2014 Favourites: Bath, Body + Haircare

So many 2014 favourites, so little time! This post is all about the body care and haircare products I have been loving throughout the year, from body butters and shower gels to hand cream, shampoo and masks. As with my previous 2014 favourites posts, I will be picking a winner and a runner up for each category, although some have multiple runners up or winners...I couldn't choose!

Shampoo Winner: Loreal Everriche Shampoo 
Shampoo Runner Up: Bumble & Bumble Surf Foam Wash Shampoo

Conditioner Winner: Moroccan Oil Extra Volume Conditioner 
Conditioner Runner Up: Loreal Everriche Conditioner

Hair Mask/Treatment Winner: Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment 
Hair Mask/Treatment Runner Up: Label M Protein Spray

Hair Styling Winner: Moroccan Oil Frizz Control 
Hair Styling Runner Up: Bumble & Bumble Thickening Creme Contour + Redken Pillow Proof Primer

Shower Gel Winner: Korres Guava Shower Gel

Scrub Winner: Caudalie Crushed Cabinet Body Scrub
Scrub Runner Up: Newtons Foot Scrub

Body Butter Winner: My Trusty Sunflower Body Butter
Body Butter Runner Up: The Body Shop Brazil Nut Body Butter

Hand Cream Winners: Rodial Stemcell Superfood Hand Cream + Kiehls Hand Salve 
Hand Cream Runner Up: My Trusty Sunflower Lavender Hand Cream

Now onto my honourable mentions: The Elemis Quiet Time Bath Elixir and Pulse Point Gel have been fantastic as well as the surprisingly amazing Bumble & Bumble Pret-a-Powder!

There are all of my 2014 bath, body and haircare favourites! What were your stand out products of 2014 with regards to body and hair products?

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2014 Favourites: Makeup & Nails

I cannot believe how quickly the year has gone by! It is now time for my yearly favourites, I will split the products up into categories such as makeup & nails, skincare, body care and fragrance. I have already published my favourite blogs of 2014 (here) and my 2014 favourite skincare (here). This year I have decided to pick a winner from each product type and a runner up otherwise this list would be even longer!

Primer (eye/face) Winner: Nars Pro Prime Eyeshadow Primer

Runner Up: Maybelline The Smoother Face Primer

Foundation Winner: Max Factor Smooth Effect Foundation

Runner Up: Max Factor Luminizer Foundation

Concealer Winner: Clinique Airbrush Concealer

Runner Up: Essence Stay All Day Concealer

Powder Winner: Essence All About Matt Fixing Powder 

Runner Up: Revlon Nearly Naked Powder

Bronzer Winner: Chanel Multi-Colour Healthy Glow (01)

Runner Up: Bourjois Chocolate Bronzer & Smashbox Baked Fusion Soft Lights

Highlighter Winner: TheBalm Mary Loumanizer 

Runner Up: Kryolan For GlossyBox Cashmere Highlighter

Contour/Blush Winner: NYX Blush (Taupe)
Runner Up: Nars Douceur Blush

Mascara Winner: Yves Rocher Sexy Plump Mascara 

Runner Up: Rimmel 100% Waterproof Mascara 

Liquid Eyeliner Winner: Essence Liquid Ink 

Runners Up: Sephora Waterproof Liquid Liner & Stila Stay All Day Liner

Lip Stain Winner: Loreal Splash Stain (Lolita)

Runner Up: Rimmel Provocalips Lip Colour, Soap & Glory Lip Lacquer & Topshop Gloss Ink

Lip Gloss Winner: Laura Mercier Lip Glace 

Runner Up: Maybelline Colour Elixir 

Eyeshadow Quad/Palette Winner: Makeup Revolution Palettes 

Runner Up: Soap & Glory 'What's Nude' Quad

Makeup Brushes Winner: Spectrum Brushes 

Runner Up: Real Techniques Brushes & Bare Minerals Face Brushes

Nails Winner: H&M Nail Polish Pot Remover 

Runners up: Revlon Parfumerie Polishes & Colorstay Top Coat

Now for a few honourable mentions for products that I have also loved during 2014 but didn't quite make the final cut:

Firstly, the Sewlomax makeup bags! I have three of them and I took one of them on holiday with me back in august and I loved using it! Also the Bare Minerals Mineral Veil, Clarins Extra Comfort Foundation and the Essence Nail Polish Corrector Pen have been fantastic long term favourites!

What are your 2014 makeup/nail favourites? Have you tried any of the products I have mentioned? 

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Joico Smooth Cure + Moisture Recovery

If you aren't signed up to The Blogger Programme then I would recommend it if you are a blogger! It's a great way to work with brands although you have to be prepared to wait as there are so many bloggers and I'm sure the brands/PR's have so many replies to read! I was lucky enough to work with Joico, which is a high end haircare brand that I have wanted to try for so long! 

