My 2015 Beauty Resolutions

Last January, I made some resolutions. You can read about them here. I only made two as I knew I would struggle to keep them. To be honest, this has been the case. My first resolution was to become more organised and manage my time more effectively. I have completely failed at this. I wanted to become more organised with my blog and post on a regular basis however, I have just been so busy with work and planning our wedding that I have not had the chance to find a routine that suits me. Only recently, do I feel I've been getting into a better routine. I made a weekly planner at work but so far I've followed that for one day! My second resolution was to become healthier which I have also failed at. I got off to a good start and did an hours worth of exercise on January 1st however I haven't done much since!

Since setting those resolutions in January, I have thought about many other things that I need to do which are related to beauty. Therefore I thought I would do a post on my beauty resolutions. That way you can help me to stick to them.

1. Take my make up off when I'm home from work

I always take my make up off before I go to bed however most nights I don't go out again once I am home from work. Therefore I could allow my skin longer to breathe if I took my make-up off as soon as I'm home. I actually think I wear make up more than I don't wear make up which sounds pretty bad. I think this would help my spots clear up much quicker.

 2. Wash my make up brushes at least once a week

I always try and remember to wash my make up brushes on Sunday however it usually gets to Monday morning and I think damn I've not washed my make up brushes! Ideally, I would like to wash them twice a week as I have spots and bacteria does spread on make up bushes however this would be a massive chore! Instead I might purchase a brush cleaner that you use after every use and save Sunday for my deep clean. Do you have any recommendations? 

3. Use a facemask twice a week

This kind of links to the first resolution as I never have time to use a face mask when I take my make up off just before I go to bed. However, if I removed my make up once I was home, I would have all evening to apply the facemask so I would have no excuses! I usually use a deep cleansing face mask which helps to draw the impurities out and after every use, I can see a massive difference but I need to be consistent to maintain those results. I have tried having Wednesday and Sunday nights as the night I apply a face mask to coincide with the #bbloggers chats but at the moment I always seem to either forget or I'm busy when the chats are taking place.

4. Moisturise my body at least twice a week

I tend to only moisturise my body when I'm abroad and I've been in the sun or during Winter when my skin feels dry. I know my skin would appreciate it if I moisturised more often. Ideally, I would love to everyday after a bath/shower but as I know this won't happen because I run out of time or I can't be bothered, I'm going to aim for at least twice a week.

5. Paint my nails and toenails more often

I love wearing nail polish but having to do housework and working in a school means they chip so easily. I usually find removing nail polish a chore but it actually doesn't take that long (unless glitter is involved! See how I remove glitter nail polish here.) In 2015, I plan to find more time to paint my nails even if it's while watching Netflix! Don't get me started on my toe nails. They're neglected unless it's Spring/Summer. 

6. Be more adventurous with eyeshadow

I have quite a few eyeshadow palettes and I'm always eyeing up new releases. The problem is that I don't wear eyeshadow often enough. I usually only wear it if I'm going out somewhere fancy and even then I only wear what others would wear everyday! I need to be more adventurous, bolder and brave with my eyeshadow choices. 

To help me try and stick to these beauty resolutions, I'm going to begin by writing them in my planner in the 'to do' section so I can tick them off when I've actually done them. There's always some satisfaction when ticking off items from your to do list and this way, I can see how long I stuck with my resolutions for.

What are your New Year Resolutions? Do you have any beauty related resolutions?

Rachel x

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What I got for Christmas 2014

I'm back this year with another 'What I got for Christmas' post as I love seeing what everyone else got for Christmas, it's only fair if I share what I got. I had such a lovely Christmas and I love giving presents even more than I like receiving them. I was spoilt with all my gifts and I'm so thankful and grateful to all my family and friends. Christmas is a time to spend with loved ones and for creating lots of new memories. I hope you all had a fabulous Christmas and I hope Father Christmas brought you everything you wanted.

Some of my favourite presents include; YSL Black Opium perfume which came in a gift box along with YSL mascara and eyeliner, Soap & Glory The Next Big Thing gift set, a gorgeous Space NK candle and Me To You pajamas. 

