Bare Minerals Liquid Foundation & Concealer Review

Ladies ! I have discovered the holy grail of foundation, like most great discovers of the ages, I simply can't wait or keep this to my self- hence the low budget iPad selfie to accompany this, but don't worry when I'm back from Ireland I will review this properly - for now though here is my heads up for a flawless new year...

Ok so what I wanted was a foundation which looked flawless, was undetectable and covered blemishes. I had heard of bare minerals products before , but stayed away because I thought they had very little coverage and were mainly for people with near perfect skin. How wrong I was...

My main reason for foundation is to cover my uneven skin tone (hyper pigmentation ) and dark marks, I just happened past the bare minerals counter and on a whim thought- let's see what you got.

The makeup artist suggested liquid for me, which is in line with the natural dewy finish I love. The foundation used is called, Bare Minerals Brightening Serum Foundation, and is applied with an unusual buffer brush- this brush is crucial for application, and although I was sceptical about paying out for new foundation plus brush, now I have applied it at home, I can guarantee this to be a needed component. The brush just makes it ridiculously flawless and easy to apply.

How I used it
To prep -
Moisturiser : Mac Strobe Cream
Primer : Mac Natural Radiance (yellow tone)

Application

Foundation : Shake the bare minerals foundation well, as it does not contain mixants, drop 2 -3 drops in the centre of the brush, and then buffer on in circular motion. Add more drops and buffer as needed.I was so impressed with the level of coverage this foundation gives , all the while looking and feeling lightweight- like I had nothing on!

Concealer: bare minerals concealer was just dreamy. Although a solid cream it glides on mad does not cake! In addition to bare minerals under the eye I added the tiniest drop of Mac prolong wear in NC20 for a dramatic highlight under the eye and on cheek bones.

To finish the look I used my new Mac Format Frost Powder Blush and Mac Verve lipstick mixed with Sleek Dare. To set it all I used the Mac Finishing Powder.

All in all this foundation gets 5 stars, it's a must try- I'm in love!

Loves and Finds: Crop Bustier from H and M

                    

Who says lingerie is just for wearing underneath?  I came across this crop bustier from H&M and thought it was just to beautiful to conceal!

Great with a high waisted skirt, jeans or trousers, this crop supports the boobs and dramatises an hour glass shape, whilst offering killer support.

I got mine from H&M who have some great bustiers for really reasonable prices. Check in store or see my favourites below.

Lace Bustier, £14.99

For those with a smaller chest, this is perfect. Also comes in white and nude!

Non wire, lace bustier £12.99

Sequined Bustier £12.99

Inner Space: Positive Thinking Class 1

I have recently determined myself to embark on a positive thinking journey, because I have realised that it is so important to not let life just happen. Just letting things happen= becoming a victim of life, and as powerful beings and intelligent creations, none of us should play that role, especially not in our own life! I have chosen to own the power I have to consciously steer my mind and my life upwards, so I have begun a mission of enlightenment and I invite you to join as I share my experiences and what I learn.

Inner Space Covent Garden: Positive Thinking Course, Week 1 Review

Yesterday Anna & I proactively headed to Covent Garden to listen in on a positive thinking talk run by InnerSpace. Their classes are free & run by volunteers, who are passionate about creating a happier, fulfilled planet. You can check their classes here : http://www.innerspace.org.uk/event_category/courses-in-covent-garden/

I really enjoyed the class, and learned some worthwhile principals I simply must share:

The Garden.

Thoughts are seeds.

A good thought = good fruit
A bad thought= bad fruit.

A bad seed will not reap good positive fruits in your life and will lead to a negative mind.

Your mind is your garden. This makes you the gardener. 

It is important to realise and own the fact that YOU are in charge of your mind, your thoughts, emotions and how you feel. No one can make you plant a seed, ie you do not have to let someone else's negativity grow in your garden.

The Fence=  is your filter

Your mind is precious, and must be protected. Don't just let people chuck litter in your garden and then accept it. For example, someone can be negative to you, but it is up to you whether or not you choose to let that seed grow in your garden, or weed it out. It is up to you to tend to your mind. If you want a positive mindset and a positive mind you will have to work for it.