First up, I was kindly sent the *Joico Moisture Recovery Leave In Moisturiser For Dry Hair (£8.75, 300ml) which claims to give instant light hydration and frizz control as well as detangling the hair. I have been using it through the ends and mid lengths of my hair almost every time I was wash my hair and I feel as though it gives my hair a boost of moisture without leaving it weighed down, greasy or heavy which is amazing. It is quick and easy to use even though the bottle is huge and the mist is very fine so it covers the hair evenly; it also doesn't really have a scent. The product does help  to detangle my thick hair and it also helps to reduce frizz. I think the price is very reasonable considering how effective the product is and how much you get for your money - this one bottle will last a very long time, in my opinion. Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5. 

Lastly, I have the *Joico Smooth Cure Thermal Styling Protectant For Curly/Frizzy/Coarse Hair (£10.35, 150ml) which I have to say I haven't been using as often as I don't use heat on my hair all the time but when I do I have been using this heat protectant spray. It claims to smooth, soften and protect against heat and humidity. Firstly, I love the packaging, the colour is gorgeous and it is quick and easy to use. However, the spray isn't fine or very even so I have been spraying it onto my hair brush or into my hands, then smoothing it throughout my hair. Also I am not a fan of the scent, it has an artificial watermelon scent which reminds me of cheap haircare I used as a teenager. That being said, I think it is a good heat protectant; it does smooth my hair and I feel like my hair is being protected as I do notice a difference when I don't use this product. Overall rating: ★★★★☆, 4/5. 

Overall, I am quite impressed, especially with the leave in moisturiser and I definitely want to try more from both ranges; the smooth cure range contains a sulphate free shampoo which I may have to try as I'm trying to look after my hair more in 2015! I have also heard a lot of bloggers and youtubers rave about the K-Pak range, I think Fleur De Force featured that range in a few videos. I would recommend both products although if you don't like fruity/strong smelling hair products when maybe skip the thermal protectant. 

Have you tried these products or any other haircare from Joico? 

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All That Glitters Is...Rose Gold

Rose gold is one of my favourite colours for jewellery, nail polish, eyeshadow or accessories! I have a few rose gold pieces from Alexi Accessories (here) and a gorgeous grey/rose gold watch from Breo (here). I thought I would create a wish list just for the pretty rose gold items I have my eye on for the new year, some of which might be on sale now!

1. Olivia Burton Big Dial Mink and Rose Gold Watch (£75): I have been lusting after Olivia Burton watches for so long - I probably shouldn't follow them on instagram! The designs are just so gorgeous, especially this rose gold and light grey watch! 

2. Michael Kors Rose Gold Plated Round Stone Set Pendant (£89): Out of all accessory, jewellery and bag brands on the market, I think Michael Kors is definitely a bloggers dream brand! I actually bought my first Michael Kors bag in August (I haven't actually worn it out yet!) and I love it. Now Michael Kors + rose gold = one happy Heather! I think I may need this necklace in my life. Stat.

3. Zoeva Rose Gold/Romantic Copper Brush Set (£55): I have a slight addiction to makeup brushes, I own quite a few from numerous brands such as Ecotools, Mac, Illamasqua, Spectrum, The Body Shop and of course Real Techniques but Zoeva brushes have been raved about so much that I definitely feel to fill the makeup brush void with this gorgeous rose gold set! 

4. Alexi Accessories Maxi Solitaire Rose Gold Studs (£25): I find that rose gold jewellery is always on the pricey side although Alexi Accesssories have some fantastic, high quality rose gold pieces that don't cost the earth such as these pretty studs. 

5. Nars Rose Gold Polish (£22): This polish is limited edition and only seems to come as part of a duo *cries* but it is so pretty! I have Orly's 'Rage' which is a gorgeous rose gold shade but it is so difficult to remove. I will have to get my hands on this shade, I have heard so many good things about Nars polishes! 

6. GHD Rose Gold Deluxe Set (£195): How gorgeous is this set! I have had GHD's for years and I love them and this looks like the mother load of GHD rose gold goodness!

What are your rose gold wish list picks? 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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My Blogging Experience: Pet Peeves + Photo Tips

I have been blogging for over two years and in that time I have managed to work with some amazing brands, meet some fantastic bloggers and grow my blog until it has more followers and views that I ever thought it would. I asked on twitter a while ago, if anyone would be interested to see  some posts on my experience of blogging, tips and tricks and quite a few people said yes, so this will be a mini series throughout January/February. 

This first post is all about my blogging pet peeves, from spam comments I receive to what puts me off following blogs; although please bear in mind that these are just my opinions!

Firstly, spam comments, it is one area of blogging that everyone has to deal with and it can be quite disheartening and discouraging, especially if you are just starting out. I have had quite a few 'follow for a follow' type comments on my posts over the years and I personally think they are so rude and disrespectful! Please always feel free to leave your blog link for me to look at but don't expect me to follow because you told me to. I know most people want to gain more and more followers but that it not the way to do it; I mark those comments as spam. Recently I had one commenter who just copied and pasted a section of my post as a comment then put 'follow for a follow? xx'....no, I don't think so!

