Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation: is it worth the hype? Honest review + swatches

Hey beauties! Today, I'm really excited to review one of the most raved about makeup products of all time - the Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup foundation by Estee Lauder (£30, Debenhams). After reading countless amounts of positive reviews, I finally caved in and bought myself a bottle! Double Wear is a heavy-duty liquid foundation, which comes in thirty different shades. This means that you will be able to find a perfect match for any skintone. That being said, the wide variety of shades also means that it may be difficult to find the right match, so make sure you try a sample before committing to a full bottle. My shade is Cool Bone, which is perfect for light skintones with pink undertones.

Merry Christmas from Shoes and Glitter!

Hey muffins! This is just a quick message, rather than a full post - I wanted to wish you all a very happy Christmas! I hope your Christmas is filled with wonder, happiness, love... And lots of presents, of course. :) May all your wishes and dreams come true; may every moment be filled with joy and Christmas cheer! Thank you all for reading my little blog, and for being so wonderfully supportive throughout my journey here. I will be taking a short break from blogging over the next few days, but I will be back next week with some new, exciting posts! Merry Christmas. :) 

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Christmas Beauty Tag!

Hello muffins! With Christmas just a couple of days away, I thought it would be a good time to do my Christmas beauty tag. I'd like to thank Girl Abroad for tagging me - make sure you check out her awesome blog! As far as I know, there aren't any specific rules for this tag, aside from answering ten beauty-related questions. Since we are already so close to Christmas, I personally won't be tagging anyone else. However, if you like the idea of this tag, please feel free to do it and let me know in the comments below so I can check it out! 

Guest post by Samantha - New Year makeup look!

Hey beauties! Today is a very special day - I'm doing a collab with my dear friend Samantha, who blogs over at My Beauty Cloud. She will be sharing her New Year's look on my blog, and I will be sharing my Christmas Eve makeup idea on hers. Hope you enjoy, and please make sure you head over to Sam's blog to check out my post!

Hello, everybody! It’s Samantha from My Beauty Cloud bringing you a makeup tutorial! New Year’s is just around the corner, which means that everyone is going to start getting their look together for allll them parties. I went for a more colorful look this New Year’s, using purple and green (I know, I know, an interesting choice of colors, you may be thinking). But you can use any color for this look!

Bargain Finds - L'Artisan 4 Piece Mini Fragrance Collection review

Hey lovelies! Today, I'm really excited to talk to you about this 4 Piece Mini Fragrance Collection by L'Artisan. I picked it up at my local TK Maxx for £20, which was a pretty good bargain considering the original price of about £45 RRP. Personally, I think that miniature perfume sets are a great way of introducing yourself to a new brand. You get to try a few different fragrances without having to commit to a full bottle; and even if you end up disliking some of them, it's not that much of a waste. Miniature sets are also a wonderful Christmas gift idea - they are a much safer option than purchasing a single perfume. A selection of smaller fragrances gives you several chances to find the scent that the person will love. Miniature sets also come in really gorgeous packaging, and are convenient to take with you when travelling because of their small size.

50 facts about me tag!

Hey jelly beans! Today, I am really excited to be a doing a '50 facts about me' tag! I always enjoy reading these kind of posts - I think they are a great opportunity to get to know the person behind the blog a little better. The rules of this tag are pretty straightforward. All you have to do is thank the person who tagged you on your blog and social media (if you have an account). You can then nominate a few bloggers for the tag, although that part is optional. I think it's going to be a little difficult to come up with fifty interesting things to say about myself, but I'm willing to give it a shot! I'd like to thank Bombshell Drawer for tagging me - make sure you check out her awesome blog here! 

Bargain finds - bareMinerals 'You're so sweet!' eyeshadow set - review & swatches

Hey beauties! Today, I'm going to talk about my most recent find - this gorgeous eyeshadow set by bareMinerals, called 'Thank You, You're So Sweet!'. I picked it up at my local TK Maxx for just £14.99 (!), and so far, it has been a wonderful addition to my makeup collection. This set contains eight loose pigment eyeshadows; each inspired by a different delicious dessert. As far as I know, most of these shades are limited edition, so this may be a good opportunity to get your hands on some of the harder-to-find eyeshadows! 

Trying Japanese KitKat flavours!

