Christmas Haul

So today is the last day of the year, and I have to say this has been one of the worst, best, and definitely interesting years of my life. I would've never expected it to turn out the brilliant way it has, but I can honestly say I've enjoyed every minute of it!

To end the year with a blog post, I've decided to show off a couple of things I've gotten over the festive period. Santy brought some of them to me, some of them I got from my friends and family, and some of them I bought myself during the sales.

My best friend Ava got this for me as a Christmas gift. The cupcake calendar is so adorable!!

I snapped this up for myself in the St Stephen's day sales. I got it in River Island, it's one of the pieces from their Chelsea Girl range. It's unbelievably beautiful, with lace and polka dot detail, and 3/4 sleeves with  shoulders and sleeves with ruffled stitching. Having cost 33 euro before the sales and only 12 during them, it's a bargain too!

I've been wanting these type of 'lazy day' sweatshirts for a long time, but I'm glad I didn't buy one until I walked into Exhibit in Sligo. I love the Alexander McQueen gold skull detail, and only cost 13 euro, and it's definitely something I'll wear over and over.

These were brought by Santy himself. I've been wanting Vans for a long time, but I couldn't resist these floral ones. They're really comfy to wear, have secure stitching and rake in millions of compliments. 

Coldplay's Mylo Xyloto is a CD that gets me through a rainy day, and with so many brilliant tracks on it, it's definately an essential.

This is the tiny make up haul I treated myself to just the other day. 

Essence Quattro eyeshadows- 05 to die for

Essence clear+matt foundation- 02 honey

Essence Coverstick- 03 matt honey

Rimmel Kate Moss lipstick- 05

I'd like to thank you for reading my blog, and wish you a very happy 2013!!

Gaby x

Carry On :)

Happy Holidays! (sorry about the crappy-looking  me in it, I cannot pose properly for a pretty photo :(

Over Christmas, after many heels have left our feet sore and wrapping paper is everywhere, we probably will be left full of turkey and pud, sprawled out on the couch, unable to move, stuffing our faces with selection boxes and watching Christmas movies until well after New Years.

However, all that partying, in nightclubs or at home, might have left us full of regrets and in a bad mood. Or maybe we cant spend Christmas with the person we want to be with because of loads of different reasons.
Whatever the reason is, not everyone will enjoy this Christmas and call it 'shamazeing'. And if you're one of these people, I have some advice for you and God knows I'm only 14, but I've had bad nights out and in, and I know exactly how you feel.

Don't over think the event or whatever it is after its finished, as this will only trigger off depression. Thinking about something that happened which upset you will only create a harsher image of what really happened. Take your mind off things and try to stay as positive as possible.

No matter how hard life gets, you've got to always see how beautiful it is, pick out the good things, not the bad things, and obsess over the positives.

Oh, and listen to Coldplay's Paradise.

And of course smile :)

Gaby x

2012 Favourites

2012 is nearly over, and so I decided to write a blog post about my favourite beauty products I've purchased this year. They're all quite cheap, and are definitely my new essentials!

Batiste XXL Volume Dry Shampoo
I've been using Batise for a couple of years now, but I've nearly always opted for the floral travel size version. I've tried even the more adventurous and exciting editions, like the Batiste powder for emergencies and silver shimmer for nights out but over a continuous chain of disasters I decided to stick with the floral and flirty version. Until I dared to get this that is! Spray it on, massage to distribute evenly and suddenly you've got oddles and oddles of big hair, no backcombing needed. I use it for messy buns as it makes them stay secure and even more messy.

L'oreal Extraordinary Oil
This was only released earlier in the year, and there's a version for coloured hair too. It's very oily so I use one drop instead of the recommended two as I don't want to overload my hair and make it look greasy. However, it's a brilliant product, giving loads of shine and taming dry ends, so it works wonders for me. It works best applied on dry hair, and as only one drop can go a long way, it is sure to last ages.

Nivea Vitamin Shake Cranberry+Raspberry Lip Balm
I got this from a friend who had visited Beiresdorf, but unfortunately I've never seen it here as I would love to get it again. It's my new favourite lipbalm, with gorgeous packaging, a gorgeous scent and a gorgeous feel on the lips. Its really moisturizing and I use it as a base for lipsticks, or on its own.

Essence Raspberry+Chocolate Cookie Hand Cream
The scent and richness of this handcream is probably why I love it so much. It isn't too sweet or too runny, spreads over hands easily and absorbs quickly, but doesn't have a brilliant lasting power, but seeing as it's so cheap its something that can be overlooked.

Essence Soft&Natural Foundation shade 02 Sand Beige
I've never received so much praise as to how clear my skin is whilst wearing this foundation. It's really easy to apply and only requires a tiny amount. Lasting the whole day, it doesn't get into creases and is invisible once applied. It also acts as a good concealer and hides spots and blemishes well. As it is an Essence product, its a total bargain and is super affordable!

L'oreal Elvital Volume shampoo+spray
As you can probably now tell, I use quite a lot of volume products since I love my hair big and bouncy. These are from the Loreal Elvital (not Elvive!) range which I purchased in Lithuania, so I highly doubt they're available here or the UK. The shampoo leaves my hair soft and easy to style, but the spray is definitely my new favourite as when applied to damp hair, it gives volume that no volumizing powder could give, bouncy and really long lasting!!

Wella Curling Mousse
I always put this on the night before I plan doing a messy bun. It defines and brings out every little curve in my hair and turns it into a soft curl, making messy buns messier and better.

Essence Lipstick shade 53 All About Cupcake
This has to be my most favourite lipstick of all time. The colour is a gorgeous soft pink which can be layered over to create a more sultry colour. It also gives a brilliant shine and moisturizes like a lip balm, and on top of all that it's a bargain just like most Essence products are. I will be definitely getting it again and again.

Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick shade 01
I don't usually buy Rimmel products, but I couldn't resist this one because of its true red colour and small price tag. It's really pigmented so it lasts a long time but I find it really dry so I have to bring a lipbalm and use it as a base as otherwise I would have cracked red stained lips, not a good look!

L'oreal Million Lashes Mascara
I bought this when it was on sale and fell in love with it after the first application. It brings out every single eyelash, coating it evenly without clumping. I usually apply a couple of coats to achieve that thick dark lash look. I do notice some smudging after a long day, but other than that its a brilliant product.

Gaby x