Current Skincare Favourites | Winter 2016

Winter plays havoc with my skin, so now is the best time for trying out new skincare products!
Over the last couple of months I have slightly switched up my skincare routine and have been loving using some new finds along with some old favourites that are back in my life!

Antipodes Manuka Honey Day Cream*
I've never been one for day creams, I've always worried they make they skin look greasy and my make-up never seems to sit as well, but when I was sent this a few weeks ago I thought it has to be worth a go.
I have heard so much about the Antipodes brand but never actually tried anything so I was really looking forward to getting my hands on it and trying it out. I have used this- every.single.day. since receiving it!
Firstly, I am in love with the scent, anything honey scented and I'm a fan, even that old lady royal jelly stuff in Boots, I loves it! This is such a rich cream one on the skin feels so ! Once I've popped it on I leave it around 5 minutes to sink in after this my skin feels matte and ready for any make-up I want to throw at it!

Antonia Burrell Forest Dew
My holy grail for no make-up days..... which now I work at home most of the time seem to be very frequent! I got this way back before the Summer and seriously have fallen in love over these last few months.

Just 6 pumps and some relaxing massaging into the skin later and my skin looks hydrated, more even and in the mornings I look slightly more human #bonus! This stuff is also meant to be great for reducing wrinkles so I think it's about time I started using it everyday.... I need to get rid of those horrible lines that seem to be taking over my face!

Liz Earle Skin Tonic
I couldn't even tell you how many years I've been using this for now but it is a total favourite for life! I use this every morning and every night after cleansing to refresh my face and give it that squeaky clean feeling and I can tell you now if my bottle runs out I tend to see the difference in my skin almost immediately... I'm praying this is never discontinued!

Tropic Super Greens Nutrient Boost Serum*
Last but not least is the newest skincare product to hit my ever-growing beauty shelves!
Topic Skincare is a new brand to me, I have actually been trying out quite a few of their products over the last week or so (which I'm sure you will hear about soon!).
I don't think I've ever meant 'a little goes a long way' as much as I do with this serum!
The bottle comes with a pipette dispenser and with just 2 or 3 drops I have more than enough product to cover my (huge) face! I'm actually curious as to how long this will last me and I feel like it will last years.
The serum has such lovely fresh and 'green' scent... not planty but you can tell it's natural! It's really lightweight and although sometimes it feels like you have loads of product on your face it doesn't take long for it to all sink in! I love using this as an overnight treatment - my skin always looks that little bit brighter and awake in the mornings, which is something I seriously need this time of year!

What skincare products have you been loving lately?

The Wishlist 10 #1

What's that? A new series of posts? Why yes it is!
My number one hobby seems to be online window shopping - constantly popping bits into my basket that I've fallen in love with but will probably never part with my dear cash for.
I share so many of these things on social media so I thought I'd start rounding them up in weekly blog posts - The Wishlist 10.
Ten items I'm lusting after that week..... such a fun way to share with you what is catching my eye at the time and maybe even an easy shopping guide for you all!

Crochet Dress - Forever 21

One Year Wiser - ASOS

Half & Half T-shirt - ASOS

Rose Gold Reebook Classics - Schuh

Faux Leather Jacket - Forever 21

Mermaid Highlighters - ASOS

Pink Borg Coat - River Island

Grey Short Uggs - Daniel Footwear

Embroided Grey T-shirt - New Look

Camo Coat - Forever 21

AF's included

World Kindness Day with Cotton Traders

'Have courage and be kind." - Cinderella 2015

One of my favourite Disney quotes and one that I think is easy to actually live by. Kindness is something I've always tried to uphold, I mean come on, it's not hard is it?

Last week it was World Kindness Day.... did you know? You may have spotted it on Twitter! A day dedicated to kindness, love and our ability to put a smile on someone else's face.

Cotton Traders recently asked if I'd like to join their #WorldKindnessDay campaign - spreading the word and encouraging everyone to get involved with committing a random act of kindness not just on the 13th but throughout this whole month. Obviously I was straight on board and want you guys to be too!