Analysing thoughts, ie. the seeds:

It is important to recognise the importance of your thoughts. Whether you believe in the law of attraction or spirituality, all agree that everything starts with a thought. The Law Of Attraction goes as far to say that "thoughts become things". Meaning negativity reaps negativity & positivity reaps positivity whilst spiritualists believe that thoughts become your mindset and can lead to a positive, healthy mind, or a negative unhealthy mind. In any case, it is important you evaluate your thoughts constantly.

Yesterday I learned that there are 4 kinds of thoughts.

Negative: things like envy, anger, hate, worry and jealousy
Positive: love, appreciation, gratefulness and happiness
Waste: non productive thoughts, mind wandering, planning things you don't need to worry about
Necessary: the thoughts you need to function.

The aim is to be mindful of what kind of thought you are having before you continue wandering down a path. It is also important to know that sometimes a good thought can lead to a bad one if you are not mindful of your thoughts.

For example:

"Wow she has beautiful hair" (appreciation) can become "I wish I had her hair" ( envy) "My hair sucks"- (self hate and not helpful)

I reasoned that a good practise is to measure each thought against gratefulness, as gratefulness is the root of happiness and the magic of the law of attraction. A negative thought is in essence ungrateful. In this state, good things do not happen.

Take Away Nugget

I have learnt that firstly it is crucially important that I acknowledge that I am in control of my emotions, my thoughts and my mood. This is how I can learn to be effect life instead of have it affect me. This means that I have power over my life, and you have power over yours. Powerlessness is a lie. Every time you take on someones negativity and let that seed grow, you are giving away your power and selling yourself short. So this week I want to challenge you with the same task they gave me :

Approach every circumstance and every thought  this week using SOS.

S= Stand Back
O= Observe
S= Steer

Stand back, away from the emotions of the moment, or craziness,
Observe the thoughts you are having where they are going, how they are shifting your mood.
Steer your mind into a more positive place, remembering that you are in control over YOUR life and YOUR mind.

I am going back to the class next Tuesday & look forward to sharing more. Anyone I can bring along with me on the journey to positivity I will :)

Have a fantastically powerful week.

Party Shoes Wishlist

This season, as you prepare to go to the ball: Don't forget your magical slippers...

Tim Walker Shoots Kate Moss for Vogue.

Happy first of December my lovelies! It is officially party season. I have taken it upon myself to become your holiday fashionable fairy Godmother, after all if you are going to tear up the dance floor, make a move on that guy in the office and look fabulous, you going to need some help.

Today I have decided to write all about shoes.  The reason I have chosen to kick of my holiday fashion guide with shoes, (not that decision needs justifying -who doesn't love shoes) is because, like my mum says, "You can't go wrong with good shoes and good hair". Shoes are so important to making the outfit outstanding, and offer the opportunity to go nuts with glitter, print and colour. 

Save or Splurge, get yourself some stunning shoes and get to strutting show stopping this season:

Spend: 

Treat yourself spend:

Marc by Marc Jacobs £265

Gianvito Rossi Python & PVC Pumps: £619

Giuseppe Zanotti £610

J Crew Glitter finished yellow pumps, £300

Jimmy Choo Metallic Sandals (available in gold too!)

Gianvito Rossi Mirrored leather & PVC pumps (exclusive to net-a-porter) £495

Jimmy Choo Lang texured-lam´e sandals, £495

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN, Ostri 120 eyelet-embellished suede slingbacks -£695

SOPHIA WEBSTER Nicole feather-trimmed ostrich sandals £495

GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI, Yvette suede boots, £575

Treat your wallet save:

Left to Right:

High heel court shoe £39.99, Zara

High heel Leather lace up bootie, Zara, 49.99

Leather Court Shoe, Zara £49.99

Patent High Heeled Mules: Zara, £39.99

Dune Ladies Burst Green, £85.00

Brook Pewter, Dune £79.00

New Look SS15 Preview: Le Sportif, Magical Marrakech & The 70s

Yesterday New Look unveiled their SS15 collection. Popular SS15 trends that feature are bold prints, sleek sportswear and a 70s revival. The collection has a fun holiday vibe, having me wishing for long summer nights somewhere tropical. Along the theme of irreverent holidays, favourite element of the collection was the cheeky slogan accessories and swimsuits. Check them out below.

