CHiC NEW YEAR'S EVE NAiLS

New Year's Eve is another time of the year in which I go crazy about. This year however will be just quiet and simple. It will be just be Ryan and I. We want to start the year calmly as the Festive Season has been pretty manic. Whether you are going out or just staying in, I have a very simple New Year's Eve nails inspiration. My very first nail tutorial which is really pretty easy. I am quiet a novice when it comes to nail art so I always opt for simple ones.

SiMPLE NEW YEAR'S EVE DESSERT iDEA

I know that most of us are still in food coma and before we can recover, New Year's Eve is just a few days ahead. At the moment, I just want a break from the rich and decadent Christmas food. I just want something that is somewhat refreshing yet still worthy to be displayed on the table. Whilst on Pinterest, I saw several dessert ideas and what really caught my attention is the Cherries Dipped in White Chocolate. It is so easy to do yet looks so beautiful and remains festive. It can be used as a dessert alone or on top of your desserts. I would personally use it as nibbles whilst sipping champagne and waiting for the New Year.

HOW 'BOUT THEM APPLES?

As the cold weather is here, most days are grey and wet. Little perk me up always brighten up my day. You know, those beautiful things that makes the cold days more bearable. The Balm has some really good products and despite my issues with their packaging, you can't deny that the brand has some really good products.

15 FESTiVE FAVOURiTES TAG

The lovely Alina from Beauty with Charm tagged me to do the 15 Festive Favourites Tag. I rarely do tags but I think this one is too good to pass. I love anything to do with Christmas, this tag included, and I really enjoyed answering the 15 questions. I even answered the tag with Christmas songs playing on the background, thanks to Spotify. I know that it's a bit OTT but hey ho, it's Christmas.

WiNTER HEROES

The cold weather is turning freezing and everything seems dark and grey. Aside from being cold, wet, and miserable, we also suffer from dry skin, to dry hands, to lackluster face. I have compiled some products that I consider as winter saviours. These products helps me get through winter without my skin really suffering that bad and making cold days a bit brighter. Some winter saviours that puts a little ray of sunshine in the gloomy winter days.

BREAKFAST with a VIEW

Last week, Ryan and I took a visit to Duck and Waffles. The last time we've been was I think a year ago which seems like yesterday to be quiet honest. We always enjoy their breakfast and lunch. The view from Duck and Waffle is spectacular as it is located in the 40th floor of Heron Tower. During our latest visit, London decided to be foggy so the view is somewhat hidden by the thick fog.

MY TOP PiCKS FOR CHRiSTMAS BEAUTY RELEASES

Limited Edition releases, most especially during Christmas time, are I think the best releases in the entire year. It is also one of the most exciting times for beauty fanatics. With all the Limited Edition Christmas releases that I failed to avoid, I draw up a list of my top favourites. Choosing my top five is such a task as there are so many beautiful things to choose from.

DRUGSTORE GEMS #2

It's been quiet a long time since I posted about my first drugstore gems. This is the second round in which I will talk about the drugstore finds that are absolute gems. Some of them are long time favourites and some are new discoveries. I do not include products in which I did full reviews. So here are my latest drugstore gems.

SNOW iN HOGWARTS

Last weekend, Ryan surprised me by taking me to the Harry Potter Studio. I am one of the biggest Harry Potter fan since the first released of the film. I used to binged-read the Harry Potter books. I have also been dying to go to the studio but I just can't seem to find the time. Ryan, somehow, chose the best time to visit the studio. He knows I love Christmas so the festive ambience of the studio is another plus factor. This post will be photo-heavy, my apologies in advance but I hope you will enjoy.

OF LiPS and BOYS

I guess the news about Tom Ford Lip and Boy Collection almost broke the internet for the beauty fanatics. The collection consists of 50 limited edition miniature-sized lipsticks. The limited edition bit is the biggest covet-enducing words for me. The collection will launch on 25th of December but Selfridges had a one day pre-launched sale of the collection last December 1. I've got some shades from the collection although I would love to have some more.

