Butter London Horse Power Nail Fertiliser

Butter London Horse Power Nail Fertiliser £18

I haven't been doing much nail art at all lately and all because my nails have been HORRID. I don't know if its the weather or if I am lacking something vital, stress or what but my nails have just not been playing ball.  They have been flaking and breaking all over the show and I've been desperate for a fix so i can get my beloved polish collection out!
In steps Butter London's Horse Power Nail Fertiliser.  This stuff has been my saviour!  I have used for 2 weeks solid now and my nails are almost back to their old selves!  The formula contains horsetail (eww) and silica that acts as a strengthener to your talons and all you do is apply a coat every day!  I have also heard its a fabulous base coat, which I will be testing out this weekend
It isn't the cheapest treatment out there but I have literally tried everything and nothing is as good as this Nail Fertiliser.. plus the bottle is well cool. You can buy yours for £18 here
Have you been suffering from flaky, peeling nails??  What is your remedy?

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Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Liner

I never really jumped on the gel liner band wagon when it exploded a year or so ago, I was just so content with liquid liners I just didn't feel the urge to change.  However since becoming a Tanya Burr superfan I seem to want need everything in her make up bag, and Maybelline's Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Liner was no exception!
I am SO glad I decided to take the plunge and purchase it, as it is an amazing little pot of goodness!!!  The consistency is absolutely perfect and a dream to work with, it glides onto your lid without being too wet and slippery but also not to dry and clumpy. It dries to a semi matte and is really black, its not messy and it doesn't budge all day.
I must admit I didn't get on with the little brush that is included in the pack, it was to fat and not precise enough so I decided to also treat myself to the ever trusty Real Technique's Fine Liner Brush.  This duo is now something I don't dare go without to complete my make up look.  I have totally shunned my liquid liners (poor little dears) and always opt for my lovely pot of joy
You can buy Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Liner here for £7.99 and the Real Techniques Fine Liner Brush here for £6.99
Have you tried Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Liner??

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Pins of the Week

No I won't be posting my fave pair of legs for the week (although that could be kind of fun), I have decided to start posting about my favourite pins on Pinterest!
For those who haven't joined Pinterest yet or may not even know what it is, you need to join immediately   You can basically create as many boards as you like to pin different photos, links, videos for inspiration and ideas.  I am totally addicted to it and usually spend hours browsing people's boards ranging from food and drink to home decor or fashion.
Here are some pins I have been loving this week!

http://thebeautydepartment.com/

Love the idea of these lashes, almost like individual ones but in 3's to stop them going a million different directions but to look more real than a whole strip!

Anna Campbell Bridal Collection

The back of this dress is ridiculously beautiful!!!! I would certainly have this if I was walking down the aisle!

http://forchicsake.com/diy-gold-decorative-bowls/

I am 100% making these to keep my odds and sods in!  So easy but so chic and effective!!

No link for this pin but this looks super easy to do and looks FAB!  Tempted to do this to all of my jeans!!

http://stasty.com/?p=4377

Recipes are amazeballs on Pinterest and this one is no exception, I actually made these as a side dish for dinner last Sunday!! YUMMY and healthy!

If you want to follow me on Pinterest you can find me here.. Leave me your Pinterest links below so I can follow your boards!!!

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La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo 40ml £14

I was really eager to try the La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo after hearing such amazing things from other bloggers and online reviews. Beauty bloggers have been calling this their go to spot cream and it seems to really improve a lot of ladies skin and perfect skin is something I always strive for
I have been using this for around 3 months now and I am just not noticing the dramatic differences that others are! This cream is said to unclog pores, prevent breakouts and clear existing ones quickly whilst also getting rid of dead skin cells and generally making your skin look and feel brighter
I have found Effaclar Duo quite drying on my skin especially if used in the morning under make up, which has helped with clearing up those yucky blemishes a little swifter but dry isn't a good look, and I don't think it has prevented breakouts
I am one to come back to products after not enjoying them first time round so for now I'm going to pack this one away in my stash, but ,when I will dip back into it in the future. If you have blemish prone skin then I would definitely try this as so many people have had great results, it just may not work for everyone 
You can buy La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo at Boots for £13
Have you tried La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo? What did you think? 