I would love to know what you got for Christmas so if you've done a blog post, leave the link below. If not, tell me what your favourite present is in the comments.

Rachel x

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Merry Christmas!

Just a quick post to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and while I'm here - a Happy New Year! I hope you all have a lovely day. Enjoy every second with your family and friends. Did Father Christmas bring you everything you wanted?

Merry Christmas!

Rachel x

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The Christmas Tag

Image source (edited by me)

1. What is your favourite Christmas Movie/s? 

My favourite has to be Elf but I love most Christmas films. Some of my other favourites are A Christmas Carol, The Holiday, The Grinch and of course Home Alone. I love watching Christmas films in the run up to Christmas. It's the perfect way to get into the Christmas Spirit. 

2. Do you open your presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning? 

Always Christmas morning. As children, me and my sister used to wake up really early to open our stockings in bed and then when our parents were awake, we all went downstairs to see what Father Christmas had left for us. We always opened our presents before breakfast and then often ate chocolate for breakfast!

3. Do you have a favourite Christmas memory? 

I don't have one stand alone memory as every year was special to me. When we were younger we used to go to my Uncle's house after opening our presents and getting ready. My Nana was there along with my cousins and we used to exchange presents there. Once we got home, my gran came round with lots of presents that Father Christmas left at her house for us. Then it would be time for Christmas Dinner and lots of party games and fun. Christmas time is family time to me.

4. Favourite festive food? 

I love most Christmas food! My favourite would have to be Christmas dinner with all the trimmings including pigs in blankets and Yorkshire puddings (minus sprouts though - YUK!) As a kid, I hated mince pies but now I love them. Selection boxes and After Eights are the ultimate Christmas chocolates to me. Oh and Terry's Chocolate Oranges - how could I forget those! 

5. Favourite Christmas gift? 

I was very lucky as a child and I often got everything that I wished for. I can't think of one favourite as I've loved everything that I've ever received. When I think of crazes such as Furby etc, it was always my sister who asked for these. 

6. Favourite Christmas scent? 

I'm not a fan of the traditional Christmas scent of cinnamon and spices but I do love the smell of real Christmas trees. We don't have a real tree but I always buy candles and wax melts so we can still have the smell. I also love the smell of Christmas dinner!

7. Do you have any Christmas Eve traditions? 

I wouldn't say we have a Christmas Eve tradition and I can't remember one from when we were growing up. For a few years, I used to go to the pub with friends for a few drinks but these days, I prefer a cosy night in watching a Christmas film in new pyjamas. 

8. What tops your tree? 

Growing up, my parents always had an angel at the top of their tree rather than a star. At the moment, I'm on the look out for the perfect angel to top our tree but I haven't been successful yet. We do have a star but it doesn't sit very well so currently the top of our tree is bare.

9. As a kid what was the one (crazy, wild, extravagant) gift you always asked for but never received? 

I don't think I ever asked for anything too extravagant. We always asked for lots of smaller things instead. I do remember asking for a TV for my bedroom because all my friends had one. I opened all my presents and didn't have a TV but after breakfast my mum and dad surprised me with it! 

10. What's the best part about Christmas for you?

My favourite part of Christmas is spending so much time with family, eating lots of food and being off work for two weeks! 

Have you done The Christmas Tag? Share your link below if you have. I'd love to read it.

Rachel x

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My very first onesie!

Before I begin, please excuse the horrendous pictures. I had worn my hair curly that day and was literally ready for bed!

Believe it or not, until recently I have never owned a onesie! I'll be honest when they first came onto the scene, I didn't understand the fuss but as the winters get colder and colder, I have been searching for the perfect one. Recently, Buytshirtsonline contacted me and asked me to choose an item from their website. As soon as I spotted this Christmas all-in-one*, I knew it was the onesie for me. It's perfect as it's festive but I could still get away with wearing it in November and January/February.

It's a unisex onesie so I ordered small and it's the perfect size for me. I'm usually size 8/10 for reference.  It is made from super soft fleece so it's very warm and comfortable. This would be great to wear on Christmas Eve night or for lounging in when opening your presents on Christmas day. It is available in sizes small, medium, large and extra-large. There is a size guide available so make sure you refer to that before ordering.