ALL ABOUT THAT BLUSH

Make-Up Revolution has truly revolutionise the beauty world since their first appearance. I have some real favourites from the brand and blogged about products that I truly love. When I thought that they could not not surpass the goodness of their blush sticks, the brand brought something new again on the table. Can I just give a big kudos to the people behind Make-Up Revolution as you are real geniuses.

FESTiVE HOLiDAY NAiLS

So you must be gasping at all the Chirstmas-y post that is flooding your timeline nowadays and here I am to join the bandwagon. I am so sorry. I am a big fan of Christmas and it never fails to excite me. No matter how busy I am, I always try to be in a festive mood. Anyway, I shall stifle my long waffling about how much I love Christmas and let's get back to the point. I will be sharing with you today my top five red/berry/plummy festive nails. I think that red nails is most appropriate during this time of the year.

THE BUDGET GiFT GUiDE

It can be quiet tricky to find the perfect gift for our family and friends during this festive season. Gift giving, for me, is such a personalised experience. I always want that my gift is appropriate and somehow useable to the person who will receive the gift. I compiled a budget gift guide that hopefully will help you this Christmas season. All items are less than £15 and most are less than £10. We don't have to give expensive gifts. It's the thoughts that accounts, cliche as it may sound.

iNTRODUCiNG PUR MiNERALS

I don't know about you but to be honest, I have just recently heard about Pur Minerals. Because of that, I am not quiet sure if what my title will be appropriate or not. Upon research, Pur Minerals makes mineral make-ups. The brand develops make-up with a purpose as they develop make-ups with good for your skin ingredients. The brand also boasts as being cruelty-free and eco-friendly. What more can you ask for? I will be sharing with you my thoughts on some make-up items that I tried from the brand.

CHEEKY WiTH THE BALM

Since I used the Balm Mary-Lou Manizer, I became so obsessed with the brand. Of course the brand is more coveatable in the past as you cannot easily get hold of their products easily in the UK. Like thousands of make-up lovers, I am so glad that the tide has now change and the Balm's products are now easily available in our side of the planet. I will be sharing with you today my top picks from the brand's blushes plus a bit of something extra.

WHAT'S iN MY CLUTCH: PARTY EDiTiON

Today is the last day of November and December will be here tomorrow. Where has the year gone? I feel like everything went so fast this year. Is it good or is it bad? I really don't know. December marks all the festivities and is the busiest month of almost all human beings. Parties and dinners will be here, there, everywhere. I will be sharing with you today what I usually carry around with my clutch during all these festivities. Nothing really fancy but it is more on the practical side.

MY ANTi-BAD SKiN ARSENAL

During the time of the month when my hormones are rampant, bad skin days are to be expected. It is a vicious cycle and I want to scream with frustration at time. As time goes by and after so many trials, I manage to develop a small arsenal to combat pesky breakouts. These products have been successful in keeping breakouts at bay even at that time of the month. A small disclaimer as with all my previous skincare posts, this routine works for me but may not work for you. I believe that skincare is a very personalised routine and varies from person to person but I hope that the products that I will mention will be able to help especially if you are prone to breakouts. I have been using these products for quiet a long time so I can really say that it has been properly tried and tested.

THE RED LiP EDiT

There is something in a red lipstick that makes it so beautiful in the eyes. It is a classic look and never fails to impress make-up aficionados anytime of the year. The red lipstick is glamorous, feminine, and transcends all ages. As the Holiday is fast approaching and many of us will probably be rocking the red lips, I will show you my top choices for red lips from budget choices to high-end ones.

ZOEVA'S NEWEST OFFERiNG

If you have been reading my blog for a while now, you know how affectionate I am with Zoeva. Today, Zoeva releases three new offerrings. The Zoeva Mixed Metals Palette is one of the three. I know, another palette. But this palette has something special to it. Just by looking at the photos, you can see how good size the eyeshadows are. So today, I will be sharing with you my thoughts about the Zoeva Mixed Metals Palette.

THE WEEKENDER: GETTiNG COSY

As the cold weather is really here and our days are getting shorter, it is that time of the year that warm and cosy things are always welcome and much appreciated. So here's the list of things that are my favourite in warming myself sans the coffee and candles.