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My Fave Bloggers/Vloggers

Cupcakes & Cashmere - Emily's blog is the first blog I ever read and I fell head over heels in love with it.  She talks about fashion, beauty and lifestyle and I am often found drooling over her yummy recipes or ultra classy style!  Her blog is so successful that she has her own book out, she also had a range of Coach bags made (too cool),  I aspire to be as great as her!

Hannah Maggs - A little Beauty Spot - I have been following Hannah's blog for only a month and I don't know how I hadn't come across it before as its fab! A Little Beauty Spot is mainly about beauty but with a few lifestyle posts thrown in and a couple of personal ones too which I always love to see on a blog.  Shes SUPER sweet and lovely and her posts always feel so heartfelt and genuine.. I feel like I know her(in a non-creepy way!!)  If you don't read it already.. go and read it!!!

Dizzy Brunette - Corrie has the best.hair.ever.  No matter how many times I try my hair never looks as super shiny and bouncy as hers!!!  Not only is her hair fabulous but her blog is as well.  A mix of beauty and fashion as well as a few vlogs, I never fail to miss a post.  She also loves Cheryl Cole so I feel we share that bond ;-)

Amy Antoinette - Amy has the prettiest blog I have ever seen! Its super girly, sweet and simple and its a joy to read!  I am SO jealous of her shabby chic home decor its unreal!  Definitely check Amy's blog out if you're a girly girl and you like nice things!!! Everyone then.

Adventures of a Mum  - Lara is a friend of mine and is super lovely and SUPER excited about having her first baby is just a few short weeks time!  She has just literally started up her blog but I am loving it already! If you are expecting, already a mum or just love discovering new blogs then check out this Yummy Mummy's corner of the Internet

Tanya Burr - This woman is a goddess.  Her makeup tutorials are my fave ever thing to watch!  I love trying to recreate them (usually failing) but I have got so many great tips from her expert advice on applying makeup.  Her personality is what shines through the most in her videos though, shes so bubbly and cheerful it makes my day a little more "sunshiney"!!  Here is one of my fave tutorials from Tanya

Zoella - When I am not browsing Tanya's vids you will find me over on Zoe's channel!  She is super funny, her videos have me in stitches!!  She makes videos on lifestyle, beauty and sometimes really quite random things but I love each and everyone, shes so fun to watch. Here is one of my fave vids from Zoe 

 
Lauren Beautyy - Australian Lauren is a makeup artist for Bobbi Brown and she does amazing tutorials!!  She uses such a different range of products and she makes her skin look so flawless!  Her videos are well worth watching if you want to perfect the way you apply your makeup!! My fave video from Lauren here

MissGlamorazzi - Ingrid makes me smile!  There is something about her and her videos that just make me feel happy!  She posts about a range of things from beauty to DIY, to what to wear on a date or to a festival. If you don't follow Ingrids channel then I suggest you do, immediately! Here is one of my fave vids from Miss Glamorazzi

I would love to know who your favourite bloggers are!!?
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February Favourites

Back comb Brush  £8.99 from Boots (but Primark do one for £1!!) - Now we all know how bad vigorous back combing of your hair can be so I have always been one to avoid doing it, yet I crave the volume and lift that it provides.  Step in the back comb brush!!  This little wonder allows you to gently tease your hair and create that much needed volume on your crown!  The end of the brush is pointy as well which is fab for sectioning areas off.  I cannot get enough of this brush right now
Real Techniques Expert Face Brush £9.99 from Boots - Why did I not get my hands on this brush before?????!  Its THE best method of application for liquid foundation EVER!  I usually get a blob of foundation on the back of hand, dip my brush in and buff into my skin in small circular motions and I am left with the most natural, non cakey look.  I now own a good few Samantha Chapman Real Techniques brushes but this one is by far my fave.  It also washes up so nicely meaning I very much doubt it will need replacing any time soon. LOVE
Lee Stafford Beach Babes Salt Spray* £7.49 from Boots - This has become my hair's new best friend.  It gives your hair texture in seconds that doesn't dry out your locks at all but gives it that salty "just been for a dip in the sea" look, with minimal effort. Its also amazing for adding volume when your hair is up or down I like to use a few spritz of mine on damp hair and just scrunch it in and rough dry to create tousled waves, or I will use it in my roots and back comb slightly which works really well for adding volume. You can also use this in dry hair and as I wear my hair in a topknot at least 3 times a week  I will spray a little of the salt spray in my ponytail to create a bigger, fuller bun

