Halloween is right around the corner and to be honest I’m far too excited for a woman in her 30’s.
One of my favourite things since I started my Instagram and blog has been discovering the outstanding Halloween collections that brands grace us with year after year.
I swear they’re becoming more and more bold (which I’m all for!) and although not necessarily frightening they really do strike the perfect balance between childhood nostalgia and a love of all things spooky.
I’ve rounded up some of my favourites to give you all of Halloween feels in preparation for the big day (or night).
On your wedding day, you should look like yourself at your most beautiful.
Bobbi Brown
Future brides and beauty fanatics come at me!
Have you heard of The Bridal Beauty Festival? If you’ve followed me for a while then you’ll know they were a recent discovery for me but boy was I excited.
Having initially thrown caution to the wind and ordered The Honeymoon Edit (which I reviewed HERE) a collection of beauty essentials designed to make you really feel pampered beyond belief before, during and after your wedding day, deciding to attend The Bridal Beauty Festival was a no brainer!
With two sessions (morning or afternoon) to choose from, brands galore and the most INSANE goodie bag (which I’ll be posting about over on my Instagram tomorrow) it surpassed even my wildest dreams.
Ticket prices varied depending on if you decided to go VIP or not (but with a goodie bag worth £150 up for grabs with the purchase of a VIP ticket how could you not? I was also kindly given 50% off so if I hadn’t made up my mind before that well and truly did it).
Taking place at none other than The Dorchester Hotel it really was luxury vibes all round.
Like…come on!!!
The decor was something spectacular, the amount of effort that went into creating an atmosphere that was so breathtakingly beautiful (ethereal even!) is something I don’t think I’ll ever get over.
Every single person I was lucky enough to talk to was so helpful. Offering advice and ideas for my own big day. I dragged my sister along with me (who fell in love just as hard as I did!) and it was the ideal outing for us as a pair…which brings me on to my next point!
The Bridal Beauty Festival will be back! I don’t know the specifics yet but I’ll be sure to keep you all updated when I do.
Not only were you given the freedom to explore the festival at your own pace you could also grab yourself a seat and take in not one but four separate masterclasses/demonstrations from various brands.
From Charlotte Tilbury and Sunday Riley to Face Gym and Benefit there really was something for everyone.
My favourite being one held by the amazing Amanda Bell on behalf of Pixi Beauty (and you know how I feel about them!) to create this stunning bridal look that really is the embodiment of looking yourself but better.
As a content creator/blogger it was incredibly important to me to use this opportunity as a chance to connect personally with brands on a separate level too and one I had the pleasure of doing that with was Lipcote (who I have adored for over half my life, did you know that they have been up and running for 70 years now?!).
They absolutely made my day. Stopping to chat and discuss the brand without making me feel like I was a burden.
That to me is a sign of a brand who understands and values their customers and it was so refreshing to see.
Did someone say coffee?
It was the perfect way to celebrate finally booking my wedding. The ultimate indulgence in all things bridal and beauty with the perfect mix of businesses and brands to really help you on your way to feeling your best on your big day. I wish I could relive it all again.
As an oily gal (have I mentioned that before?) you’ll know I’ve always struggled with balance between giving my skin what it needs and over saturating the bloody thing.
As ever its a work in progress but if you want to read all about how I added some much need hydration to my skincare routine in seven days then stick around kids!
I love how creamy it felt on the skin. It also dried down very quickly to a demi matte finish which was perfect for using as a base under my makeup. great for layering!
The product was plentiful whilst the packaging was compactand not at all bulky so perfect for travelling.
I’m (mostly) about beauty on a budget. Adulting is expensive and I don’t have the cash to splash about on pricey brands so much anymore and I know that’s a common theme really.
Do you know what really makes my day though?
Finding drugstore priced products that deserve to be praised just as much as their luxury counterparts.
Below I’ve put together a little list of my everyday favs, let me know if you’ve tried any!
I love to support indie brands so now seems like the perfect opportunity to talk about CB. Headed by the ultimate beauty babe Marissa Carter it’s one not to miss. The Word of Mouth lipsticks are creamy, ultra pigmented and long lasting. What more could you want?
Imagine chilling beside the pool, drink in your hand just living your best life. THATS exactly the kind of vibe PF is giving me.
Hayley over at Just My Look told me that I would love the foundation in particular. Do you know what? She were so right! It has the most beautiful finish and allows for layering your products so perfectly.
Would 100% recommend to absolutely everyone. It’s an incredible versatile base for use all year round.
I really am still stunned by just how incredible this product is. For someone with brows that continue to piss me right off on a daily basis please take it from me when I say you need this!