As part of WKD (haha wkd!) Cotton Traders were lovely enough to send me a box of kindness - which I have to say has put a huge smile on my face. It was like they knew my favourite things and popped them all into a box - cosyness all round!

This included thick knitted socks, a hot water bottle, a gorgeous mug and some yummy teabags just to mention a few bits.

With the weather being so poop and having some early morning starts at work these things have really been perking me up when I'm home.
There's nothing more relaxing than being at home all cosy and warm with a nice cup of tea - Cotton Traders really hit the nail of the head when thinking up this kindness box.

 10 Easy Ways You Can Commit A Random Act Of Kindness This Month:

• Compliment a stranger
• Invite your friends/mum over for some tea and cake
• Share another bloggers post with your friends/family/followers
• Donate to charity - whether it be money or some unwanted items
• Give blood
• Make someone giggle with a funny picture or video
• Have a clearout of those things you don't use and offer them to friends (I love doing this with all my beauty products)
• Buy someone you love their favourite chocolate bar or snack as a little gift
• Offer to babysit for a friend/family member so they can go out
• Have a chat with someone who looks/seems a bit lonely, maybe a customer at work or someone in your supermarket?

It doesn't have to be anything extravagant - just something to pop a smile on a face, it's often the smallest of gestures that make the biggest difference. (Plus it makes you feel good too, knowing you've made someone else happy!)

Want to share your act of kindness with us? Just use the hashtag #CTWorldKindnessDay and tell us what you've been upto! Maybe you could even make your own kindness box to give to a friend or family member?

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My ASOS Saved Items #2

Why is ASOS so addictive? 

I still find myself on their daily and my saved items list grows and grows without me even noticing!

I had a great reaction to the last 'saved items' post I did so I thought why not do another! So here's a few bits that are trying to creep into my basket at the moment.......

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Beat The Winter Lip Blues

I don't know about you but the winter plays serious havoc with my lips.

Dry, sore, flaky - pretty much a gross look for any lady right?!
 With the wind and cold outside and the heating inside my lips tend to become a real pain in the butt and I do everything in my power to avoid that dreading 'trip-lip' ..... you know... when your lips get all sore and red, like so red above them that it looks like another lip. I mean I haven't had that since I was a child but it's a fear of mine!

This little duo have been a god send and won't be leaving my side until spring is here!

First the Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub, which I have mentioned many a time here on A Yellow Brick Blog. This is the perfect product for keeping my lips healthy, soft and flake free.
The yummy smelling (and tasting) sugar scrub is easy to use, I just pop a bit on my fingers and rub it in circles across my lips or rub my lips together to help get rid of all that nasty dead skin. This creates the perfect base for all my lippys!

Next - to battle those sore lips. The new Blistex Intensive Moisturiser in Cherry*.
Blistex are one of my go-to brands when it comes to lip therapy products and this new addition to their collection is actually the best I've tried from them.
The new cherry flavoured intensive balm brings a bit of fun to the otherwise simple looking original. The smooth clear gel balm isn't sticky at all, it soaks into the lips with ease leaving them soft and seriously hydrarting for hours on end - all with a lovely cherry scent. (It reminds me of cherry drops/cherryade and takes me straight back to being 12 years old!)

What are you favourite lip products at the moment?

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OOTD : All Black Everthing \\ Belted Batwing Coat

Belted Batwing Coat : Izabel London*

Jeans :  New Look

Boots : New Look

Long Sleeve Top : ASOS

Anything with fur detailing is so up my street right now! Autumn/Winter is my favourite time for fashion, I love the dark colours (I wear way too much black), the layering and the different textures found all over the high street & online.

This coat has jumped straight to my go-to section of my wardrobe! I love the batwing look and the way it dresses up an otherwise plain and simple outfit.
I can't wait to get a nice oversized scarf to wear with it now it's getting colder!

I'm not sure I'm ever going to get the hang of the fashion blogging malarky, others seem to rock things so naturally... but I'll keep on trying as I do find it so much fun!