Le Sportif

As the title would suggest this capsule is a chic & minimal take on the sports wear trend which is taking over SS15 accross the board. The sleek monochromatic pallette allows for easy adjustment into even the most conservative Parisians city wardrobe, whilst metallic accessories ensure that the collection is streetwear ready.

70s

It's the day your funky aunt prayed for, the 70s are certainly back. This daring era sees print clash, denim, brown and flares, which can actually be quite flattering on a curvy figure. About time! I have been over these blasted show all skinnies for years now -_-

Magical Marrakech

Representing prints  to the fullest, is Magical Marrakech. Printed crop tops, shorts, dresses and jumpsuits in colours ranging from cool subtle blues to warm desert reds.

Swim Wear

Beautifully intricately designed swimsuits for that pool wow factor

Beach please, I'm fabulous.

Metallic Accessories with holiday anthems

Give Presence Lulu Lemon Campaign

Anything that can make me take a retrospective look within I welcome. These days with so many distractions and things to do, I honestly feel like I have emotional ADHD. And is it any wonder? With Facebook in your palm, and Instagram at the tip of your finger there is a whole world of things begging your attention and your emotional engagement. Stimulating headlines and convicting images, how can the simple intimate moments of just spending time with family and loved ones compete with the buzz of what's online.

 For me it has become drastic. I actually never switch off and as a result, never actually plug in. Today I came across this powerful video by LuLu Lemon, which compels us to give presence. It challenges us to show up, emotionally and spiritually in our engagements with friends and family. You only get one life that you can be sure of. Isn't it time you showed up for the thinks that matter? This is an especially powerful message for the holiday season. This Christmas instead of focusing on giving replaceable presents, why not give the irreplaceable gift of your presence? Share the message of love.

Link To Video & to Share

Avon #wallofsilence Campaign against Domestic Violence

Domestic violence tragically affects 1 in 4 women in the UK. A silent killer, domestic violence thrives behind closed doors, flourishes in silence and is fuelled by fear. In 2009 Avon, a company built for and powered by women,  decided to shine a light on the masked monster, donating £1.5 million, during their Speak Out Against Domestic Violence Campaign. This year they are back and bigger than ever, with the #wallofsilence campaign, which was conceptualised by Charli Bailey, a surviver of domestic violence and is in association with Glamour Magazine, Women's Refuge & Women's Aid.

How it works is the public (that's you, my lovely) are asked to upload a 'sshselfie' to Instagram or Twitter, with the #wallofsilence and @avon_UK. Every sshselfie will be uploaded to their website to form a wall of solidarity, against domestic violence. For every sshselfie taken, Avon will donate £1 to be split between worthy charities Women's Refuge & Women's Aid, who offer financial support, emotional support and guidance to women who are victims of domestic violence. The great thing about this campaign is everybody can get involved, no matter what your budget, as they are not asking for your money, they are asking for your support.

Earlier this year I watched the tragic true life drama by the BBC titled, 'Murdered by My Boyfriend'. The film followed the life of a bright young girl who fell victim abusive relationship, which would ultimately lead to her death. Whilst she attempted to leave a few times, the obstacles she faced were ones that are common to many women who suffer domestic violence. She had a daughter, which meant that what ever move she would make, she had to be financially secure and she was terrified and terrorised by her partner who had forced her into silence for far too long. It struck me how this awful tragedy could have been avoided, if only she had more support.

Charities like Women's Aid & Women's Refuge offer this support, to attempt to stop any more women from suffering in pain or death at the hands of her abusive partner ever again. Now you can take up the fight too. Stand up against domestic violence, show your solidarity by uploading your ssh selfie with the #wallofsilence @avon_uk and joining the #wallofsilence, encouraging women to speak out and empowering the charities that help them when they do.