MAC Stereo Rose Mineralise Skinfinish (no longer available) - read my review of this here!!!
Butter London Horse Power Nail Fertiliser £15.00 from ActiveBeauty.co.uk - I have been really suffering with peeling, soft nails recently (this is why I have been avoiding nail art posts) I think its something to do with the cold weather and I have also been really poorly which often affects my nails!  Butter London's Horse Power Nail Fertiliser has really really been helping to bring my nails back to life!  A coat of it everyday for a week has keep my nails strong and prevented breakages, it is by far the best strengthener I have tried and one I will definitely keep re-using
Teapigs Super Fruit Tea Temples £3.89 from TheHealthBay.com - When I received a teabag in my January Birchbox I was a little disappointed as fruit teas have never been my thing, so I sort of tossed this one to the side and it sat on my desk for a little while.  However I decided to give it a whirl and my my what a lovelyyyyy tea it is!!! I raced down to my local Tesco straight away and purchased a pack of 15 so I could have one every morning!  I went for the Super Berry flavour which is a mix of hisbiscus, elderberries, currants, blackcurrants, cranberries and blueberries, and it is YUM as well as being good for you!  It has slowly started to replacement my morning cup of caffeinated tea which is a huge step for me!  I am looking forward to trying the other flavours that Teapigs have to offer
Loreal CC Cream £9.99 from Boots (currently not released yet) - read my review of this here!!!
So there are my Feb faves.. how quickly is this year flying by!!??  I would love to know what your February Favourites are!

*PR SAMPLE

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The Fishtail Plait

How do you wear your hair on those "in between" days?

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My 11p Beauty Secret

This might be really weird but I thoroughly enjoy cleaning my make up brushes.  Don't get me wrong I don't do it nearly enough (I know you should really wash them after every use if possible but who on earth has the time to do that?!) but when I do get the chance to wash them I find it kind of therapeutic!?
Anyhowwww...  So I have been through copious amounts of MAC's stupidly expensive brush cleaner in the past and I've tried a slightly cheaper version from EBay before, but then I came across a comment on Pinterest which advised that baby shampoo was by far the best product to clean your make up brushes with

So my 11p beauty secret is this little bad boy from my local Morrison's supermarket!!!  You can find cheap baby shampoo in every single supermarket or drugstore and it really works a treat
To clean my brushes I run my tap at a lukewarm temperature and squirt a generous amount of baby shampoo into my hand.  I then take my dirty make up brush and swirl it around in the shampoo so its completely coated and simply rinse it under the water.  I keep repeating this until the water runs completely clear and my brushes don't have any residue from the shampoo left on them. I will then gently squeeze excess water from them, reshape them if needed and leave them to dry on a towel near an open window.  Voila, my brushes are as good as new in no time and I feel some what satisfied!
Do you have any bargain beauty secrets?

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MAC Stereo Rose Mineralize Skinfinish

Like a lot of beauty bloggers and cosmetic hoarders alike, I am a little bit obsessed with this blusher/highlighter combo right now!  I am so glad MAC re-released it as part of their Aprés Ski collection, as I missed out first time round!

£21.50 from MAC Aprés Ski Collection

The product itself is pretty massive for a blusher which can be a little daunting and off-putting, but ever since first use of Stereo Rose I have been in love.  Its a very pretty coral-pink with gold flecks running through it and it just gives you such a radiant glow without being to shimmery.  You do have to use it sparingly though as its quite pigmented and you will look completely overdone!!  Like all mineralized skinfinish's it blends SO well, will never ever go patchy and is really long wearing

I have heard that its totally sold out now which SUCKS (do let me know if you get your hands on it) but due to popularity I reckon this will be re-released again in another collection
Did you get your hands on Stereo Rose?  Do you have a dupe you can recommend? 

