above!) This candle brand has had me SO impressed, they last for hours and hours and the scent really does fill the whole room/home!

Are you still a fan of the classic monthly favourites posts?

What have been your favourites products from the past month?

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I'm Loving... #23

As I decided not to put up a monthly favourites this month because I felt like it was alot of the same stuff I'd previously posted, I thought I'd just carry on with my "I'm loving" posts here and there!

MTV Ex On The Beach

Oh my good god, how on earth have I never watched this show before? It is literally so bad it's good! I cannot believe how some of these people talk, it is outrageous and I can't help but find it hilarious! Cami and Kirk's entrance argument has to be the highlight so far - could not stop laughing! 

Travalo Milano

I spoke about this last week on here. This brand new Travalo is bloomin' marvellous - the new design is slick, luxorious and the new spray action is incredible- read more about it here.

Benefit Stay Don't Stray Eye Primer

I stumbled back across this the other day when doing my eye make-up and searching through my primer draw! I only have the mini size as I got in in the Benefit advent calendar last year! This is brilliant and has been my go-to primer when doing a full face of make-up, I think I'm going to have to invest in a full-size!

theBalm Nude'Tude Palette

Even though I own countless palettes I always seem to float between the original Naked palette and this little beauty! theBalm is one of best new brands I've stumbled across since I started blogging and their products are securely placed into my daily routine, this is a fab investment!

WAGs on E!

Yes...... I have been drawn in to yet another trashy American reality show about nobody's. But... I just love them okay! This is all about US WAGs, I'm loving the glam and drama so much already, it's on E! on Tuesdays, check it out!

Little Mix - Hair

My favourite song at the moment! I loveeeee Little Mix and cannot wait for their album to be released later this year.

St. Moriz Fake Tan Mousse - Dark

With Bestival starting (today) I have been desperately trying to glam myself up a little after a summer of working indoors! This is my go-to tan and I'm hoping I'll have a slight glow (that isn't white based) for the weekend!

Rimmel Lasting Finish Concealer

This has been my number one concealer for the past few months, with the amount of early morning shifts I've had recently I've had to have something half decent to cover those big bad bags under my eyes! This works a charm, so so good for the price tag!

UnReal

Another TV show I have been obsessed with is UnReal.  On Lifetime this is a show about the behind of scenes of a show called 'Everlasting' (basically The Bachelor) and it shows the producers manipulating the cast and all the drama that unfolds, it has just finished it's first season but if you get the chance to watch it I highly recommend. It really makes you wonder what really happens on these real 'reality' TV dating shows.......

Mac Lipliner - Whirl

This has got to be my favourite lip liner that I own. I pair it with Velvet Teddy for that awesome KJ look, soooo worth the money  as I know it's going to last months and months. This is a must for the perfect nude lip.

What have YOU been loving recently?

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The NEW Travalo Milano

Travalo are a brand I've spoken about countless times here on A Yellow Brick Blog. I have been using their original spray bottle for probably 4 years now and I think they are one of the greatest beauty products out there - I'm constantly recommending them to people!

If you aren't quite sure what a Travalo is then I will go ahead and explain for you now...
Travalo is an easy peasy perfume vaporisier that fits into your handbag so you can freshen up on the go wherever you might be.
They are the perfect way to have your favourite perfumes with you 24/7 without carrying round your awkward glass bottles!
You fill the travalo in seconds directly from your standard perfume bottle - as you can see to the right! All you have to do is pump to fill, it's literally that easy.
These are a must for me for holidays and weekends away, it saves on so much room and the panic of a possible breakage!

Travalo Milano - Pink*

So when I heard that Travalo had a new luxury collection being released I was really excited and when I was asked if I would like to try one out I was even more thrilled!

 I have two of the regular bottles already and use them constantly but to have something which looks a little more sophisticated and luxurious is even better.

There are eight colours to choose from, so there is literally one for everyone (and they aren't just for girls!) : Sky blue, black, white, red, baby pink, pink, navy & orange - as you can see I have the pink version. 

The new pioneering spray head now produces a finer mist which helps disperse your perfume over a wider area - great idea right?

Not only this but the inner bottle can now be removed and is interchangeable with the travalo classic and other future models.

This is SUCH a good idea in my opinion, I do hate it when I want another perfume with me but my current Travalo isn't empty yet so I have to stick with the one I already have filled.

The Milano is a 5ml bottle which contains 65 sprays - which technically could keep you going for a 2 week holiday if you used it sensibly -  that is a long time for one little handbag sized bottle! (Which can I just say will fit in the smallest of clutch bags!)

All in all I LOVE Travalo's new design, it feels and looks alot more up market and all the parts they have ungraded are just fantastic.

The Milano collection is available from September 2015 at www.travalo.com and are priced at £35 each.

I was a little surprised at the price jump at first but for something that will last years and years that you can use everyday I feel it is justified, especially for the high quality.