Now onto blog photos, in a blogger chat on twitter recently the topic was blog photographs and everyone seemed to agree that they are very important and that although you don't necessarily need a fancy, expensive DSLR camera (however it would help) to have good quality blog photos. I use the Sony DSc-H200 which I love most of the time but it is't amazing for capturing eyeshadow looks! Photographs are so important to me when deciding whether to follow a blog, my pet peeves when it comes to blog photos are: photos that are really small, blurry/poor quality photos and long lists of blog photos that take so long to load I always just click off the page! 

In my opinion, investing in a good camera and learning the basics is the best starting point. Also free photo editing websites and programmes are essential for me, such as Picasa and PicMonkey both of which I use all of the time. On the whole, I make my photographs into collages which I think makes the photos look a bit more professional and it doesn't take ages to load up for the reader. I also love a clean white background to my blog photos whenever possible as it just looks more professional and clean in my opinion although that isn't easy during the autumn/winter months! #BloggerProblems

Lastly, advertisements and dishonesty, I don't really like big adverts on blogs I think it looks a little tacky and messy; I only have blog buttons and small adverts with offers on my blog but if I could I would never have adverts on my blog sidebar. Another pet peeve of mine is when bloggers receive something to review but they don't disclose it, its the same with sponsored posts - I always have a disclaimer (here) and I say when something was sent for review. 

What are your blogging pet peeves? What makes you follow a blog?

Happy New Years Eve Everyone! 

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Contouring Products + Tools For Pale Skin

I love contouring, it is an essential step in my makeup routine - if I am going to put makeup on, I am going to contour! If you don't know what contouring is then let me explain, it is a process whereby a fake shadow is created under the cheekbones to create the illusion of higher more pronounced cheekbones. Contouring can also be used along the sides of the nose if you think your nose is a bit wide, on the temples and along the jaw. Here are my favourite contouring products for pale skin along with tips and tricks!

Firstly, a very brief guide to contouring the face - I always contour my cheeks using one of the brushes above. I suck in my cheeks (make the fishy face, you will look ridiculous doing this) and place the contour/bronzer/blush into the hollow line created. Blend, blend, blend. Then take the excess on the brush and buff it into the temples and along the jaw. This process give the face more shape and structure; I always follow with highlighter. 

Contouring products (blush/bronzer/contour): First up is my favourite contouring product currently - the Chanel Healthy Glow Multi-Colour in '01 Light Harmony' which is a highlighter, bronzer and blush in one compact. The bronzer is so natural looking even on my pale skin. This product is great for contouring is it isn't very pigmented so the contouring line will not look stark/unnatural. Next up is my second favourite bronzer on the moment, Benefit's Hoola Bronzer. I have had it for ages and I have fallen in love with it again. You have to be a little bit careful if you have super pale skin as I do but it is a great bronzer for contouring the face with.   Now onto a cheaper product - the Bourjois Chocolate Bronzer which is fantastic for the price and the shimmer doesn't really show up on the skin so it is great for contouring as you shouldn't contour with shimmery/glittery products. 

The next three products have been a bit neglected but I do still love them, especially the Kevin Aucoin Creamy Sculpting Duo which has cream versions of the celestial highlighter and the sculpting powder. They apply so quickly and easily, I love this mini duo and it was only £19 from SpaceNK which is a fantastic bargain as the just one of the powder versions is over £30 (although the don't get as much product with this duo). Another creamy product is the Illamasqua Cream Pigment in Hollow which is a grey creamy eyeshadow and contour product. I love it as an all over eyeshadow and as a contouring before foundation. This is the only contouring product that I apply before my foundation - I just moisturise, prime and then apply this in the hollows of my cheeks with my fingers or the Illamasqua brush and blend, then apply my foundation over the top with a sponge. The last contouring product is a fantastic multi-tasker as I use the lightest brown matte shade as a contour and as a bronzer. There is a white shade in this matte bronzer quad too which is great for sharpening up the contour line or blending it out. 

Contouring tools: I mainly use the Real Techniques Contour Brush as it is a great shape, it is fairly small so it is precise and it is super soft! I love all of the RT brushes! I also have the Illamasqua Blush/Contour Brush which was stupidly expensive at £28 but it is great for contour, especial cream contour as it is really dense and firm but also very soft. Lastly, the Chanel brush that came with my Multi-Colour Compact, it is a great shape for contouring as it is thin and also soft. 

Contouring tips and tricks: Suck in your cheeks and make a fishy face to make sure you are applying the contour into the hollow of your cheeks - the line should go from your ear but don't apply past the line from the middle if your pupil as it will look fake. 

Blend Blend Blend, there is almost nothing worse than a very strong contour (unless it is a halloween look in which case it is amazing). Go for cool toned product for those with pale skin as it will look like a natural shadow. I also pair contour with highlighter to make the face look more refreshed as contouring can look a bit flat sometimes. 

Has this post been useful? Have you tried any of these contouring products or tools? Let me know if you want a demo post or a post one a few of the products individually. 

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