Last weekend, my boyfriend and I had a chance to sample some interesting Japanese delicacies, such as the sweet and tangy azuki sandwich and the soothing hochija tea... Actually, that statement is only half-true! I was recently gifted a box of Japanese KitKats, which included eight different flavours of the popular chocolate biscuit (you can purchase this selection at japancentre.com for £11.55 - not sponsored!). I'd always been curious to try the more exotic KitKat varieties, especially the really unusual ones like wasabi and green tea. My boyfriend and I both sampled these one by one, noting down our thoughts and first impressions. Some of them were good, some bad; but it was definitely a fun experience! 

Ichimi Chilli - This is a combination of my two least favourite things - dark chocolate and red chilli. It tastes very bitter at first, but then you can feel a slight tingling on your tongue from the chilli. Honestly, it turned out to be a lot less spicy than I expected, which was a relief. I think a lot of people would really enjoy this, but it wasn't for me. My boyfriend agreed that it didn't really taste of red chilli, but more like regular dark chocolate with a slight, spicy edge. 

Amaou Strawberry - Strawberries and chocolate? Yes please! We were both quite excited to try this one, and knew that it would probably end up being a favourite. This KitKat has a pleasant, fresh strawberry scent to it, and it tastes just like strawberry-flavoured yoghurt or ice cream. It's really delicious, and I can see it being quite popular in Britain, if it were available here. 

Azuka Sandwich (Sweet Bean Jelly) - This one smells like roots, dirt and earth. Definitely not the best first impression, although thankfully, the flavour itself wasn't anywhere near as bad. It tastes similar to regular dark chocolate, but without the bitterness. We didn't hate it, but it was pretty bland and uninteresting. Definitely expected more from a flavour like this! 

Hochija Tea (Roasted Tea) - This is probably the worst one we've tried. It tastes and smells like old, bitter tea that's been left in a cupboard for about thirty years. Perhaps it's the 'roasted' part that gives that impression, but honestly, it was awful and we didn't manage more than one bite. It's very earthy and bitter, and just doesn't taste like a KitKat should. My boyfriend compared trying this to literally biting into a teabag. Definitely not an impression you want a a food product to make! 

Otona Matcha (Green Tea) - As a huge green tea lover, I was really excited to try this. Unfortunately, it ended up tasting more like white chocolate and lemongrass than freshly brewed tea. It's sweet and unusually herbal, which isn't a combination that works for me. Interestingly enough, my boyfriend, who normally can't stand green tea (or any kind of tea for that matter), really enjoyed this one!

Uji Matcha (Green Tea) - This is very similar to the Otona green tea KitKat, but slightly more sweet and less herbal-tasting. It's quite delicate, just like regular white chocolate with a hint of something I couldn't quite put my finger on (maybe it was the green tea?). My boyfriend found it to be quite bland in comparison to the Otona green tea KitKat, comparing the flavour to a bland mix of white and milk chocolate. 

Wasabi - This one smells like horseradish mixed with white chocolate, which is definitely not a good first impression (although I guess you can't expect a wasabi KitKat to smell pleasant, anyway). The flavour is very unusual, but not in the way we expected it to be. It doesn't have the spiciness of a real wasabi sauce (the red chilli KitKat was more spicy than this); but it's very sweet and herbal at the same time. It's difficult to describe this flavour, and as much as it's unique, we didn't really like it. 

Shinshu Apple - This one smells just like sour, apple-flavoured sweets! The apple and chocolate combination works a lot better than I expected, although the flavour itself isn't anywhere near as intense as the scent. Imagine eating a bar of milk chocolate whilst sipping on apple juice - that's exactly what this KitKat tastes like. It's probably not for everyone, but I personally loved it! 

Overall, sampling these was a fun experience and we both really enjoyed trying out some new flavours. For the most part, these KitKats ended up tasting a lot less intense than we expected, which was a good thing (especially in the case of red chilli and wasabi). Our favourite one out of the whole selection was the Amaou Strawberry, which tasted just like a fresh strawberry youghurt and chocolate. The worst one was definitely the Hochija Tea, which was unpleasantly bitter and old-tasting. 

Let me know if you enjoy these kinds of posts, and would like to see me try more unusual/exotic foods!  

