January Favourites!

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

 

I don't usually do monthly favourite posts but this month I've been loving so many great products I couldn't help but want to share! Having my birthday (January 4th) and Christmas so close together meant discovering products I wouldn't have bought myself but now can't see myself living without! 

I have lived in these Topshop 'Joni' jeans since purchasing them as a spur of the moment buy recently. I needed something that I could get away with at work but could also be dressed up. I hadn't ever tried anything high-waisted before and comfort plays a big part in my mood but these are super soft and stretchy. At £36 they aren't the cheapest jeans out there but are definitely worth it in my opinion. I'm looking forward to pairing them with a crop top when the weather warms up and jumping on that wagon! I'm usually pretty awful at remembering to accessorise my outfits, its normally just throw on and go however these rings have been put on everyday. I picked these 3 sterling silver ring up in the Accessorize sale after Christmas as part of a set. They can be worn stacked as a 3 or spread across your fingers as you wish and love how dainty they look. 

I've had the Origins 'Out of trouble' mask for a good while now that I try and apply on a weekly basis but with post Christmas skin from eating far too much chocolate this has been used a lot more! A 10 minute clay mask (that when my skin is awful I leave on for a good 30 minutes!) that'll help clear up problem skin. I mentioned it in my 'Best of 2013 - Skincare' post if you fancy reading more and have recently written full reviews of Benefits 'They're Real' mascara and the MUA 'Heaven and Earth' palette       which you can read here. 

The perfect nude in my opinion, MAC's 'Hue' is a subtle pinky nude that compliments my skin tone and looks great with a dark, smokey eye. 'Hue' is a glaze finish which is super moisturising and glossy looking on the lips. I've been making an attempt to use my MAC lipsticks more this month even though it makes me sad to see them coming to an end! I have been looking to expand my blush collection so this blush in 'Macaron' from The Body Shop made a welcome addition. I usually gravitate towards deeper, plum toned blushes so this had me stepping out of my comfort zone. I don't think these body shop blushes have the greatest formulas but I have been really enjoying wearing this colour, a lighter pinky peach. 

My go to brushes are Real Techniques so its no surprise another one of their brushes has made it into a favourites post. I don't use this brush for my eyebrows as most would but to apply eyeshadow as an eyeliner to define my eyes. I am horrible at liquid eyeliner but luckily eyeshadow is much more forgiving! The angle of the brush makes it easy to apply and picks up the perfect amount of product. I like to use a deep brown from either my Naked palette or MUA's palette as its a lot less harsh than black.  

I'm going to do a more in depth review of Benefits much talked about 'Porefessional' which FYI  is love. I have always skipped the primer stage but now I actually look forward to applying it so stay tuned for that one shortly! Lastly my Martha Stewart journal from Staples couldn't not be in this post. I got it for Christmas and have actually only started writing in it these past few days as I've been so scared to ruin it! I'm using it as my blogging notebook so any post ideas will be jotted down in this beautiful book. I hadn't seen the range before but for all you stationary enthusiasts out there its worth a peek, you won't leave empty handed! 

Phew that was a long one! I hope you enjoyed having a nosey at my favourites this month and have had a great Monday! What have your favourites been?! :) 

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? 

The Sunday Post #1

                       

                        

    

001. Hello and a big thank you to my first few followers! It's great to know there are some of you reading my rambles. Don't be shy to get in contact either here on twitter @behindthedoor51 as I'd love to speak to you. 

002. This week has been spent visiting my mum near Chester. I don't get to see her very often so it's always nice the time we do spend together. I find my time here so relaxing , it's almost like my escape! I've spent the week relaxing by her pool, walking the doors and eating lots of naughty food. 

003. We went shopping on Friday to Chester which I highly recommend a visit to if you every get the opportunity. The city itself is very unique with old Tudor style buildings which the shops are actually in. There's a great mix of shops and department stores so bound to be something that everyone likes. Zara is my shop of choice at the moment and being a sale and all it did not disappoint. I picked up a beautiful pair of structured navy shorts for my holiday for only £7.99 and a black floaty tank top with detailing on the back for £9.99, bargain! I could've spent a lot more but restrained myself! 

004. I am loving how low maintenance my nails have been this week since having shellac put on. I originally had them done for my dads wedding last weekend but they seem to have lasted really well, I opted for a gorgeous glittery gold which complimented my nude dress perfectly. Usually my nails chip awfully and I'm having to repaint them every other day so this is a nice change. I'm thinking about having shellac done on my hands and toes before my holiday a vibrant coral always works well with a tan. 

005. Being away has given me plenty of time to think and start putting plans into action. Over recent months I've been unsure where my future lies and what it is I want to be doing. I can't think of anything worse than being stuck in a mundane job I hate. Make up is my passion so I've decided to go for it and do a make up artistry course, I know the industry is competitive but its something I know I'll enjoy. I've been looking into a few courses around me and think I've chosen a course which suits my needs. I'm just working out funding as for a weeks course they can be very expensive along with kit etc, and hopefully will be starting within the next month. I am finally excited and looking forward to the future and the opportunities it shall bring! 

Hope you have all had a lovely weekend :)