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Autumn/Winter Fashion Wishlist 2015

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This Week I'm Loving... #4

Celebrity Big Brother

Well if you follow me on twitter you will know this already. I'm totally and utterly addicted to big brother and I'm not ashamed! I have so many opinions they are coming out of my ears! I LOVE Michelle (obvs), Katie Price and Calum - and surprising don't mind KAtie Hopkins that much! I'm horrified I ever liked Perez though - urgh what a horrible guy!

Herbal Essecnes Bee Strong Collection

This stuff has been around for ages now but I always seem to have some in the house! The smell is great and it leaves my hair feeling amazingly soft and smooth - better than some products that are double the price! They are always on offer in Boots so give them a go!

EOS Lipbalm - Strawberry

My lips have been so so sore over the last week or so, stupid weather, stupid heating at work! This has been a total life saver - I forgot how much I love EOS balms ... I really want to get my hands on some of their hand creams too!

Day Dreamer 2015 A6 Diary

I said I'd get a 2015 diary to keep me organised and at the beginning of the month I found this beauty in Clintons for half price! Yes it was only £2.49, for a whole year of organisation that is a bloody bargain! I've been writing my to-do lists weekly, blog stuff, work stuff, social stuff - and I feel super organised! Yay me! (Plus look how cute it is!)

Nutella

No explanation need - YUM.

Tangle Teezer

My hair has felt so dry and brittle over the last couple of weeks - I blame this horrible weather! My tangle teezers are my life - I cannot live without these! They have definitely helped my hair from becoming any worse for sure!

Clean & Clear Shine Control Daily Scrub

I have used this facial range for years now! I used to just have the wash version but I can't seem to find it in my local Boots store - boooo! So I have settled for the daily scrub. I use this every morning in the shower, it really helps to wake my up and make my skin feel funky fresh for the day ahead! 

Snack-a-Jacks

Seriously I love these rice cakes - not much else to say really! Whats your favourite flavour? 

Rodial Translucent HD Powder

You may have seen this in my last post all about Rodial's new make-up range. I have used this everyday since trying it out, it i the perfect powder to set my foundation with and gives me a get soft finish.

 Hot Water with Lemon

Last but not least is a random one! Thanks to my friend Megan I have been drinking this alot, like alot, alot! A slice of lemon in hot water - so yummy and refreshing - try it!

What have you been loving this week?

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OOTD : Winter Walks

I said this year I wanted to do more fashion and lifestyle type posts.... so here's my first one! I always get nervous doing OOTD's but in 2015 I want to be less of a wimp and more open to putting myself out there!

Roll Neck :  New Look

Fur Gillet : New Look

Bag : Topshop

Ripped Skinny Jeans : New Look

Orinoco Club Boots* : Clarks

I'm obsessed with this roll neck top at the moment, I've been wearing it so much! It's so easy to dress up with a cute skirt and heels and dress down like this with jeans and boots! It was super cheap in New Look and I think it's about time I bought it in a few more colours!

The fur gillet is something that has been in my wardrobe for over 2 years now and I love getting it out, makes me feel a bit more glam in the daytime!

These jeans are brand new and this was actually the first time wearing them! I was fed up of always wearing the same 2 pairs of jeans and after wanting a a ripped effect pair for months and months I decied to invest in these ones from New Look! New Look is my favourite place to get jeans and I near enough always buy the soft skinny style! They fit so well and are so comfortable, I hate thick,hard jeans which you can't move in!

On my feet I'm wearing some brand spanking new boots from Clarks! Clarks actually were lovely enough to give me a voucher to spend on whatever I wanted in my local store!

 I haven't been in Clarks since I was younger and picking out those trusty school shoes and I was pleasantly surprised by the lovely designs that they had in store!

I decided to go for a pair of boots as I thought they would definitely get the most wear over the next few months. After looking at my shoe collection I noticed that black boots have kind of overtaken everything I own so a different colour was high on my list!

I saw these leather beauties and fell in love! They aren't a style I would always go for as they are really casual but I haven't stopped wearing them!

They are the Orinoco Club boots in the shade Brown Snuff, they are leather and have elasticated sides which makes them really easy to get on and off!