THE BUDGET LiP PENCiL

You might have heard by now about the Maybelline Colour Drama Lip Pencil. It has been making quiet a buzz in the beauty world. Many are claiming that it is the dupe of the Nars Satin and Matte Lip Pencils in which I totally adore. Perhaps some can relate to me that if a lip pencil will be as good as the Nars one for a fraction of the price, it does makes you excited.

YOUR NOT SO USUAL CHRiSTMAS CANDLE

I always associate Christmas with sweet, heady, and cosy scents. I must say that something must be wrong with me as as of the moment, I am not navigating to those scents yet. I always love my roasted chesnuts sort of candles but this year, I haven't purchased one. The boyfriend had however bought me a Jo Malone Pine & Eucalyptus Candle as he knows I really love candles. When I first saw it, I don't quiet know what to expect as I have never tried any scents of this sort.

THE WEEKENDER: MY WEEK iN PHOTOS

MUTED AUTUMNAL NAiLS

I love bold, dark hues that usually comes out during Autumn and Winter. As much as I love them, those shades are always not appropriate for me to use especially when I am at work. Whilst browsing through the recent A/W releases for nail polishes, I found some shades that are autumn perfect yet muted and daily-use friendly. Nothing beats a good neutral nail polish all year round.

THE DRY SKiN RESCUER

During cold months, my hydration game is always up. Despite drinking buckets of fluids, my skin always go crazy during autumn and winter. The harsh, cold wind and the heating at work leaves my skin really dry and at times flaky. Not a pretty sight I would say. I always carry a hydrating cream to top up during the day as twice is never enough. This year, I am looking for something that really nourished the skin without topping it up a few times during the day. The Aesop Resolute Hydrating Body Balm came at the most precise moment for me to try something new. Aesop as a brand really hasn't disappoint me yet so I really looking forward to try their new offering.

THE BUDGET PALETTE

I am 100% convinced that this year has been a year of palettes. Palettes are here, there, everywhere. Who am I to complain as I really love palettes. Palettes are very convenient and much more value for money. When I though that I had enough of palettes, there is always a new one that comes out of the market. The latest palette that I am overly obsessed is the budget friendly Loreal La Palette Nude.

THE WEEKENDER: DATE NiGHT

Last week, I had a few horrible days and the boyfriend decided to treat me for a meal over the weekend. We went to our favourite steakhouse and we had a lovely time like we always do. The steak is always rave-worthy. It makes my mouth water whenever I remember their steaks. I am a really big fan. I did a review of the place in which you can find here.

THE BEST CHRiSTMAS-Y SCENT

Every Holiday Season, I am always on the lookout for limited edition ranges. I am a massive fan of Christmas and I think that limited editions are the most beautiful during this time of the year. I am also a big fan of Christmas-y scents. I love roasted chesnuts and the whole Christmas fanfare. This year, I am most inlove with The Body Shop Glazed Apple Range.

HAND CARE

As Autumn is here and Winter is just around the corner, like most of the populace, my main concern is my skin's hydration. I have already talked about the body oil that is such a saviour for the cold months aside that it is also amazing. I will be sharing with you today my favourite hand creams. My hands are seriously dry during cold months so moisturising hand creams are must haves for me. I really don't want to sport a pair of parched, flaky and dry hands. I always carry one with me. I also have a special place for all my hand creams in my flat so that I always knew where to find it. Without mentioning it, I also have one in my bedside and plenty in my workplace. Quite obsess with hand creams I must say.

ONE YEAR BLOG GiVEAWAY

On the 1st of November last year, I put on all my courage and posted my first article on the blog. It seems crazy to think that a year has gone since I made a leap of faith. Big words but that is how I really felt at that time. I have no friends who are bloggers and I don't know anyone in the blogging community. Preparing a post and posting it online is very daunting. I had a lot of what ifs and I was most scared of is what if everyone will just hate what I posted. But starting a blog is by far the best decision I had made in 2013.

THE NEW IT PALETTE

As Christmas is looming over the corner, brands are bringing out their Holiday Collections. They surely know how to tug the strings at our hearts and the way to our pockets. I know I should be resisting another neutral eyeshadow palette but who can resist a good 10 wearable eye shadows palette with a promise of matte, satin, and pearl finishes. The possibility is endless. My excitement is really high with Clarins The Essentials Palette.