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November skincare and beauty favourites

Another month, another monthly favourites! November feels like a bit of a 'filler' month, doesn't it? Our friends in America celebrate Thanksgiving, but for many of us Europeans, it tends to be a bit of a dead period. I'm sure that many of you are already anticipating Christmas; and now that December is just round the corner, we can really start thinking about decorations and gift ideas. I have some exciting Christmas-related posts coming up in the next few weeks; but first, let's re-visit some of November's beauty picks!

My 'fragrance of the month' is the gorgeous Victoria by Victoria's Secret (£32.99 for 50ml, allbeauty.com). This scent combines notes of red berries, soft roses and delicious creme brulee. It's sweet, feminine, and can really brighten up those gloomy November evenings. If you enjoy soft, sugary perfumes such as La Vie Est Belle by Lancome, or Flowerbomb by Viktor & Rolf, you'll fall in love with Victoria. 

I've been really enjoying some recent make-up finds by No7. The Stay Perfect primer (£12.50, Boots) is a great alternative to more expensive primers, such as Benefit Porefessional. Enriched with watermelon and cucumber extracts, it keeps my oily skin looking matte and fresh throghout the day. I've also been loving the Perfect Light translucent powder by No7 (£11.50, Boots), which is incredibly lightweight and gives the skin a soft, velvety finish.

My go-to nail polish this month has been the Chanel Les Vernis nail colour in Dragon (£18, Boots).This is a beautiful, vibrant red shade which lasts for days and gives your nails a mirror-like shine. I don't normally like spending too much money on nail polishes, but this was definitely worth the investment. I also went back to using one of my favourite lip glosses of all time - Dior Addict in Princess (£22.50, Boots). I find that wearing lipstick in cold weather can be quite drying, and lip gloss feels much more comfortable and hydrating.

Skincare this month has been all about the classics. I've mainly been using the Nivea Daily Essentials night cream (£4.19, Boots) - it's a budget-friendly moisturiser enriched with quality ingredients such as almond oil and provitamin B5. It provides intensive hydration, and leaves the skin feeling soft and refreshed in the morning. I've also been enjoying the EOS lip balms, which are not only moisturising, but also smell and taste absolutely delicious. You can purchase a set of five different flavours for just £13 on Amazon. My personal favourite is the Strawberry Sorbet (pink packaging) - the scent reminds me of a fresh strawberry milkshake! 

Body butters are a must this time of year, and I highly recommend checking out the Green Pharmacy range. They offer some wonderful and unusual scents - my favourite this month has been the honey & rooibos body butter (£6.44, m-shop.eu), which smells just like freshly brewed rooibos tea and provides intensive hydration for the skin. 

What products have you been enjoying this month? x

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Soap & Glory 'Sexy Mother Pucker' - satin lipstick review & swatches

Hey beauties! Today, I'm going to talk about one of my most recent discoveries - the Sexy Mother Pucker satin lipsticks by Soap & Glory (£9, Boots). You may have heard about the XL Extreme Plump lip glosses released in the same range, as they have been incredibly popular and reviewed by many beauty bloggers. I decided to try out the satin lipsticks from the Sexy Mother Pucker line-up instead, which haven't been getting as much attention as the glosses. Soap & Glory promises a lot with this formula - enriched with shea butter, peptides and vitamin E, this lipstick is supposed to visibly smooth out and plump up your lips. It's available in five vibrant shades, which admittedly, isn't a huge selection. That being said, the existing shades are quite diverse and there should be something for everybody. I will be swatching two of those shades - Perfect Day - a casual red with pink undertones; and Mantrap - a vibrant-looking red.

The packaging is very modern and sleek, with a traditional, bullet-shaped lipstick. It definitely has that that fun, retro Soap & Glory vibe, which reminds me a little of The Balm and Benefit products. It looks a lot more expensive and high-end than it is, which is a huge plus!

The formula is very lightweight and comfortable to wear, but it didn't make my lips look any fuller. The lipstick feels very creamy and soft on the lips, and has a pleasant, sweet scent to it (which might be a downside if you prefer your makeup to be fragrance-free). The main thing I love about this lipstick is how buildable it is. You can easily apply just one thin layer for a casual look; or several to get a truly rich, vibrant colour. The satin finish strikes a good balance between matte and shiny - it gives a good amount of natural sheen without being too glossy. My only reservation is that it does feel quite drying on the lips, especially after a few hours of wear. I'm not sure whether this is due to the current time of year, when my lips are constantly dry because of the low temperatures. Either way, I was hoping that this lipstick would be more hydrating, especially considering the quality ingredients, such as shea butter and vitamin E. 