I was surprised by how comfortable these were, I was worried they were going to rub on the first couple of wears but I've gone for a few walks in them now and they are amazingly comfy! They are £55 which is a slightly more than I would normally pay from a high street store but they are leather and I can already tell that they are going to last ten times longer than my other daytime boots - bargain!

Here's a few other photos from my walk - I love where I live, it only takes me about 3 minutes to get here, it's the best place to take these cute little poochies!

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Ralph Lauren 5150 : Sunglasses Shop

Now if you think that sunglasses are only for those summer months then you are seriously mistaken! 
That winter sun can be a totally blinding when it's out (it does happen I promise, it's not always doom and gloom), so having a good pair of sunglasses is definitely a priority of mine even if it's that advent calendar time of year!

Cat eye glasses have been storming the sunglasses scene this past year or so, with celebrity's and high street stores embracing the trend they have been everywhere!

Recently the SunglassesShop asked me if I would like to try one of their pairs of sunglasses, so of course I leaped at the chance!
 Like I said before, sunglasses are something I need all year round and I always like to have pair in my handbag..... just in case that cheeky little sun decides to pop it's head through the never-ending clouds!

These are the 5150 sunglasses from the fabulous Ralph Lauren in the shade - Tortoise Pink Plum and they are priced at £77.

I think sunglasses are one of the few things that I don't mind paying more than high-street prices for. Alot of sunglasses out there don't have the right amount of protection in the lenses and the fit can be a bit rubbish - so you always know when buying designer sunglasses they are going to be a higher quality!

I love the shape of these glasses, I'm a bit fussy when it comes to size as I feel like I have  huge head so need a fairly big frame to suit me and the shade of the lense is lovely too - I don't like it when they really see-through and you can see my beady eyes clearly!

Ralph Lauren 5150 Sunglasses*

Keep your eyes peeled on my instagram and twitter for more photos of these beauts - I wore them the other day and got some lovely compliments, I'm officially obsessed and praying for more sunshine this winter... I can't wait until next year to wear these more!

Make sure you check out SunglassesShop for a huge range of designer glasses at really reasonable prices - they could make the perfect Christmas present for someone.... your yourself!

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#BoldInTheCold : Sightseeing In A Storm

Hello, hello, hello!

Today I have something a little bit different for you guys! I'm sharing with you lovely lot how YOU can win win win a fabulous holiday to Dubai for you and 3 friends from the awesome people at Virgin Holidays!

I myself have traveled with Virgin in the past so know first hand how amazing their service is, so to win a holiday for free would surely be a dream come true for most of you!

All you have to do to be in the chance of winning is Go BOLD IN THE COLD!

Yes, it's that easy! Just take part in something flaut-worthy this Winter, either photograph it or, if you're feeling extra creative, make a short video and then share it!

This can be anything from rocking a bikini in the snow to eating an ice cream on the beach in the rain to even swimming in the sea!

 Anything that can evoke the spirit of a summer holiday this winter can be classed as bolding it in the cold and all you have to do is share it on social media!

You never know you could be jetting off to an incredible summer holiday to Dubai with 3 of your besties before you know it!

As you can see from the photos above I was seriously brave and tackled a blooming horrible storm to do a spot of sightseeing on what should have been a beautiful sunny day in the fabulous city of San Francisco!

Even though I have never seen so much rain in my life there was noway that I was missing out on a once in a lifetime opportunity so I 'Bold In The Cold', hopped off the coach we were on and ventured onto the Golden Gate Bridge! 

Not one other person on that coach got off and explored like me and my best friend did, but we didn't care - we weren't going to miss out on this! 

So there we go - an example of bolding it in the cold, doing something summer holiday-esque in blooming chilly weather! 

Now there are so many things you could do to enter - it may have been something you've aleady done, like me, or head on out now and pretend it's August! 

To find out more and/or enter the #boldinthecold comp just click here!

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My Winter Essentials : Lip Balms

Can you believe it's December already? Advent has started - yay! and it's time for another 'Winter Essentials' post!