We can rid our society of this terrible silent killer. Please post share, tweet, stand together for women.

More ways to help:

If after uploading your selfie you would like to do more, you can purchase the special Avon nail polish in forget me not blue, in which 50% of the proceeds will be donated to the charities mentioned. www.Avonshop.co.uk

If you would like to donate, text WALL to 70500 to donate £5

Whether or not you can afford to give, we can all give our time to do a simple selfie. For the sake of every woman you know who may be suffering in silence, please help Avon end domestic violence today.

Thank you x

Fresh Faced Sunday's: My Guide to faking the natural look

If you know me, you'll know that I am ever partial to a bold red lip. However someday's its nice to do the 'natural' look. Now of course, most girls will know that there is in fact nothing natural about a natural make up look. No it takes ages of careful application, highlighting and contouring to achieve that "who me? I woke up like this" look.After years of perfecting my method, I have finally settled on the following products to achieve natural perfection. Prices will vary depending on where you get your products so I have listed is an average guide based on what I paid.

1. All about that base. As any one of the flawless people who work at MAC will tell you, good make-up is all about the base. I love the radiant effect and so I use the Mac Strobe Cream, I let it dry before applying the primer. I have used a few pre make-up creams from Mac, and this is my favourite.

Both around £24

Followed by Mac Primer, Their standard primer. Works well for me.

Face

Next I have started to use the Mac BB cream (around £24), mixed with some Pro Longwear. The reason I do this is I find mixing the colours makes the colour of the BB cream much more natural to my skin tone, and also lasts a bit longer. I also do this because I find the ProLongwear to be a bit too heavy for the natural look. Once I have applied my base foundation of the two mixed up, I then go back over and apply some ProLongwear to my chin and the bottom half of my face, as this is where it tends to fade more, and it doesn't matter too much if my chin has more makeup than around my eyes. I want to keep around the eyes light to avoid creasing.I apply the BB cream & Pro Longwear mix using my fingers first, and then blend in with their amazing brush

Concealers.

I use 3 types.

1. Studio Fix Concealer, to cover up dark blemishes. I apply this with my fingers, this warms up the concealer and makes it go on better.

2. For under my eyes, I use a mineralise conceal (because it isn't as heavy) and is a shade lighter than my skin. This is for the highlighting look.

3. For serious highlighting, in the centre of my nose, eyebrow arches and under the cheek bone,  I use Collection 2000 Fair concealer (basically any concealer 2-3 shades lighter than your skin tone) in a stick form and draw lines in the necessary areas, then BLEND!!! If you are not sure where to highlight and where to contour, follow this image,

Contour.

See those dark areas in the pic below? To achieve the cheekbones I was not born with I use Mac Studio fix concealer, the same as the one above in a shade that is a chocolate colour. Very similar to the colour in the picture. I put this on my cheek bones, then BLEND. I don't really contour my nose as I like the size of it, but I do put highlighter in the centre.

I then go over my Cheeks with some neutral brown blush. I love Sahara from Sleek. Its like a bronzer with a hint of pink.

Sleek Sahara £4.99 from SuperDrug

Lips and Eyes

For the eyes I use champagne colours from Avon Master Collection Palette, and stick to the top row you can see there,. Starting with the lightest in the corners of my eye and a darker at the end. Not too dark mind, you want a very subtle smokey eye. The exact eyeshadow combinations you use depend on your skin tone.  but be sure to stick to natural browns. I then line with cheap MUA eye liner (£1)n and use Avon Lux rose gold mascara (£9.00 from Avonshop.co.uk)

For lips, I use some Blistex, and the same dark concealer I used for my cheeks. I don't like lighter concealer on your lips, you look dead, but a darker colour works quite well.

To set the look, I go over my chin with the Mac Mineralize powder & spray with the fix spray.

And there you have it a rough rough guide to how to look like your aren't wearing tonnes of make up when you in fact are.  Happy fooling people!

Coast SS15 Preview.