I was pleasantly surprised with how pigmented these lipsticks really are. Despite the limited shade range, the existing colours are very saturated and intense, and will compliment any skintone. 
(left) Perfect Day - a very casual, soft red with pink undertones; it actually looks quite nude when applied.
(right) Mantrap - a very juicy, vibrant red. 

Overall, I think that Sexy Mother Pucker is a decent, budget-friendly lipstick, which offers brilliant pigmentation and a smooth, satin finish. It's lightweight and long-lasting (about four to five hours of wear), but don't expect miracles in terms of making your lips look fuller. My only other reservation is that it does dry out the lips after a few hours of wear, so make sure you apply some lip balm first. Overall, I'd give this lipstick 6/10. It didn't wow me, but it's suitable for casual wear, and I'd be curious to try out more shades from the range.

Have you tried the Sexy Mother Pucker satin lipstick by Soap & Glory? What drugstore lipsticks would you recommend?

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Top high-end perfumes that are actually worth their price

Hey lovelies! It feels like the Christmas season starts earlier every year, doesn't it? We're still in November and people are already putting up their Christmas decorations; Christmas trees and advent calendars have been on sale since September... Some of you may already be thinking about gift ideas, and perfumes are always a popular choice for Christmas. Fragrances make wonderful gifts, but they also tend to be quite expensive. There is nothing worse than spending a ton of money on a high-end perfume that ends up being a disappointment. This inspired the idea for today's post, which is a short guide to expensive fragrances that, in my opinion, are definitely worth their price tag. I've also been working on an extensive Christmas perfume guide, which I'll be sharing with you all next week!

Chanel Chance (eau de toilette; £55 for 50ml, Boots)
It was difficult to pick just one Chanel fragrance for this list, as in my opinion, most of them deserve to be included. You really can't go wrong with Chanel - their scents are luxurious, sophisticated, and perfect as gifts. For me, Chance holds a lot of sentimental value (gifted to me by my boyfriend as a graduation present), and it really is a unique, beautiful fragrance. The scent combines notes of juicy pineapple, spicy pepper and earthy patchouli, and it will make you smell like a million dollars. If you are familiar with Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle - Chance is quite similar,  but more fruity and 'youthful'.

Try this if you like: Perfumes that are feminine, sophisticated and luxurious, such as Dior's Miss Dior Cherie, and Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle. This is a very 'safe' option if you're looking to purchase it as a gift - it's likable and easy to wear,  plus who wouldn't be happy with a Chanel perfume?

Dior J'Adore L'Absolu (eau de parfum, £83 for 75ml, John Lewis)
Some of you may be familiar with the original J'Adore, which is one of Dior's best-selling perfumes. L'Absolu is a heavier, more luxurious version; which smells just like a big bouquet of fresh, white flowers. The scent combines exotic notes of jasmine, ylang-ylang and tuberose, with a slight hint of woods and dried fruits. It's a lot more mature and elegant than the original J'Adore, and perhaps more suitable for special occasions rather than casual wear. The bottle is gorgeous and expensive-looking, making it a wonderful Christmas gift idea.

Try this if you like: Feminine, luxurious scents that will get you noticed, such Chanel No. 5 and Cinema by Yves Saint Laurent. J'Adore L'Absolu would be a wonderful Christmas gift for someone a little more mature - if you're looking to buy a perfume for your Mum or Auntie, this one would be a brilliant choice!

Dolce & Gabbana The One (eau de parfum, £63 for 50ml, Boots)
Dolce & Gabbana offer some beautiful scents, and it was difficult to pick just one to include in this list. I think The One is more suitable for colder months, and it's a wonderful choice if you're looking to purchase it as a Christmas gift. The scent combines notes of juicy peach, sweet vanilla and balsamic amber, with a hint of white flowers. It smells incredibly sensual and luxurious, but there is also something very 'comforting' about it. I think it's a little more approachable and casual than other perfumes on this list, making it a great everyday perfume.

Try this if you like: Perfumes that are elegant, feminine and sensual, but still appropriate for casual wear. If you like caramel-based scents such as Viva La Juicy by Juicy Couture, or BonBon by Viktor & Rolf, you will love The One - it's like a more grown up, sophisticated version.