It’s a one shade fits all type of deal (doesn’t discriminate and that’s a vibe I can absolutely fall in love with!) as well as being super long lasting and flattering as hell.
I’m slowly training my hair and scalp to go longer in between washes without feeling lank/greasy and whilst it’s a process I can see the difference already. I’m now getting a whole extra day of fresh, luscious hair and I am so living for it.
This beauty shows instant results with its squeaky clean fresh finish and I wouldn’t be without it now.
Designed to target a number of skin concerns including acne, blemishes, pigmentation, scarring, fine lines and wrinkles it’ll fit in beautifully alongside your current skincare routine.
It’ll provide your skin with intense moisture and nourishment whilst maintaining a super lightweight, fast-absorbing and non-greasy texture.
Packed full of skin loving ingredients such as rosehip seed oil, ylang ylang, lavender frankincense, lemon, juniper berry, vitamin e, avocado kernal and jojoba for healthy, radiant, glowing skin all year round
I’m super oily so the sceptic in me tends to want to stay away from oil based products but this one just sucked me in and had me at first sight.
It smells incredible (imagine being pampered at a spa and feeling relaxed AF, that’s the scent I’m talking about) and has become the favourite part of my night time routine.
I can’t even explain how much my skin had benefited from having something so lovingly formulated within my arsenal.
For £29.99 you can pick up this absolute beaut in a bottle (and you won’t regret it!). If you’re still not completely sold then go with the sample size for £4.99 (and to me this shows confidence in their product, knowing you’ll be back to buy your full sized version after you’ve fallen in love).
Skincare is absolutely vital to me for two reasons.
The first being that as a beauty blogger I feel like having a good skincare regime really is the basis of an amazing makeup application. You can achieve incredible results with very affordable cosmetics when your skin is at its best and that comes down to knowing your skin, what to use and how to use it.
The second is very different but still equally important to me. I spent YEARS not even being able to leave the house to get milk without a full face of makeup. My confidence was on the floor and I didn’t know the meaning of self love. As I began to experiment with skincare I realised that I could look my most beautiful when fresh faced and happy.
Now my skincare collection has become just as important if not more so than my makeup collection and I love being able to discuss ingredients and different types of products. It gives me such a buzz to be able to pass on the tips and tricks that led to me feeling so content in my own skin.
The power of a good routine is so underrated and I truly believe it’s something we should know more about. Knowing that your skin changes from season to season and as you age could make such a huge difference to so many people.
Whilst I’m clearly not an expert I like to think I’ve picked up a few decent recommendations along the way. One of my favourite additions to date has to be the Pixi Beauty +C Vit Collection.
This Vitamin-C infused under eye perfector blurs and energises to give an instant awakening effect. Refreshing treatment in a tube brightens and restores vibrancy.
Inspired by nature, this Vitamin-C infused lip balm smooths with a hint of tint and shine.
If you’re after something that’ll leave you looking bright eyed and bushy tailed then this collection is the one.
I have three children so with that comes a lot of running around and when I’m not doing that I’m studying for a degree. I don’t sleep well and can never fully switch off. I need all the help I can get!
I love the fact you can wear alone for a really radiant, natural glow or under make up to really kick that ‘lit from within’ skin into gear.
I came across The Bridal Beauty Co via Spectrum Collections and I’m so glad I did. They put together the most beautiful collections of goodies and I’m utterly obsessed.
This one-off limited edition is worth over £150 and is jam-packed with travel-size and full-size products by award-winning and best-selling brands to take you straight from the big day, direct to your honeymoon adventures.
From Huda’s refining facial exfoliator, the must-have mineral SPF30 to protect, IPO’s mask to prep and nourish your skin after a day in the sun.
Plus, Charlotte Tilbury’s iconic Magic Day Cream and Huda’s famous Power Bullet Matte Lipstick will add glam to day and night. Not only this but you will receive beauty shots, beautiful makeup brushes and more…
The Bridal Beauty Festival is also this month in London and I’m so happy to say I’ll be attending and documenting it all!
I picked up ‘The Honeymoon Edit’ which costs just £35 and is worth over a whopping £150!
Inside you’ll find brands such as…
Huda Beauty
Spectrum Collections
Hawaiian Tropic
Beauty Works
Crabtree and Evelyn
Wishful
Charlotte Tilbury
…and more! the whole lot is presented in a staple clutch bag and would make the perfect gift to a newly engaged friend or family member (or yourself because you know, treats).
Whilst of course being extremely good value for money ‘The Honeymoon Edit’ is also a great way to try new brands or test out some higher end products that you might have been wary of investing in initially.