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Fifty Random Facts About Me Tag

Hey lovers! HAPPY HUMP DAY! So my blog doesn't often contain much personal info about me (other than ramblings about my skin type, hair type and fave make up products)  so I decided to jump on the band wagon with this 50 Random Facts About Me tag!  I hope it gives you little lot an idea of what I'm all about and hopefully you won't think I'm crazy or anything :)

My name means "light"
I think I have about 1 million freckles if you counted them
I'm allergic to pineapple - the first meal my bf cooked for me was sweet and sour, that was awkward
My favourite perfume is Chanel Coco Mademoiselle
I have an unhealthy obsession with Cheryl Cole

Every night when we wash up our dinner plates me and my boyfriend discuss how much money we would eat the grose leftovers or bits that have fallen on the floor for
I thought unicorns were real, but just extinct until very recently!  I thought that horses evolved from unicorns..
I'm 5 foot 1" but I thought I was 5 foot 3" for ages..  
I LOVE Nutella
I am always ALWAYS cold
When I was younger I was convinced I would be a famous actress
I cannot stand people touching me with their feet
I am incredibly forgetful.  I have to write EVERYTHING down or it will be forgotten within minutes
Fancy dress is so under rated and I find it incredibly enjoyable

I have no grandparents left :(

I think football is one of the worst things ever invented, and the majority of footballers are total idiots
I once received a letter from Anne Robinson after doing a charity event for bowel cancer
I dislike odd numbers and avoid them at all costs
I LOVE FESTIVALS.

Bestival 2011!!

I cannot stand spaghetti bolegnese, it is devils food
I have 2 tattoos.  I hate 1 of them
Micky Flanagan is my fave comedian "Are you going out out or just out?"
I auditioned for S Club Juniors
Hospitals/doctors are not my favourite, I can't even watch Holby City without wanting to vom.  Don't even get me started on One Born Every Minute
I'm really clumsy.  I constantly walk into things and I drop something on our wood floor every morning - FACT.
the first time I ate a Babybel I ate the wax
I adore babies, I prefer them to cute kittens or puppies etc
I will call my first child Tigerlily after the red Indian in Peter Pan (if its a girl obviously)
I am terrible at geography, I don't really understand what a country/county/continent is?!
I order skinny hazelnut hot chocolate's at Starbucks
I am petrified of spiders I hysterically cry when I see them
I think Harry Potter is the best ever

Coconut is my favourite smell
I can't eat corn off of the cob it makes me cringe, I have to cut it off (Nandos is always an interesting trip with me)
Talking of Nandos I like my chicken medium with extra hot sauce to dip it in!
I love computer games - I'm a total geek
I can't feel the tip of my left index finger due to a horrific finger-in-door accident when I was little
I think I could live on avocados 
My favourite film of all time is The Sound of Music
I have a bum chin

I have a reality TV addiction
I really want a little dog (big ones scare me)
I love Britney Spears, even now she's a looney

I'm always covered in unexplained bruises..
I find churches really creepy and scary and I don't like going there
I really like dinosaurs!
Pinterest is my fave app ever ever ever
I can't sleep with the tv on
I have a driving license but I really dislike driving - I was born to be chauffeured
I have a keltoid scar on my arm which I tell my niece is a button that will make me explode if pressed..

So there it is.  50 whole random facts about me!  I hope you haven't fallen asleep and that you made it to the end!! Does anyone share anything random in common with me??!! I would love to know some facts about you guys so please leave a comment and let me know some, or leave me a link to your post/blog!
TTFN! xx

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Cheap but Chic Part 2: Cheaper Beauty Alternatives

Its Monday YAAAAY - said no one ever! Meh.  Monday is rubbish huh, but maybe my post today will help cheer you up a little and wash away those naughty start of the week blues.
I had some amazing feedback on my previous post of Cheaper Beauty Alternatives (thanks guys!!) so I decided to do a second post of even more bargain buys! I hope you enjoy..