THE STARTER BUDGET SKiNCARE

Skincare, like I mentioned before, is the bane of this blog. I love my skincare but nobody seems to be interested about it based from my past skincare posts. However, I always love a good skincare routine. Today I will share with you a whole skincare routine, from cleansing to moisturising, that is affordable and won't break your bank balance. I think the total amount of all items only comes in an equivalent of one high-end serum. So I think that the whole routine really affordable.

NARS ViRTUAL DOMiNATiON PALETTE

When words about the Nars Virtual Domination Palette came out in the world wide web, I already know that I will be the first to put my name on the waiting list. Luckily, the palette is available to pre-order in the mothership Space NK. It is due to be released on the 1st of November but the stars have aligned and I received it last weekend. It's like Christmas came early for me.

THE WEEKENDER: CAMBRiDGE

I think Cambridge is at it's best during Autumn. It paints a very picturesque photo of the infamous city. Every now and then, I pop in to Cambridge simply because it's close to where I live. Not really that close but still relatively close. I like the laidback environment of the city and its unique vibe. I also love the fact that it is quite small despite it's a city. I can reach my favourite destinations by walking. Last weekend, Ryan and I decided to paid a visit to Cambridge. Whenever we visit the city, we always end up just sitting on our favourite spots in which we discovered along all our visits to the city. This post will be short and hopefully sweet with some photos tagged with it.

THE REVOLUTiON CONTiNUES

So I have professed my love for Make-up Revolution. I have a whole loads of lipsticks from the brand in which you can find here. If you still haven't heard of the brand (in which I really doubt) Make-Up Revolution is a new brand that just launch within this year. It offers very affordable products and some good dupes of high-end make-up cults. It becomes a very popular brand as aside from their great prices and beautiful products, their customer service is really commendable.

THE NEW REVOLUTiON

Last weekend, a Make-Up Revolution Parcel arrived at my doorstep. I am always curious and excited with parcels so I immediately opened it. Imagine my surprise when the contents are probably the dupe of the Nars Multiple. Have I got your attention now? Make-Up Revolution The One Blush Stick is here. Eight pieces of blushes in a stick with choices of matte or dewy finish.

THE WEEKENDER: BREAKFAST SiTUATiON

Weekend mornings are the only days in the week in where I could eat breakfast leisurely. My mornings and breakfast during weekdays are all in a rush and just seems a blur. Working girls out there can surely relate. In my case, it is always a choice of getting up early or sleeping extra minutes. The latter often wins thus the rushing and panicking on most mornings. Weekend on the other hand is a different case. I always try my best not to do anything early during weekends if I can help it. By doing this, I can prepare my breakfast as pretty and as long as I can. A disclaimer, no fancy thing going on in here as a I am a really boring individual.

AUTUMNAL NAiLS FROM CiATE

First and foremost, I am going to admit that I bought the Ciate Haute House Collection because it is package beautifully. It may sound very superficial but we should treat ourselves every now and then. Well that's my excuse most of the time. The Haute House is Ciate's fall edition for its seasonal house collection. It is inspired by luxurious lingerie label thus the name of the nail polishes are somewhat cheeky.

THE LOVELiEST BATH COMPANiON

You may have heard by now the customisable bath salts that The Bathory is offering. If you haven't, The Bathory offers three different types of bath salt mixes which are Bask, Soothe, and Detox. After choosing which one you prefer, you can then select the three oils depending on what you want to feel (ie relax, relived, happy, etc). The Bathory will then mix everything for you and deliver to your doorstep.

BUDGET BLUSHES

Aside from lip products, the make-up item that I tend to buy most is blushes. I love a good flush of colour in the cheeks. It makes me look more human than a zombie. I think that when I started collecting make-ups, I started first with blushes. Today, I will be sharing with you my favourite blushes from the drugstore. Yup, the drugstore has its own fair share of good blushers.