Have you tried a Travalo before? I couldn't go on a night out or a holiday without one!

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My Festival Style & What's In My Festival Beauty Bag?

With festival season well underway and with Bestival (my fav) on the horizon I thought what better thing to do, in true beauty/fashion blogger style, than to share with you guys a cheeky Festival look and also my top beauty essentials for a Festival!

Recently Folli Follie asked me if I would like to join their My Festival Style campaign. I am a huge festival lover as you may already know. Living on the doorstep of two of the UK's biggest I always love to spend weeks and weeks planning my outfits for the weekend aswell as my hair & make-up choices (am I sad? no! I'm a girl!)

So obviously this campaign was right up my street and I jumped at the chance to be involved, with millions of ideas for outfits flooding my mind I settled for this one - something I can hopefully wear to Bestival in a few weeks time (*praying*)

Hat : Primark

Sunglasses : Primark

Necklace* : Folli Follie

Dress : Fashion Union

Watch* : Folli Follie

Bag : ASOS

Wellies : Hunter

So with the sun shining and music on I've gotten in the funky festival mood! I love this dress, it is from Fashion Union but I managed to get it half price in a sale at New Look! It's super comfy and as much as I love the look of playsuits in the summer - they aren't always festival practical!

This hat is something I was a little nervous about buying, it's a little OTT for me but it was a total bargain in Primark and I actually really like how it looks! Hat's are great, especially when it's sunny and you're outside for most of the day - protect yourselves people! Wellies are essential.... as well as sunglasses!

Folli Follie were so so lovely to send me some gorgeous items to help perfect my Festival look! I think a watch is a must have item for a Festival, with bands on at certain times and meeting people left, right and centre - you need to know the time 24/7! Yes we all have phones but when you're in a crowd or in a muddy field you don't always want to have to delve around in your bag to find your phone! 

This watch is gorgeous, it is the Watchalicious Watch* (best name ever!) It's a super pretty rose gold (blogger fav right?) and I love that is doesn't look too bulky even on my tiny wrist! I have literally worn it everyday since receiving it, incredible quality and soooo pretty - I mean... look at it! 
And the necklace, oh I love the necklace! It is the Rose Gold Carma Necklace* and it's gorgeous I'm obsessed, it goes with so much, I'm proper chuffed with it! (Yes, I just used the word chuffed!)

Now, style part down let's hit the beauty bits! Even though, yes there may be mud, there may be smelly toilets - hell, there may even be sick - us girls still want our beauty products near us at all times right? Why should a Festival be any different?

These are things that I always take with me and use when heading to a Festival.

Floral headbands ..... a total obvious cliche choice I know. But..... they look pretty and can seriously hide a bad hair day! I love this red and pink one from New Look* and the baby pink one I've had for years, they finish off a cute outfit perfectly.

False eyelashes are a must have for me at a festival! No worrying about re-applying mascara all day, these make anyone look glam and you can go as big as you want at a festival, anything goes! My favs are 107's or 101's from Eylure.

Eyeshadows after a whole day at the festival don't always look the best (well on me anyway!) as much as I'd love to have some crazy mutli-coloured look I always stick to my trusty neuttals! The Naked Basics* palette is perfect for me, so compact and gorgeous shades! (I'm such a wimp when it comes to eyeshadows!)

Lip products that are a 2 in 1 are also up there with my favourite things to take to a Festival! The new baby lips electro are perfect, amazing colour whilst keeping your lips hydrated!

It get hot seriously hot and sweaty in all those crowds so the Liz Earle Skin Tonic Spritzer is perfect for keeping you feeling refreshed and awake, I love spraying this across my chest and up my arms!

You wanna smell nice during your weekend of fun don't you? Travalo's are a godsend. I have used these for years and they were just made for things like this! Pump your favourite perfumes into the handy tiny atomizer! As well as this why not get some testers to take with you aswell? The new Hugo Boss Ma Vie* is gorgeous (you got even put a tester into your Travalo!

Suncream is a must, protecting your skin and doubling up as a moisturiser too! For my hair Umberto Giannini's Backcomb In A Bottle* is fab for keeping all that mane how you want it and looking big, bouncy and fabulous, plus a dry shampoo is a must for a weekend of madness, I love this one by Aussie! 
Tissues, tissues, tissues, you will be using poratloos alot.... lots of drinks are to blame there and there isn't always loo roll so I have have a pack of tissues in my bag constantly..... just hide them when your in the queue otherwise every Tom, Dick and Harry will be asking you for one!
Back to talking about portaloo's and all those other grimey places you'll come across.... anti-bac gel will make you feel alot better about life!

So there you are, a little look at a festival wardrobe idea and my fav beauty bits to take with me! Thanks so much Folli Follie for getting me involved, I love anything to do with Festivals and I've found this so much fun!