Marc Jacobs Oh Lola! (eau de parfum, £65 for 100ml, Debenhams)
I think that most of the Marc Jacobs fragrances deserve to be on this list. His bottle designs are always eye-catching and unique, and therefore perfect as gifts. Whilst most of the perfumes on this list are luxurious and sophisticated, Oh Lola! is quite casual, fun and uplifting. The fragrance combines notes of juicy strawberry, pear and peonies, which keep it smelling fresh and youthful. Every time I wear this, it puts a smile on my face and makes me feel feminine and happy! The bottle is gorgeous and matches the scent perfectly - it's girly, fun and really adorable.

Try this if you like: Fruity scents that are feminine, happy and youthful, such as Nina Ricci's Nina, or any other Marc Jacobs fragrances. I think Oh Lola! would be a wonderful Christmas gift for a younger girl, plus the bottle is gorgeous and would make a lovely decoration!

Armani Si (eau de parfum, £47 for 30ml, Boots)
Si is a perfect scent for colder months - it's warm and comforting, with notes of smooth vanilla and fresh blackcurrant leaves. I honestly think this is one of those perfumes that's almost impossible not to like. It's luxurious, elegant and feminine; but also very soft and approachable. There is also something a little tropical about it - whilst not included in the official notes, I can definitely smell a bit of passion fruit and mango, which give the scent a lovely, exotic feel. If you are familiar with Lancome's La Vie Est Belle - Si is quite similar, but softer and a little more elegant. 

Try this if  you like: Perfumes that are sweet, elegant and feminine, such as Dolce & Gabbana's Pour Femme, or Lancome's La Vie Est Belle. This is a great choice if you're looking to purchase it as a gift - this fragrance would suit just about anyone! 

Cartier La Panthere (eau de parfum, £51 for 30ml, Debenhams)
This perfume is actually a modern interpretation of the original Panthere fragrance released in 1986. It's bold, sophisticated and lady-like, and it smells very 'vintage'. The scent combines notes of dried fruits, powdery gardenia and fresh oakmoss. It's mature and elegant, with a very 'classic' feel to it. It's definitely not something you'd wear on a daily basis, but it's perfect for special occasions, and will make you smell like a million dollars. The quality of this scent is top-notch - it smells incredibly expensive and luxurious, truly upholding the elegant image of the Cartier label. 

Try this if you like: Mature, sophisticated fragrances that aren't sweet, such as Guerlain's Shalimar or Chanel's Coco Noir. If you're looking to buy a fragrance for your Mum, La Panthere would be a perfect choice! 

What are your favourite high-end perfumes? 

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Healthy eating - peppery egg salad with Florette

Hello lovelies! Today, I'd like to introduce a new series to my blog, which focuses on healthy eating and some of my favourite recipes. For the past couple of weeks I've been trying to improve my diet by cutting out all the junk food, and keeping track of the calories. It's been both challenging and rewarding so far - I've been feeling healthier and more energetic, but I sure miss Pizza Hut, haha! When Florette contacted me about doing a blog collab, I thought it would be a great opportunity to share one of my favourite, go-to salad recipes.You can check out Florette's website here - they offer a wide range of healthy, pre-packed salads and lots of interesting recipes (such as this stilton, pear and walnut salad, or this delicious warming watercress soup which I'll be trying out later this week!).

Peppery salad with eggs and mozzarella 
Personally, I enjoy recipes that are simple, quick, and don't require a lot of expensive ingredients. This salad ticks all the boxes - it's healthy, filling, delicious, and you can prepare  it using simple ingredients (most of which you may already have at home).

Ingredients (serves one):
Florette's Peppery Rocket salad
2 regular tomatoes
2 medium eggs
50g runner beans
Mozzarella (this is completely optional, I don't always go for it)
Seasoning of your choice (e.g. paprika)

Preparation time: 15-20 minutes
Calories: 260 kcal, 200 kcal without the mozzarella

I start off by boiling the eggs - a popular trick is to add a teaspoon of vinegar to the water, which helps keep the egg whites from running out (in case the eggs crack during cooking). I also steam the runner beans for about 10-12 minutes, until they are tender but still crisp. The eggs and beans are the 'meat' of this salad - they're both a great source of high quality protein, which will make you feel fuller for longer.