Buytshirtsonline is an online store stocking a great range of active wear from footwear, coats and jackets, baby wear and they even offer personalised tshirt printing. Some brands that they stock are Adidas, American Apparel, Craghoppers, Helly Hansen, Nike plus many more.

I'm so happy that I finally have a onesie in my life! Bring on the freezing cold weather! I'm prepared!

Do you own a onesie?

Rachel x

*PR sample

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COLAB Dry Shampoo Paris - Review

COLAB Dry Shampoo Paris

Some may say I'm lucky but I disagree. I only wash my hair twice a week as I was cursed with dry, straw like hair. Also, my hair is long and super thick so washing it, drying it and straightening it takes forever! I hate washing my hair and put off the dreaded chore as much as possible.

As I get closer to hair wash day, my hair can sometimes begin to get a little greasy depending on the weather and products used. On these days, dry shampoo is a saviour. I have no idea what people did before this little wonder product. Previously, as with most people, Batiste was my brand of choice. It has featured in my empties post several times. I don't have a problem with how powdery it is as I have blonde hair. It's actually better as my hair gets darker when it's due a wash so the powder makes it appear lighter. 

Ruth Crilly from A Model Recommends launched COLAB Dry Shampoo. There are currently five scents available; London, Tokyo, Rio, Paris and New York, which are all available in 200ml cans or 50ml travel size cans. I have Paris which is described as an enchanting floral bouquet packaged in a beautiful can. I'll let you into a secret though, I want all five scents. I just think they would look so beautiful lined up on my dressing table and I could pick which scent I want to wear just like perfume. 

COLAB Dry Shampoo makes big claims. A sheer and invisible dry shampoo. It sounds perfect for a brunette and although it doesn't matter much to me, I do prefer COLAB over Batiste. It feels a lot lighter in my hair while still refreshing my hair at the same time. Plus the scent. It's amazing. It's actually on offer in Superdrug right now so I may have to pick up the other 4 scents!

Have you tried any of the COLAB Dry Shampoos?

Rachel x

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NEW from The Body Shop - Vanilla Brulee

From left to right - Vanilla Brulee Shower Gel £4 // Vanilla Brulee Hand Cream £3.50 // Vanilla Brulee Shimmer Lotion £8 // Vanilla Brulee Bath Jelly £10 // Vanilla Brulee Eau de Toilette £8.50 // Vanilla Brulee Lip Balm £4 // Vanilla Brulee Bath Sprinkles £7 // Vanilla Brulee Body Butter £13 // Vanilla Brulee Body Polish £10 // Vanilla Brulee Sparkler £15 // Vanilla Brulee Soap £2.50

Another limited edition from The Body Shop this year along with Glazed Apple and Frosted Cranberry. Vanilla Brulee smells amazing and there are some great products available in the range. Stand outs for me are the bath jelly, bath sprinkles and sparkler. I've dropped some hints for Christmas presents so fingers crossed I unwrap some of the limited edition goodies on Christmas Day.

From left to right - Vanilla Brulee Treat Box £7 // Vanilla Brulee Tube Of Treasures £15 // Vanilla Brulee The School Book Of Joy £15

There are also some great gift sets featuring Vanilla Brulee products. They range in price from £7 to £15 so make perfect gifts for any budgets. My favourite is the book of joy. I love these this year and would happily love to receive all the books!

Rachel x

Please note - this post isn't sponsored. I just love TBS!

Stocking Fillers from Home Bargains

As a child, I used to love opening my stocking in bed on Christmas Day before going downstairs to my main presents. It's something Rory and I don't do but I'd like to start and it's something I'd definitely do it the future when we have children. Choosing items to put in a stocking is fun and exciting for the other person to open. Home Bargains have some fantastic stocking fillers on offer this year. This is just a small handful of what they have to offer.

Ladies pom pom knit slippers - £3.99*

Slippers and socks are a cliché present to open on Christmas day but you can't go wrong with slippers. These pom pom slippers are so comfortable and a perfect stocking filler for mum/mother-in-law or a grandma.  