Have you got any dupe suggestions for me to try out?

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Empties

This is my first ever empties post!!! I am actually treating this as a massive achievement as I am terrible for finishing products.  I fall in love with things so easily and obviously being a beauty blogger I try to sample as much stuff as possible and things get left behind (sorry lovely products!)
I have been a really really good girl recently and tried my absolute best to use up what I've got completely, before moving onto something new. Here is what I have demolished...  

 
Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser: oh Liz, I love you. If you haven't tried this yet you need to get yourself a bottle, and pronto. This green bottle of loveliness has been my holy grail cleanser for the last few months and I am counting down the days until payday so I can repurchase her. However The Fab Pore Hot Cloth Cleanser by Soap & Glory has been getting me through, so I would highly recommend that as a cheaper alternative
Aussie Miracle Moist Conditioner: this is actually something I have been using for around 10 years now! I do dabble in other hair care brands but I always come back to my trusty and lush smelling Aussie. The miracle moist keeps my hair super hydrated, really shiny and the scent lasts all day! I also find that I don't need to wash my hair as often after using this. Another massive plus is that its under a fiver!! Will be repurchasing pronto.
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant: I can see why this product has won awards, its great! The powder, made up of Papain, Salicylic Acid and Rice Enzymes, is activated with water and works to smooth the skin and accelerate cell renewal.  I received mine as a sample in a beauty box subscription and I thoroughly enjoyed using it instead of those harsh grainy exfoliants that leave your skin red raw and stripped of life! I don't think I will be purchasing this just though though as the full size is a whopping £27.95 and I'm not sure if it is really worth that price tag.
Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer: When I bought this I was head of over heels for it, nothing I had used had come close and it really concealed everything so well. Then suddenly I decided it was too thick and I didn't love it so much anymore. I think the reason was I was using much lighter foundations and my skin has been quite behaved, so thick concealer wasn't necessary any more  I also discovered Maybellines Dream Lumi concealer which is my new addiction. Bobbi you have been so good to me but I won't be repurchasing you right now.
Chantecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturiser: I have really been embracing the "no make-up  make-up look" for a while now and I have not stopped using my Just Skin. This is by far the best tinted moisturiser I have ever used and I am devastated that I have finally ran out! This got me through a summer, autumn and winter and I used my last little blob a few days ago *cries*.  Just Skin leaves you looking absolutely glowing and dewy whilst giving you remarkable coverage but still being really light and breathable. The only thing I hate about this is the price - £57 is extortionate for an item of make-up  I don't care what anyone says its a ridiculous price tag! For that reason I simply can't repurchase it right now, however much I want to, but I've decided it's a chance for me to try out some different foundations and hopefully end my quest to find a dupe for this amazing product!!! It's farewell for now Chantecaille    Bioderma Crealine: Bioderma is probably my most used product of all time.  I use it every single day without fail to remove eye make-up  cleanse or to simply freshen up.  I am so so glad I found micellar waters in 2012 as they have changed the way I treat my skin and make-up wipes/foaming face washes have become a thing of the past.  Its one of the only cleansers that doesn't leave my skin red and patchy its so gentle, but it removes every last trace of make-up.  Its really difficult to get hold of for a reasonable price in the UK, I stocked up when I was in Paris and got 2 bottles for about £12 which is a bargain!  I know there are sellers on Amazon and Ebay but I personally wouldn't recommend getting this from there.  I've heard that Bioderma will soon be available in Boots which would be AMAZING, but I hope it comes with a friendly price tag.
So there are my empties! I actually really enjoyed using up some products for a change and I will be attempting to stick to this new rule if mine in future! Especially as it now means I can go out and buy more, he he!!
Have you done an empties post I can have a read of???