THE WEEKENDER: THE READiNG LiST

On most weekends, I try to squeeze in some time for me to read. I have not been doing so well with this the past few weeks as busy is an understatement on the last few weekends. This week, I will try my best to atleast finish one magazine as I have loads of it still waiting to be browsed and read. I am also hoping to finish the book that I am reading. I used to finish a book in 2-3 days time but nowadays, I am just slacking. I have a really good book and it's in my possession for more than two weeks. That is so unheard of before.

YET ANOTHER PALETTE TO LOVE

This year, I have accumulated make-up palettes more than I could imagine. I don't think I still have space left for anymore palettes but the Anna Sui Eye Color Palette is a beautiful surprise. Anna Sui is not a brand that you often go when you look to buy for cosmetics. Anna Sui is more famous in the Fashion world than the beauty world. However, Anna Sui recently is bringing some really good cosmetic ranges.

AUTUMNAL LiPS FROM NARS

I know that I have just recently posted about my favourite Autumnal lipsticks but Nars has released some new shades that I cannot really ignore. It released the Audicious range and some new Autumn shades for their Satin Lip Pencils. Those midnight browsing in Space NK is to be blame. I pick up some shades but there are two lovely shades that really standout from the rest. I can't choose between the two so I will feature both. Apologies for my indecisiveness.

THE WEEKENDER: STEAKS

Yesterday, Ryan and I had a meal to one of our favourite restaurant which is Miller and Carter. Since we discovered the place more than a year ago, we frequented the place. Miller and Carter is a steakhouse and it has some branches loitered around the country though there are not so many of them in which I think is a shame as the food is really good. My apologies in advance as my photos are quiet rubbish. I am still not that comfortable to take photos in public.

THE BODY OiL THAT YOU NEED FOR AUTUMN

As the Autumn making its way to us, the thoughts of drier skin also comes into my mind always. No matter how much I love Autumn, my skin thinks otherwise. I think the transition makes my skin mental. On colder months, my moisturising game is always up. No one wants to have dry, dehydrated skin. As much as I love body creams and lotions, my skin loves body oils above them all. The Roger and Gallet Fleur de Figuire Ultra Nourishing Oil is my top favourite at the moment.

CLARiNS TRUE RADiANCE FOUNDATiON

When the Clarins True Radiance Foundation landed on my doorstep, I was very excited to try it. The promise of a dewy finish is a bait that always catch my attention. During the hot weather, I don't usually wear foundations. But as the days are getting colder, foundations are having a comeback in my life. I am also quiet picky with my foundation and I only have a few favourites. I don't even keep the foundation tha I don't like. Trialling the Clarins one is quiet tricky as I am quiet happy with my current favourites. However, the claim that the True Radiance Foundation is a cocktail of both skincare and make-up benefits makes me want to try it immediately.

CHEATiNG YOUR WAY TO A GLOWY SKiN

As Autumn is fastly approaching and Winter not far behind, my skin is starting to loose its luster and freshness. All year round, I like to have a dewy, glowy finish to my skin. During colder months it is such a pain to achieve that look as my skin just needs perking up. I, however, found some ways to achieve a glowy complexion by discovering some products in which I will share with you today. The main goal is dewy skin without looking sweaty.

THE WEEKENDER: A LAZY ONE

It has been ages since I last posted about my weekend. Nothing really interesting happens on most of my weekend. I mostly have a routine on weekends. Visiting our new baby, working out, the usual Sunday dinner, shopping, etc. Sometimes I end up more tired after the weekend as my errand list is endless. However, last weekend, Ryan and I decided to just take everything slow. No lunches or going out with other people except ourselves and almost no errand. It was actually pretty relaxing and what I really need as I am always in the brink of burnt-out.

PEACHY CHEEKS

I am a big fan of blushes and my collection is quiet a good size despite downsizing it last spring. One thing that I notice though is that most of my blushes are more into the peachy side. I just thinks that peach blushes just compliments my skintone and gives the right amount of flush that I needed. I think I have tried a fair share of peach blushes and I will be sharing with you my favourites.

BERRY BEAUTiFUL

It is almost the time of the year again where most of us can indulge ourselves to paint our puckers with our berry and plum lipsticks. My berry and plum shades lipsticks always have a special portion in my make-up stash. It takes the front show the same time that I started to wear knitwears again. I will be sharing with you my favourite plum berry shades lipsticks.