Nivea Ladies Luscious Lips - £4.99*

Christmas is the perfect opportunity to stock up on beauty products. This Nivea lip tin is perfect at this time of year. My lips seem to be perfectly chapped in the Winter and this would solve that problem. 

Cosmetics bag - £1.99*

Who doesn't love a cute make up bag?! Perfect for the girls who love to travel. I love the print on this bag and it's something that will never grow old. It's also wipe clean so perfect to throw into your handbag for daily top ups. 

Nivea Men’s Sport - £4.99*

Never forget the men in your life. I don't think Christmas would be Christmas without giving at least one toiletry set! This Nivea sport set is perfect for the sporty man in your life. 

Touch screen gloves - £1.49*

These days, everyone has a smart phone and with Winter well and truly here, these gloves are the perfect gift for everyone. Such a bargain as well! I hate having to take my gloves off to use my phone and with this amazing invention, cold fingers will be a thing of the past. 

Barbie glitz doll - £5.99*

Barbie is such a classic. I used to have loads growing up and actually had a pink suitcase that opened out into an apartment for my Barbies. I spent hours playing with it and I love that Barbies are still being made so the younger generation can enjoy them as much as I did. My difficult decision now is which niece do I give it to?!

Hot wheels - £2.99*

As I only have one sister, I didn't grow up around Hot Wheels but Rory sure did! I've already given this to my nephew, Jacob and he loves spinning the wheels around! 

Children’s Christmas pudding hat - £1.49*

How cute is this hat?! I'm gutted it's for children and doesn't fit on my massive head! I've tried it on my nephew and he looks sooooo cute. I think this hat is suitable for boys and girls and it's only £1.49.

Cadbury’s selection box - £1.69 or 2 for £3*

I always give selection boxes as an extra wrap up on Christmas. My dad says Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without his selection box. Cadbury is always my favourite choice as it seems everyone loves Cadbury. This box has a great selection of classic favourites.

Snowman chocolates – 59p*

I love getting a bag of chocolate coins at Christmas. So much so that I bought myself one a few weeks ago! These snowmen chocolates are a great alternative and they are actually really nice.

Do you open a stocking on Christmas Day? Do you fill one for a loved one?

Rachel x

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Everyone's a winner!

Firstly, I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who entered my giveaway to win a personalised planner from Personal Planner.

Secondly, I apologise for the lateness of this post. My giveaway ended on Monday and this has been my first opportunity to post.

I have emailed the winner of the personalised planner and once they have emailed back, I will announce who it is on here and twitter (@lostinlipstick). Then Personal Planner will be in contact with them to send them their free planner.

The lovely people at Personal Planner have very kindly sent me a discount code for everyone to use. It entitles you to 10% off everything on the website and it's valid until 25th December. 

The code is D-WIML-OILT and you will need to enter it before paying for your purchase to receive the 10% discount. 

Thank you again to everyone who entered. I love doing giveaways and hopefully I will be able to do more in the future. 

Rachel x

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November Empties

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water // Simple Eye Make Up Remover // Clean & Clear Deep Action Cream Wash // Skinetica Anti-Blemish Solution // First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads // Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer // Model Co Fibre Lashxtend Mascara // Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder // Impulse Body Spray in Tease // Tresemme Platinum Strength Deep Conditioning Treatment // Tresemme Heat Defence Styling Spray // Batiste Dry Shampoo in Light and Blonde

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water - I don't think I've mentioned this on my blog before but I'm sure this is my second bottle so I'm not sure what's happened! I much prefer this over any other Miceller Water that I've used (I'm still on the fence about Bioderma but I'm not sure it's that much better considering the price difference.) The bottle is massive - 400ml - so it lasted me a while. It can come out quickly but it's easier to control that the L'Oreal one. This is definitely a winner with me! 

Simple Eye Make Up Remover - I actually think it's habit that I keep picking this up when I see it on offer. I can't help it! I've been using it for years and years! However I think now is the time to stick to one product and considering the Garnier Micellar Water does such a great job, I can just purchase one product to do the lot and I'll have more money and space on my dressing table for other products! 