If you know me at all you will know that I am a huge fan of Coast. Statement drama pieces that transform an ordinary city stroll show stopping extravaganza- what's not to love? Far from the occasional bridal wear indulgence, Coast offers statement pieces which transform the everyday ordinary outfit to outstanding. I have been campaigning for women to use some imagination, embrace their fabulosity and bring high drama items from Coast into their everyday lives for a while now. Go nuts! SS15 sees, statement singles, that can be worn together or alone, accessorised with a t-shirt or dressed up with diamonds, the combinations are as endless as they are fearless.

Think Carrie Bradshaw, from Sex In The City, never the wallflower, she was known for her high drama extravagant pieces, styled with flair. Who says you need an occasion to be fabulous?

SS15 Coast collection:

Simple Lux.

Simple Lux enjoys soft pastels, pretty pinks, bashful blues and complimenting creams, occasionally embellished with gemstone details, luxurious lace and shimmering sparkles. Despite all this the collection still manages to be refreshingly light, this part of the collection sees understated easy elegance personified with unique pieces, which stand out on their own whilst simultaniously possessing an elegant subtlety that enables them to be worn together with other items in the collection without clash.

Look 01 Artemis Waterfall Coat, Bliss Top, Paoma Trousers  |  Look 2 Bow Back Dress

New Romance

Takes a modern approach to classic sophistication. A lined printed skirts are paired with lacy bomber jackets for a remix of a classic love story. As well as some great dresses, this section of the collection offers brilliant statement singles that can be dressed up or down to match your mood or personal style.

Nolita Coat, Molly Dress

60's Mono

Power dressing takes a new form with 60's silhouettes, bold lines and a confident monochrome palette.


Luminous Blooms.

Here is where you can really inject some life into your SS15 wardrobe with vibrant modern prints on statement pieces.

Bliss Top, Hyper Bloom Skirt

Modern Muse,
Last but not least, Coast presents Modern Muse, a collection which is a celebration classic of femininity, elegance and charm. Vintage glamour is revisited to create iconic looks which encourages every woman to swap flats for glass slippers, and play the leading lady (if only for a day).

Lessons On Living Shamelessly

Ever wondered what life would be like if you were shameless? Not pointlessly shameless like Kardashians butt pick, but you were decidedly and unapologetically who you wanted to be with no apologies.

Too often, embarrassment, fear of rejection and the wounds of past failures pain hinder us taking the most of an opportunity and living in the now. Yet if we look back at it, more often than not it is not the actual incident that was so bad, it was the emotional pain, chastisement and fear that we attributed to ourselves.

The gift of hindsight truly is a wonderful thing, yet the downsides of death bead revelations, is that it is all too late. To that, I am going to attempt to save you some time with a quote.

"Everything you want lies the other side of your fear". Shame is a useless emotion, the only person you should worry about letting down is you. And the only thing truly hard to forgive yourself for is not the risks you took that didn't pay off, rather it's the risks you didn't take that could of.

So today, I say feel the fear and go for it. The only person you will truly let down if you don't is yourself.

You Can Have Him, But Do You Really Want Him?

Girl meets boy. Boy starts flirting with girl. Girl likes boy. Girl finds out that boy has a girlfriend. Girl is like WTF?

Sadly, its a tale as old as time scenario which I am sure we have all experienced, witnessed or advised on. You meet a guy who seems perfect, and what is even more perfect is he definitely likes you. Everything is going swimmingly until someone else, in some cases him, drops the bomb that he has a girlfriend. What is even weirder? His flirty behaviour and longing looks don't stop now the jig is up. If anything, they get stronger. Here you find yourself in a weird WTF twilight zone. 

I have witnessed so many friends go though this. Nice girls. Who have sat back so many times before and watched a ballsier girl get the guy, or had a ballsier girl in the same situation, steal theirs. After a while of nice girls finishing last, a few have asked me should they just mean up and take him. I mean, he obviously isn't happy, in many cases he may have even told them so. Maybe he just needs a helping hand. You are clearly what he wants and for once in your life its time you won something right? Wrong. He aint no prize honey.

Why? In this situation the ball is entirely in his court. Whilst I understand how he could meet someone else (you) he likes more than his current (shit happens) it is totally not OK to just pine emotionally for someone else (you) for too long without any action to rectify his home situation and move on. Men like this are weak. They do no favours to you, or his current girlfriend.