I then lay out Florette's salad leaves evenly across the plate, and combine them with the steamed runner beans, eggs (peeled and sliced in half), and tomatoes (cut into quarters). Since eggs can be a little bland in taste, I like to season them with a bit of paprika for extra flavour (which is a good alternative to salt). You can also top the salad with a little bit of fresh mozzarella cheese, although this step is completely optional. Whilst high in calories, mozzarella is a surprisingly good source of vitamin B6 and calcium. You can opt in for a different type of cheese if you like - this salad works just as well with feta or halloumi cheese.

And that's about it! As you can see, this salad is very quick and easy to prepare. What are your favourite go-to salad recipes?

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The Balm Autobalm California - review + swatches!

Hey beauties! Today I'm really excited to talk to you about this lovely face palette by The Balm, Autobalm in California (£16.49, Superdrug). The Balm is one of my all-time favourite makeup brands - their products are innovative, high-quality and always come in eye-catching, retro-style packaging. Autobalm is a four-piece face palette which includes a blush, two eyeshadows and a highlighter. You can find it in two versions - Hawaii (which features slightly cooler shades and a bright pink blush) and California. I decided to go for the latter, as I felt that the warm shades would be more suitable for my skintone. 

The packaging is absolutely gorgeous - designed to resemble a driving license; it has a retro, vintage feel, typical for The Balm products. It's very compact and easily portable, which makes it a perfect palette for travel and makeup 'on the go'. The palette includes a sizable mirror, but no brushes or applicators. This is standard fare for The Balm who often include large mirrors with their products. The lack of applicators may be disappointing for some, especially if you're just getting started with makeup and want an all-in-one palette.

Blush: This blush is a lovely warm coral with pink undertones. Despite being quite heavily pigmented, it looks subtle and natural when applied. It has a tiny bit of shimmer to it, which gives the skin a nice, healthy glow. It's supposed to be used as an eyeshadow as well as a blush, although personally I don't think that this colour would work too well on eyelids.

Highlighter: This is a pale beige, shimmery highlighter which actually works really well as an eyeshadow. As a highlighter, it's quite subtle when applied, but it still gives that desired 'glowing' effect.

Brow/crease: This is a fairly standard matte brown shade, which is perfect for casual, everyday makeup. You can also use it to fill in your eyebrows, although my brows are a little too dark and this didn't give them much definition. 

Lid/liner: This dark brown shade is perfect as an eyeliner, but you can also use it as an eyeshadow to create a casual smokey eye. The gold shimmer may be a little much for some, but honestly, it looks quite subtle when applied. 

Other products I used to complete this look: Max Factor Liquid Illusion foundation in 'Warm Almond'; Soap & Glory 'One Heck of a Blot' translucent powder; Dior Addict lipstick in 578, Chanel 'Le Volume de Chanel' mascara. 

Overall, I'd give this palette 8/10. I think that Autobalm California is a gorgeous face palette, perfect for anyone who enjoys more natural, minimal kind of makeup. If you don't wear a lot of makeup, and only want a couple of basic eyeshadows and a natural-looking blush, Autobalm will be a great option for you. The same goes to anyone who is just getting started with makeup - the shades in this palette are natural and easy to work with, allowing you to create a fresh, everyday look.

Have you tried Autobalm California? What is your favourite face palette? 

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Thank you + some bloggers to follow!

Hey beauties! I've started Shoes and Glitter a little over two months ago, and it's been a wonderful journey so far - I think I've finally found something that I truly enjoy doing, and that makes me feel happy and fulfilled. I know I'm not exactly a beauty expert, or professional makeup artist; but sharing these posts and engaging with you all has been an amazing experience. I still consider myself very new to the blogging scene, but in those few months I've been lucky enough to meet so many kind and supportive people. I know that we only keep in touch via comments, but your input and thoughts motivate me to keep this blog going, and I've really enjoyed talking with you all!

Today's post is a thank you to everyone that reads my blog, and a shout-out to some of my favourite bloggers - please, do check them out! All of these ladies are fantastic bloggers, with creative and versatile content that's really worth a read. :) Of course, I can't tag all of the amazing blogs I've come across in this time; but here are a few of the standouts. Thank you lovelies for always stopping by to read my blog, and taking the time to share your thoughts -  it really means the world to me! 

Jalisa at The Style Contour

This girl really knows how to dress! There are so many talented fashion bloggers out there who I truly admire; but her blog is the one that I keep going back to time and again. Jalisa's style is bold, colourful and very inspirational. It always amazes me how she manages to combine such vibrant clothing pieces into something that looks effortlessly stunning. She really knows how to play with colours, and always picks the most flattering accessories! 