Clean & Clear Deep Action Cream Wash - Another regular offender! Sorry if this is repetitive but hey, at least you know I like the products. At the moment, I'm actually really happy with my skin (I hope I haven't spoke too soon!) I don't think I'll ever have perfectly clear skin but hey, that's why they invented concealer! I enjoy cheese and chocolate too much and I know they break me out but I'm not prepared to give them up any time soon! 

Skinetica Anti-Blemish Solution - I found one of these in my stash and remembered how great it is. Maybe my clear(ish) skin is down to one product or a combination of the ones I've been using recently. I couldn't pin point an answer. Skinetica does contain alcohol but it doesn't dry my skin out at all. It's amazing seeing the 'dirt' on the cotton pad after I've used a Miceller Water and a cleanser. It makes me shudder to think about the people who use a baby wipe and a baby wipe alone...

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads - I have to admit that the queen of skincare persuaded me to purchase these - Caroline Hirons. I just wish my bank balance was bigger so I could pick up more of her recommendations. I've been using the Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner for over a year now but it's only recommended to use it twice a week. FAB Facial Radiance Pads are gentle enough to use every day twice a day. I have to admit that they are the perfect product for a lazy person as they are pre soaked. I can't help but think it's a waste of product as I wouldn't soak my cotton pad that much. Also do you really need to exfoliate twice a day or even once a day. Surely twice a week with a stronger chemical exfoliator is the equivalent. But who am I to argue? 

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Light and Blonde - My favourite scent from Batiste has to be Tropical but this is so handy when you have roots that you want to cover up at the same time! Plus I find my blonde goes a little darker when it's due to be washed so if I don't have time to wash it, this is a perfect refresher for one extra day. Spray with caution though as you could go over board and your hair becomes very yellow. 

Tresemme Heat Defence Styling Spray - This may be my favourite heat protector that I've used. Many have been sticky or dry crispy! This one is perfect. It smells gorgeous and I can't even tell it's there. Since I've been using it, I can tell my hair is less damaged as previously my hair would be damaged each time I washed and styled my hair. Where as now, it's had time to repair and it's better protected. I've even tried two different ghd heat sprays and although I love my ghd straighteners, I wasn't a fan. 

Tresemme Platinum Strength Deep Conditioning Treatment - My hair needs all the conditioning products it can get! It has actually improved so much over the past couple of years; it's used to be so dry and damaged. I used this treatment as a hair mask as well as my conditioner rather than instead of. If your hair isn't that dry, you would probably want to use this instead of conditioner once a week. I only wash my hair twice a week (anymore and it just breaks even more) and I used this every time I washed my hair. 

Impulse Body Spray in Tease - I'm still using my beloved Tease despite buying a new scent to try. I have tried it and I'm not a fan. It's ok but not as nice as Tease. I'll use it but it's not my first choice so it'll last me a while! If it doesn't grow on me, I may donate it to friends/family. 

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder - I forgot I had already wrote a review on this product; it is nearly two years old! Since the review, I would say my skin produces a little more oil which allows me to test the claims more accurately. I apply it all over my face in the morning and by evening, everywhere except my forehead (which is my oiliest area) is still matte. This is over five hours later so I could always reapply as it claims to keep oil at bay for just five hours. You can read my review here. 

Model Co Fibre Lashxtend Mascara - I was intrigued to try this mascara. It contains little fibres which are supposed to make your eyelashes look fuller. I'm not a fan though and I wouldn't purchase a mascara with fibres in again. I found the fibres would fall off when applying or throughout the day they would come off. Not a good look! 

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer - Another two year old product review! However, nothing has changed. I'm still purchasing it in threes two years later! In fact, I just did last weekend. If you want to read what I think, you can here.

Rachel x

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November in photos

Bonfire Night

New favourite cider - Old Mout Cider Passionfruit and Apple flavour

Lilies are beautiful but they stink!

I'm dreaming of a LUSH Christmas!

Delicious cocktails at Fragrance Direct Christmas Party

Yummy Fragrance Direct cupcakes

My personalised blog planner and you can win your own here

Addicted to American Horror Story! 

This is probably my favourite album in the world and I can only listen to it at this time of year!

Grilled Chicken Katsu Curry at Wagamama

Rachel x

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P.S. Don't forget to enter my giveaway to win a personalised planner from Personal Planner here!