Have you been to any Festivals this year? Going to any?

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12 Of My Festival Essentials

Living on the Isle Of Wight (Yup, that's where I've been hiding!) I like to think of myself a fairly experienced festival-goer!

 Having the Isle Of Wight Festival & Bestival on my doorstep every year means I've been  too about 13 Festivals since I was 15  and with those had the most amazing times with amazing people and of course seen the most amazing bands/artists!

Over the last 9 years I'd like to think that I've learnt alot about Festival-going and know exactly what I need to pack along with my tent and alcohol, I'm a huge girly girl and definitely need to feel clean and fabulous still.... even if I'm surrounded by sweaty drunk fools, stinky porta-loos and muddy puddles!

So I've put together a few small essentials that will help get you festival ready in no time, some may be obvious & some you may have never even thought of! 
Obviously I'm very lucky and even if  camp I can always head home for a lovely warm shower and a change of clothes.... one day I WILL do a Festival properly though! 

Travalo : Now if you haven't heard of these yet you have been seriously missing out! The perfect (and only) way to take your favourite perfume along with you while taking up no space in your bags!
 Just pop the top off your choosen perfume to reveal the white stick and pump this bottle on top - your perfume is transferred into the mini bottle, perfect for travelling, perfect for Festivals! I have 2 and they are a god-send!

Anti-Bacterial Hand Gel & Holder : This has got to be number 1 on the 'Things to take to a festival list'.  You will need to use anti-bac... alot - those portaloos are GROSS, believe me I have seen some sights in my time! These hand gels have amazing clip on holders too so just clip it onto your bag/shorts/anything and you wont have to route around your bag with dirty hands to find it!

Mini Mouthwash : Brushing your teeth... with a toothbrush, toothpaste, water ... is a bit of a mission if your sat at your tent in the middle of the day, in the middle of a field! Mouthwash's are great to take with you and leave in your tent for when you want to freshen up! Just spit into sn old cup and pop it in the bin when you're done! Fresh breath and no hassle! Chewing Gum will just annoy you when you're drinking or eating all afternoon/evening!

Bumbag : A bag with no straps, nothing to carry, nothing to leave behind and forget, all your belongings with you zipped in at all times .... bumbags are the perfect Festival bag to keep your prized possessions safe and sound! Also great for when you need the loo!

Wellies : I don't care what anyone say - even it is was boiling hot... I'd always wear wellies... do you know how disgusting some of those loo's are? You o NOT want to be walking around those areas with sandals or trainers... think of the germs! Eww! 
Also.... an amazing work out - wellies are heavy, like wearing ankle weights, and the amount of walking you do at festival is bound to help you tone those pins up!

Pocket Tissues : Because no-one likes being stuck in a loo without any loo roll... and that will happen alot!
Top Tip:  Hide them before you go into the toilet or you will have everyone and their grandma asking for one... and it's not that you are selfish but you don't want to be left empty handed later on in the day because you've been Mrs. Generous in the loo queue! 

iPhone Charging Case :  Well this is a genius idea! Yes there are places that will charge your phone for you for a few hours BUT if you're in the middle of a crowd, waiting for a band or popping to the bar/loo on your own the worst thing is your phone battery deciding to die! So... whack this case on, easy peasy! Not only will it protect your phone but you can choose when to give your phone a bit of extra charge - perfect! 

Sunglasses : Obviously you need sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun, but they are also amazing to hide half of your face!
 Lack of sleep, too much to drink, couldn't be bothered to put make-up on, or you did put make-up on but that 7 hours ago and you aren't looking too fresh - sunglasses are the answer! There are so many to choose you so you can look like a fashionista at the same time!

Hair Scrunchies : Weather it is too hot and you are sweating a bucket in the crowd or it's chucking it down with rain and the windswept looking really isn't your thing there will be a point where your hair will need to go up. Like on top of your head up. 
So what better than a scrunchie - hair's up and you look cool at the same time, perfect! Just wear round your wrist in the day so it's always at the ready!

A Good Lip Product : Like I said before you will probably be wearing sunglasses  which means the only key make-up feature that people will see will be those lovely lips!
 Lipstick is obviously amazing and my personal fav but isn't always great if it's hot, as it melts and if you are drinking alot it can smudge!
 So you could always take good tinted lipbalm or lipgloss along too! 
Tip : If it is hot and sunny, do NOT use vaseline - that will burn your lips! 

Coin Purse : NEVER take all your cards to a Festival - just have one bank card (if you can) for emergencies, your ID (If you're over 18) and cash. 
You only need a little coin purse for these things - perfect for your small bag/bumbag, making more room for all your other essentials/valuables that you want to carry around with you!

Compact Mirror : It's not like you can go and check yourself out in those public loos because... just no - they have no mirrors and if they do you don't want to hang around in them to reapply your lippy! A little mirror in your bag is vital for us girly-girls!

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