Gemma at Jacquard Flower

Gemma's style is something that I can truly relate to - her choice of clothing is always in-line with my own, personal fashion taste. I love being able to look at a fashion post and say 'Wow, I could actually wear this!'. Gemma's outfits are always very well thought-out - classy, sophisticated; but still casual and wearable. She also writes occasional food and beauty posts, which are always a great read!

Samantha at My Beauty Cloud

Samantha is a fabulous beauty blogger who writes incredibly engaging, in-depth reviews. Her makeup/beauty preferences are similar to my own, which makes her blog my go-to place for new ideas and products to try (not that I need my Christmas wishlist to be any longer than it already is!). Her posts on Korean beauty products are particularly interesting - make sure you check out her guide to Korean makeup, it's a fun and very helpful read! 

Arwa at Creme Rose

There are so many wonderful food bloggers out there, but Arwa's blog is the one I find myself going back to time and again. She shares some amazing, creative recipes with a focus on Middle-eastern cooking (including her own family recipes). Her recipes are also really quick and easy to prepare, which is great for cooking amateurs such as myself! Arwa's recently started a fashion series on her blog, and so far it's been absolutely fabulous, so make sure to check it out!

Hannah at Floraful

Hannah is an incredibly versatile blogger, who writes about a variety of topics including beauty, fashion, travel and lifestyle. I always admire bloggers who can talk about so many diverse topics, and do such a brilliant job at it! Hannah's travel posts are particularly interesting (make sure you check out her guide to her home city, Sacramento - it's a fab read!) - her writing is incredibly engaging, and she always includes the most beautiful photos.  

Sitha at Lemme Swatch It!

Being a beauty blogger myself, it is no surprise that beauty and makeup blogs are my favourite kind to read. Sitha's reviews are incredibly detailed, engaging and well written (she always includes amazing swatches as well). Her passion for makeup really shines through her posts, which makes her reviews a joy to read! She recently did a little copper smokey eye makeup tutorial which was absolutely fabulous - hope to see more posts like this, girl! 

Anne at Linda, Libra, Loca

I absolutely love Anne's beauty reviews - they're honest, in-depth and always feature high quality swatches. She always tests the products thoroughly before reviewing them, and talks about them in as much detail as possible. Aside from beauty, Anne also writes some amazing posts about travel and lifestyle. Her 'Inspired By' series is particularly interesting (she re-creates makeup looks as seen in ads, using her own products), so be sure to check it out! 

Nadia at Miel and Mint

Nadia is an engaging, talented writer with an inspiring outlook on life. Her lifestyle posts are always motivating and full of positive energy! Although she's a relatively new blogger, she already has a pretty big following which speaks volumes about the quality of her work, and the way she engages with her readers. Make sure you check out her 'favourite places in New York' series (part I and part II) - it's a very interesting read with some stunning photos!

Honestly, this list could go on and on! There are many more bloggers that I wanted to include, but there's only so much I can say in one little post. I'd definitely like to do more posts like this in the future, though, so let me know if you guys enjoy them. I'd also really appreciate any other input you may have on my blog - what do you like about it? Is there anything I could improve? What sort of posts would you like to see the most? Thank you again, lovelies! 

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Rimmel Super Curler 24hr mascara review + see it in action!

My personal search for the perfect mascara ended a while back, when I discovered Chanel's Le Volume De Chanel (I do keep going on about this one, I know... Would anyone be interested in a proper review?). That being said, I still enjoy trying out new mascara launches from time to time. This Super Curler by Rimmel caught my eye when I was picking up some new products to review in Boots, and that's not only because of the vibrant packaging. A volumising mascara that's also a lash curler? That sounded a little too good to be true; and for £6.99, I just had to give it a try!

With this mascara, Rimmel promises an instant 90-degree curl which holds for 24 hours, as well as great volume to your lashes. The formula is supposed to work as a two-in-one eyelash curler and mascara, which pushes up your lashes to a curve that lasts all day. That's quite a bold claim, if you ask me; especially considering that so many of those 'curling' mascaras don't often live up to the expectations (in my experience, anyway). I do think that Rimmel offers  some of the better drugstore mascaras out there, though, so I was excited to see the results!