Lip balms I think are probably on the top of everyones list as a winter essential! Cold weather, air-con and windy wind make our lips chapped, dry and even a bit gross and flaky!

Here's 4 of my top picks for lip balms  - these save me from getting that awful trip-lip that we all dreaded as children.... you know what I mean right?

Vaseline - Limited Edition Queen Bee

Vaseline is a classic, I'm sure 99% of you either own one o these handy tins or have done in the past. This years limited edition is called 'Queen Bee' - I love the name and the packaing alike! The scent is honey... obvs and alot nicer than I was expecting - another one to add to my never ending collection of tins! 

Carmex with Jasmine Green Tea

Carmex is a product I have used for years and years so when I see they've bought out new version I always want to try them out. You may remember me sharing this on here a few months ago! I'm a huge Green Tea fan so this is a win win for me! (plus it's my Mum's fav!)

EOS Strawberry Lip Balm

I got this in Florida along with a blueberry version and they have become a huge favourite of mine! This is the lip balm that is currently in my hand bag! It's easy to apply, smells amazing and keeps my lips hydrated!

Nivea Blueberry Blush Lip Butter

Nivea Lip Butter's have been something I've raved about for months and months. They all smell amazing and are just as good as vaseline for keeping the lips chap-free, smooth and soft! A total bargain too at only £2.20ish each!

What are your favourite lip balms for this time of year?

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New Look Winter Fashion Wishlist

Green Check Faux Fur Collar Coat - £64.99 | Black Suede Over The Knee Boots  - £79.99 | Faux Fur Tote Bag - £34.99 | Embellished Burnout Top - £34.99 | Gingerbread Man Clutch - £12.99 | Tartan Print Trousers - £22 | Floral Print Shirt - £19.99 | Reversible Oversized Check Scarf - £14.99 | Sequin Scrunchie - £4.99

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My Winter Essentials : Lip Favourites

More Winter essentials for you lovely girls and boys today! Lip colours are my weakness... I actually think I have an addiction and through the hundreds that I probably own I've picked out a few of my total and utter favourites for these darker, colder months!

I never used to wear darker shades, I actually used to be super terrified of them, I was a wimp and thought they looked horrific on me but now I LOVE them! Plums, reds - they are da bomb !

I've picked a mix of different lip products as my favourites as I do wear a variety! Lipsticks, lipbalms, lipglosses I flick between them all depending on the occasion and my mood!

Left to right : 

Mac - Heroine

Revlon Coloururst - Lollipop

Rimmel Apocalips - Eclipse

Rimmel Kate Moss - 107

L'oreal Colour Riche - Blake's Pure Red

Heroine is a colour I've wanted for so so long, I know it has been around for ages but I only actually just managed to pick it up about a month ago! I got it in the Orlando airport when I was flying home at the end of September (hello airport prices!) This is the brightest of the shades I've picked out - as you can;t always been dark and moody! I LOVE this purple colour, it looks amazing on the lips and the matte finish helps it stay on for ages!

Lollipop is one of the Colourburst lip butters from Revlon and I have used this for what seems like years! It's the sheerest of the shades I've picked out and is perfect for my everyday look, I love the formula of these lip butters, the nicest ones on the highstreet in my opinion.

Eclipse is one of the Apocalips from Rimmel. If you have read my blog for a while you will know how crazy I went for these when they came out and I still use them all the time! They are a great mix between a lipgloss and a lipstick! A gorgeous opaque colour with a lovely shine and great lasting time - these come in so many colours and now they have matte versions out.... which I need in my life!

107 - I think everyone owns this beauty! The Kate Moss range from Rimmel are one of the best out there and this colour is one I would recommend to everyone!

Last but not least it is the newest of the lot - Blake's Pure Red from the new Pure Red Collection at L'oreal! You may have seen my post about this a few weeks ago (here) - I love this red and the whole collection actually - you can't go through winter without a red lippy can you!? The colour of Christmas!

What are your favourite lip colours for this time of year?

I also LOVE Rebel from Mac, Mystic from Sleek and the Little Mix Perrie lipstick from Collection!

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