Benefit 'They're Real' Mascara

        

        

         

        

        

Benefits 'They're real' mascara had huge hype surrounding its release over two years ago that has only grown over the years. I did give it a try when it was released and had mixed opinions but never repurchased until now! Ever on the quest for the perfect mascara that'll give me length and volume I wanted to give this another go.

The 'They're real' mascara has a plastic wand that is covered in small spikes to cover and coat every single lash. The custom domed tip of the wand is designed to reach those tiny, fustrating inner and outer corner lashes that really does its job. I like my mascara to be ultra black which this certainly is and love how it dries just as glossy as it applies. It gives the perfect balance of length and volume that I look for with minimum effort and can be easily built up. I do find the formula very wet and sticky which is what I felt the first time I tried it. I do find removing it tricker than all my other mascaras but I almost find that a good point as even though its not waterproof I know it wont end up down my face! 

Although I have found the same little niggles as with using it the first time around the positives do out weigh the negatives and as long as I don't rub my eyelashes into one giant sticky eyelash this shall stay in my make up bag!

Have you tried Benefits 'They're real?' I recently was gifted a couple of Benefit mini sets that I cannot wait to sha with you all, they are so great for trying out the brands best products! 

What I got for Christmas | 2013

        

        

        

        

        

        

        

         

Firstly Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all and a BIG thank you for all the support this year. I wasn't sure whether to pop this post up or not but seeing as they have been my favourite to read over the past week I wanted to share with you all a few presents I received this Christmas! Of course I am extremely grateful and thankful for everything I received and have been utterly spoilt by everyone! My main present this year was a Canon 1100d which I have taken these pictures with and shall review when I've used it some more! 

What did you get for Christmas this year? Did we get anything the same?!

Topshop 'Crystal Clouds'

        

        

      

      

      

Christmas may be the only occasion in winter you'll see my nails without a dark berry shade on and its only coming off for something special! The Topshop nail polish in 'Crystal Clouds' was pulled out from my collection to add a little festive cheer and I actually forgot how much I love it. A beautiful golden, metallic champagne shade that in some light can even look silver. It applies so effortlessly and is opaque in 2 coats but if you're in a rush can be worn with just one. I can't believe how well it has lasted without being used in the last 9 months compared to my Essie polishes. The consistency and formula is just as great as when I bought it where as my Essie polishes are thick, gloppy and unusable. The bottle like all Topshop make up is adorable and so unusual to any other varnishes out there.

This is the only Topshop nail varnish I own but after seeing how great it has lasted and how easy they are so apply I think I'll be buying these instead of Essie in the future!

Can you recommend me any shades? 

Yankee Candle Christmas Selection

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

This weekend my dad and step mum came to visit for an evening of yummy food and too much drink, bringing with them a lovely house warming gift for us. At this time of year candles are my favourite presents to receive, I can't think of much better than getting cosy in bed with a candle lit next to me whilst its cold outside. There's something about candles I find so relaxing and tranquil. 

If you haven't heard of Yankee Candles where have you been?! I've only ever tried the small sample candles from here so receiving this box was such a treat! The box contains three small jar candles that are 'Cherries on Snow', 'Christmas Cupcake' and 'Christmas Tree'. The theme I'm sure you've guessed being Christmas! Last year I picked up a sample of 'Christmas Cupcake' which smelt delicious but I'd never smelt the others. After burning all three I've gotta say my favourite is 'Cherries on Snow' I'm a big cherry lover and this smells just like you'd imagine without being too sweet. Cupcake is defiantly for all the sweet scented lovers, I've found I can't burn it for too long or it is too sickly for me. Christmas tree on the opposite end of the spectrum is far more fresh and subtle great for enchanting the smell of your real tree or if you dont have s real one pretending! I'm really impressed with how strong the scent given off from these candles are that within minutes my room was a Christmas smelling wonderland. I'm hoping these will last me until Christmas and then ill make sure I pick up some more in the New Year! 

 Can you recommend me any scents? 

The Weekender #2

       

       

       

       

       

       

Posts these past few weeks on behindthedoorat51 have been few and far between, I know. Juggling a full time job, spending time with my boyfriend, Christmas preparations, family visits and blogging is hard work so bear with me I'm still trying to figure it out!  This weekend has been the first in a while where I've had time to myself. Lazy, sleep induced days with minimal plans are my favourite after a long week of work and was just what I needed.

Christmas spirit is now well underway after a trip into the city centre to visit the German market wandering the lanes and warming up with a honeycomb hot chocolate. Today marked the 1st of December which of course meant advent calendars and Christmas tree buying. We bundled in the car to a small, independent Christmas tree farm outside of the city where you can wander through hundreds and pick your own. Im already looking forward to eating too much and spending time with my family. 24 days and counting... 

Keep your eye out this week for a couple of naughty 'Black Friday' purchases!