First of all, the brush is easily the best thing about this mascara. It's very large and easy to work with; designed to match the shape of your eyes. This allows for a quick and easy application on both top and bottom lashes. 

The formula turned out to be slightly less volumising than I'd hoped; but I was impressed with how well it curled my lashes. The brush catches even the tiniest eyelashes and really lifts them up, just like a real curler would do. Even after applying three layers, I didn't get as much dramatic volume as I wanted. This was a bit of a disappointment for me, but it might be a good thing if you're after a more casual look. The effect this mascara gives is quite natural, delicate and romantic, with a beautiful curl that really lasts all day. 

I decided to experiment a little, and combined the Super Curler with my Chanel Le Volume mascara. As you can see, the end result was quite impressive! Super Curler doesn't become clumpy even after applying a few layers, which makes it great for combining with other mascaras. If, like myself, you want both sexy curls and dramatic volume, I'd suggest you try layering this with your favourite thickening mascara.

Pros:
+ large brush that's easy to work with
+ gives your lashes a long-lasting curl
+ doesn't become clumpy, great for layering with other mascaras
+ affordable price

Cons:
- doesn't give as much volume as expected

Overall, I'd give this Super Curler 7.5/10. Whilst it doesn't give as much volume as I'd like, it is definitely the most effective curling mascara I've ever tried. 

Have you tried the Super Curler mascara by Rimmel? What is your favourite mascara? :) 

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L'Oreal Color Riche La Palette eyeshadow palette in Rose - review and swatches

Hey lovelies! I hope you are all having a wonderful week so far. Today, I am really excited to talk to you about the Color Riche La Palette eyeshadow palette by L’Oreal (£14.99, Boots). This is a budget-friendly, drugstore alternative to the high-end nude palettes; such as Naked by Urban Decay. It comes in a few versions, including ‘Nude Beige’, ‘Smoky Black’ and ‘Nude Rose’. I will be reviewing the ‘Nude Rose’ edition, which contains some interesting shades similar to those in the Naked 3 palette by Urban Decay. L’Oreal describes La Palette as a ‘unique selection of light, dusky pinks and smoky purples’, but there are some soft greys and browns in here, also. Basically, this palette promises to provide everything you’d need to create a perfect, nude makeup look. 

I have to say that I absolutely adore the packaging. It’s sleek, elegant and sturdy; easy to carry around and therefore perfect for travel. It definitely looks a lot more expensive and high-end than it is! The palette also contains a sizable mirror, and a decent brush to help you apply and blend the eyeshadows. 

La Palette includes a total of ten eyeshadows – four matte, and six shimmery ones. The shades range from light pinks with peachy undertones, to darker mauves and greys. I was expecting there to be more of a ‘pink’ theme to this palette (since it's named ‘Rose’); but the colours look gorgeous nonetheless.

Here are the eyeshadows in a little more detail. The shimmery shades caught my eye from the start - they look incredibly attractive and high-quality, at least in the packaging. The mattes seem a little more soft and neutral, mostly with mauve undertones. Overall, it is a lovely, versatile selection of nude shades. 

Unfortunately, the shades turned out to be slightly less pigmented than I’d hoped. The mattes especially appear a little bland and underwhelming when swatched - I had to apply about four layers just to make them visible enough for the photos. This may not be a bad thing if you want your makeup to be quite minimal and neutral, but I was definitely hoping for something more intense. On the other hand, the six shimmery shades are very impressive – although not as pigmented as the Naked eyeshadows; they are still creamy, soft, and have a lovely finish. My two favourite shades are the deep aubergine (far right, second photo), and the nude peach (second one on the left, first photo).

Verdict: Overall, I'd say that La Palette Nude Rose is worth the purchase, especially if you're looking for a nice set of shimmery eyeshadows. They are creamy, blendable, and easy to work with. Unfortunately, the four matte shades leave a lot to be desired in terms of pigmentation, and are very difficult to apply evenly. The staying power of these eyeshadows is decent for a drugstore brand - they don't crease or smudge, and last for about five to six hours. All things considered, I'd give this palette 6/10. Admittedly, it is not as good as high end palettes such as Naked by Urban Decay, or Big Beautiful Eyes by Benefit. However, as far as drugstore alternatives go, I think that La Palette is still worth checking out.

Have you tried the Color Riche La Palette? What is your favourite drugstore eyeshadow palette? x 

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