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L'Oreal Nude Magique CC Cream*

I have something brand new and exciting to tell you about today!  So BB creams were massive in 2012, literally every cosmetic brand brought out their own version. Well this year is the year of the CC cream, and L'Oreal is releasing their version in 2013! The L'Oreal Nude Magique CC Cream*    

So what is CC cream I hear you ask!?  Well CC stands for Colour Correction which is used for evening out skin tone and tone correcting.  L'Oreal's version contains all the benefits of BB creams but with this added CC magic!
The aim of a CC cream is to help neutralise the appearance of redness, dullness or tired looking skin and L'Oreal have created 3 different creams, one for each of these problems.  I chose the Anti-Dullness CC cream as I find my skin lacks radiance and often needs a boost to look glowing and lovely!    

I have been testing this out all week and I cannot praise it enough!!   At first I was like "WOAH" as the liquid is thin, runny and purple!!  I wasn't expencting good things at all..  But when applied it transforms into a lovely smooth foundation that adapts to the colour of your skin like magic! (Or should I say "magique"!!)  It literally mimicks your skin tone and looks and feels like bare skin    

 
It feels SO light and silky like a moisturiser, and is a real joy to apply.  Once on the skin it literally feels like I don't have foundation on at all but gives a good and buildable coverage - more than than most BB creams would I think this will be perfect for summer/holiday months where I want a little something on my face but nothing too heavy, it also contains SPF 12! I wouldn't say that this is dewy but it does give a really radiant glow.  I find my CC cream looks best used with a touch of concealer on any blemishes and a swipe of powder!    

Me wearing my L'Oreal CC Cream!!

  The L'Oreal Nude Magique CC Cream is not out to buy yet in shops but is coming very soon and will be a very reasonable £9.99.  It will also be available in Anti-Fatigue and Anti-Redness formulas.  I can't wait to try the rest of the range to see what they can do for me! Are you a BB cream fan?  Will you be trying CC creams??  
*PR SAMPLE
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Sisterly Love...

Today its my sisters birthday!!!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUZIE!!!
My sister and I are really close, she is my BFF!!  She has just bought a beautiful new house and she also runs her own business meaning purchasing beauty and cosmetics has had to take a back seat.  So for her birthday I decided to make her a beauty box!!  I basically used an old Glossy box and filled it with a whole new make-up collection of drug store goodies! My sisters beauty box includes:

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation in "True Nude" £5.99 from Boots - This is my absolute new favourite foundation!  It does exactly what it says on the packaging, wakes your skin up making you look healthy and glowing.  It is also a total dupe for MAC's Studio Sculpt Foundation!
Maybelline Dream Touch Lumi Concealer £6.99 from Boots - I prefer this to my YSL Touché Éclat!  This stuff is light and hydrating on your skin whilst still having great coverage! 
Bourjois Little Round Pot Blusher in "Rose" £7.49 from Boots - You can't beat Bourjois for these little pots of goodness!  Just the right amount of pigment to give your cheeks a flush of colour, and they smell good too! Its teeny weeny and fits into your handbag so easily
Bourjois Delice de Poudre Bronzing Powder £6.99 from Boots - A classic bronzer that I always have in my make-up bag, this gives a lovely sun-kissed glow AND it smells like chocolate!!
Maybelline Falsies Mascara £7.99 from Boots - Tanya Burr raves about this so it must be incredible.  Enough said really
Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Liner £7.99 from Boots - The best gel liner you can get, this glides along your eyelids like a dream and won't budge all day.  Its also not too shiny and not too matte, its perfect!
Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in "Peach Glow" £3.99 from Boots - This cheapest and most popular translucent powder around!  It sets any foundation to perfection, making your skin look flawless and keeping shine at bay
Rimmel Glam Eyes Quad Eye shadow Palette in "Sun Safari" £6.99 from Boots - Smoky brown eyes are my favourite and this palette as the perfect range of warm toned colours to achieve this!
OH and of course I added a couple of Ferrero Rochers ;-)

I absolutely loved creating my very own beauty box!  I am tempted to do this for all my friends on their birthdays!!!
Have you made your own beauty box?  What would be in your ideal beauty box?

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