I already know The Bridal Beauty Co have collated a handful of other themed collections (that I obviously have my eye on because I clearly have no self control) and I have high hopes for them after being so impressed this time round!
As I mentioned previously I’ll be at The Bridal Beauty Festival this coming Sunday (and the VIP tickets come with a goodie bag worth £150!) so I’m sure I’ll have lots more to say next week!
Post contains gifted products. All views are my own.
If you’re anything like me then you find the idea of Christmas shopping with the masses all kinds of anxiety inducing. I thought now would be a great time to put together some blog posts designed to showcase what I think would make really great presents that take the stress out of gift giving!
Be the star of the show this party season with The Showtime Beauty Box. Packed full of all the makeup essentials you need to create show-stopping looks, this box is the gift that keeps on giving. With everything from eyeshadows, glitters, highlighters, and lipsticks, whether you’re heading to the Christmas party or adding some glam to NYE, you’ll have everything you need. The perfect gift for your BFF, significant other, or just for yourself, give the gift of iconic makeup looks this year.
Ofra Highlighter Mini Rodeo Drive, (Mini) – A universally flattering highlighter.
MUA Makeup Academy Intense Colour Lip Liner Diva, (Full size) – A deep burgundy lip liner.
Soda Beauty #wegotyoubabe Glitter Lip Gloss, (Full size) – A shimmering silver lip gloss.
BY BEAUTY BAY Matte Lipstick Juice, (Full size) – A bright orange-red lipstick.
wet n wild Lash Renegade Waterproof Mascara Brazen Black, (Full size) – A volumising, waterproof mascara.
By BEAUTY BAY 12 Piece Eye Brush Set, (Full-size) – A 12-piece eyeshadow brush set.
Brushworks Complexion Sponge Duo, (Full size) – A pair of complexion makeup sponges.
Each element works perfectly alongside each other to cream the perfect glam look thus festive season. However, I’m also looking forward to mix and matching things into with my usual routine to really take things to the next level.
I think this is honestly without doubt one of the best beauty boxes I have ever had the pleasure of trying. The mixture of brands and products is just stunning (there is also a less expensive skincare version I’m also coveting that you can check out HERE).
An amazing Coconut & Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner duo (that come in their brand new easy squeeze bottles for maximum efficiency) to give you that extra oomph during these dastardly colder months.
Plus the most gorgeous Argan Oil & Coconut Oil Hair Mask which is the absolute pièce de résistance.
And if you aren’t already convinced then let me tell you a little bit about your new favourite shampoo and conditioner!
They are both paraben-free and contain a healthy dose of nutrients such as provitamins B5 which is used to increase elasticity in the hair strands and absorb water content for added moisture.
Enriched with a gentle infusion of Coconut & Argan oils, the pair work to together to moisturise, support & strengthen hair follicles for thoroughly cleansed soft & shiny hair, packed with volume & bounce.
Give Me’s Hair Mask blends natural Argan Oil and Coconut Oil which will help you achieve that smooth & silky look/feel as well as improving the condition and elasticity of your hair.
If you follow me over on Instagram (HERE) then you’ll know I’m a bit of a palette hoarder…
I’ve rounded up my fav autumn/winter feels palette so if you’re struggling to narrow down your shopping basket this might give you a nudge in the right direction!
Celebrating spooky season all year round with this beaut! The grungy colour story of the Unicorn Cosmetics Wicked Palette still has me hooked all these months later.
Full of vampy glam goodness that’ll see you through a multitude of situations. I really can’t see it getting old. It’s also currently on sale for £24.99!
You can use code ‘THEBEAUTYBOO’ at checkout to save some £££.
The luxury finish of these rich shadows 100% justifies the £32.50 price tag, plus the packaging is lush and I’m not sure what else you can ask for really?
The warm tones of the Pantherine Palette give off utter autumnal dream vibes but also beautiful sunset feels so you’re pretty much covered all year round for £30!
The Spectrum Collections Pantherine Palette is a warm toned delight with (in my opinion) the perfect mix of matte and metallic shades. It’s also super pigmented and blends like a dream.
The dreamy colour story of the Rose Metal Palette will have you wishing every night was date night. Whilst definitely neutral for the most part it’s rosey tones really add that something special into the mix. Absolutely packed with pigment and the quality is second to none.
A colour story of two halves if ever there was one. Each element of the palette works so beautifully together for a truly unique experience but you really do feel like you’re getting an extra bang for your buck with so much choice and versatility.
This vegan & cruelty free beauty is just so magical with its pigmented mattes and stunning shimmers (or a cheeky duochrome with shade ‘Ray’ which really lifts the whole palette to another level).
Dreadfully Kelly 