Pre-Christmas Haul and Festive Wishes

That time of year is upon us again - where have the last 12 months gone?!

As well as pounding the pavements and perusing the aisles for the perfect gifts for my nearest and dearest, I haven't been able to resist treating myself too...

Skincare

• At £25 - reduced from £60 - the Soap and Glory Pink Big with 10 full sized products was just irresistible to a Soap and Glory addict like me...I have been good though and given a few products away as I literally have them coming out my ears!
• If like me you are obsessed with the beautiful Pixiwoo girls, you may have been delighted when the gorgeous Nic revealed one of her skincare finds in this video...  I rushed out and bought the aforementioned Oilatum Skin Repair Cream.  My verdict?  Amazing!  If you have dry skin, you need this in your life!

Make Up

• 17 Beehive lipstick - raved about and I finally got my mitts on one... it is worth the hype!  Plus, a bonus free new MaxFactor foundation brush - I love Boots!

Hair Care etc

• TRESemmé 24 body mousse and blow dry spray
• Umberto Gianni Backcomb in a Bottle

This combination will hopefully see me into 2011 with big, voluminous hair perfect to team with my gorgeous new French Connection dress and Oasis earrings.  What can I say...I love to get my glam on..!

For now, all that remains for me to say is Merry Christmas to all of my beautiful followers.  I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and may all your wishes come true.  

Eat, Drink, Be Merry and above all, watch The Holiday, Home Alone and Love Actually more times than is necessary - it wouldn't be Christmas without them!

Lots of love from George xxx

Products of 2010: St Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mousse

I can forgive this product's incorrectly spelt name and its blatant rip off of St Tropez because it is just so amazing!

I apply this fake tan with a mitt (or thick sock if a mitt is nowhere to be seen) and due to the fantastic guide colour, I can ensure there are no missed bits or streaks in sight.  Then, a minimum of four hours later I rinse it off in the shower to reveal golden, sun kissed skin.  And who doesn't want that?!

The best bit?  It's a steal at around £2..

What is your tan of 2010?!

Foundation Trial: MaxFactor Xperience

You may remember I bought this foundation back at the end of November in this haul..  I was enticed by the promise of a lightweight but full coverage finish that would give me the skin of my dreams this Winter.

I've had - give or take - around a month to try it out and, unfortunately, I'm not impressed.  I've used it basically every day that I've put on make up and given it numerous chances.  I've willed it to work.  I've used it in so many ways that I can't even count...

But my general view?

I just don't like it...

And here is why:

Availability:  Maybe its best point - it is available in chemists everywhere so Boots, Superdrug etc.  It has an RRP of around £10 which is pretty standard for a low end foundation but I did get in of offer for £6.99 so can be picked up for less.

Colour: From what I can see from the website, it has only 6 shades.  Classic 'drugstore' foundation.  It also oxidises like crazy so it is near impossible to find a good colour match.

Consistency and Application: To give it its due, it does live up to its weightless promise and almost feels air-whipped and mousse like when you apply it.  It glides over the skin nicely but can settle in dry areas.

Coverage: It is no way in hell full coverage; not at all.  I'd say primarily light-medium..it can be built up due to its light consistency but since it oxidises and settles in dry areas, it is not a good look.

Finish: This is where the major issue lies.  The product is just not consistent.  One day I will be in love with the finish - all semi matte and nicely dewy on my cheeks - and another day it will be cakey and fully matte.

Lasting Power:  I hate to be so negative but it is truly horrendous.  I was out shopping one particularly cold day and when I looked in a shop mirror, I wanted to hide... The foundation had worn off in patches and my red nose was very, very visible..  Even on a normal day, I think it lasts for four or five hours at most..

Overall: I think my overall view on this foundation that is is just isn't consistent.  One day it will look nice and the next it will be awful.  I acknowledge that my skin is changing over the winter but I want to know I can put a foundation on and be aware of how it will wear - not constantly wondering how I look by lunchtime.  This is where Double Wear comes in...

It I had to recommend this to anyone, it would be to a oily/combination skin in a warm environment who want a medium matte coverage for a few hours at a time.  It just does not stand the test of time for a long day or night out.

Repurchase? Unfortunately not.

Have you tried this foundation?  Have you got on better than me with it?!

Products of 2010: Seche Vite Top Coat

I honestly don't know how I ever lived without this miracle.

Well, actually..I do - I spent hours of my life waiting for nail varnish to dry just for it to smudge anyway..

But now, I can paint my nails at 2am in the knowledge that I can hop into bed 5 minutes later and wake up without my sheets imprinted on my fresh polish - it's the small things :)

Plus, the high shine is second to none..

What are your products of 2010??! xx

Products of 2010: MAC Cream Colour Base - Hush

Many products have come and gone this year but only a few have truly gone the distance and earned my love.

This is most certainly one of them!

I know Hush will be a staple in my collection forever.  It is truly amazing - a creamy highlighter that when swiped along my cheekbones gives me a glow I could only ever dream about...

It is love - pure and simple!

Coming of age

I am officially 22 and I guess that means - an adult.  No more adolescent debauchery or days spent watching Disney films whilst in my pyjamas.

Oh, who am I kidding...you're only as young as you feel, correct?!

I celebrated my birthday last weekend at home with my amazing family and then journeyed back to Manchester to partake in a fabulous 'G' themed party thrown by my ever-wonderful housemates.

I was completely spoilt with mountains of tempting cakes and chocolate; relaxing massages; heavenly soap and glory treats; beautiful perfume and sparkly trinkets - honestly, you'd think I'm a girly girl or something...

A selection of my gorgeous presents

On a beauty note, I have been trialling MaxFactor's new Xperience foundation recently so expect a hearty review soon but I did wear Double Wear for my party and I have to say it photographs beautifully - a FOTD will be done soon..I promise!
I also received Rae Morris' book titled Make Up - The Ultimate Guide and I am just in awe of it.  I have been engrossed in it since my best friend gave it to me - I can hopefully take some pictures that do it justice to show to you all.

Until next time... xxx