I mean, who the hell does he think he is? Has he even told his girlfriend that he is having second thoughts in the relationship, giving her a chance or a heads up? Or does he just think he is some kind of irresistible pimp that both you must want? I bet that if his girlfriend knew he wasn't 100% in, she could start winking back at a few men in her life too. But he is not giving her that benefit is he? No, because he likes holding all the cards. You're blind, she's blind, he's a pimp.

Personally, one of the worst things in the world for me is to be with a man who secretly wants someone else but is too chicken to tell me. You having second thoughts bruh? I like to know these things because if you don't want to be here, I don't want to keep you here. This isn't jail, and I am not your parole officer. So many times guys build it up in their head like they are doing their girlfriend a favour by sticking with her when they would rather move on, but in reality that is just boosting their ego. 

Anyway back to you. You don't want to get in on this messy BS. Dip you toe in and you will surely drown.  He is the one who needs to recognise his feelings and act accordingly. Like a man. He should sort out his relationship first and if it is worth salvaging- do that. If it is dead, he needs to end it- and then come for you. Otherwise he is just weak- someone who gazes at what they want without the courage to go get it. And do you really want a guy like that? Only for you to have him and then in a few years he starts pining for your friends, whilst in his head you are second best? No honey. To someone else you will be first. 

My advice, do nothing. Keep being nice (he may be sorting things out in the background) but DO NOT get involved. A relationship takes a lot of unpacking and there is enough to sort out between the two of them without you. You will only become collateral damage if he does sort it out with his girlfriend and if he leaves her due to your advances, you end up with a booby prize- a weak man, who can't act on what he wants.

That's my take on it anyway. Hope it was helpful :)

Any questions? Email me at info@lifebylois.com

Love,

Lois

Life By Lois

Jennifer Lawrence, Jenifer Aniston and Solange: The benefits of beingunapologetically you.

As Jennifer Lawrence launches the new Hunger Games movie, Jenifer Aniston launches Horrible Bosses 2 and Solange Knowles gets married in a refreshingly  original wedding for the books, I have to sit back and admire what a wonderful month this has been for women who are unapologetically themselves. All of the women aforementioned have managed to stay refreshingly and authentically original, in an industry and media that piles on the pressure to conform.

Jennifer Lawrence 

                           

Let's start with Jennifer Lawrence, the irreverent  talented actress who stumbled at the Oscars, not once but twice. I love Jennifer for her unpredicable bursts, refusal to engage in bitchy woman bashing, outspoken nature and of course the fact she represents 5 charities. I have no doubt that this untameable shrew  would be a publicists worst nightmare, unpredicatable & candid, she certainly isn't just tits and smiles. And yet we love her. Because she reminds us we are all flawed, yet beautifully so.

Jenifer Aniston

                              

                       

And then there is Jen, who in a sea of being annoyingly compared to Angelina by the cruel and unimaginative media, still holds her head high and occasionally even makes light of the matter. Years after the original scandal, thousands of tabloid covers have been written- mocking, stabbing and biting at her- and you know what? No one has seen her break a sweat yet. 

Solange Knowles 

                             

Then we have Solange, who instead of linger in the shadow of her sister, chose to make her own sunshine and grow. I  read an annoying quote once, it went something like "always be yourself, unless you can be Beyonce, then always be Beyonce". What rubbish. No one can be Beyonce, except Beyonce ( and I am sure sometimes even she must struggle to meet the high standards of her public image). No one should try either, because each person has their own original magnificence to share. No one epitomises this more than Solange, who although being in prime position to take notes on copying Beyonce, chose to instead be herself. Afro and all, wedding and all, eclectic style, music and all. Solange I admire and salute you.

So my note today is be yourself. Always and with no exceptions. Don't you dare want to be anyone else. Because there is only one you, and when you perfect being you, the world will be blessed & so will you. 

Happy Tuesday y'all

Love 

Life by Lois

Interiors: SS15 BHS

BHS Homes unveil a vibrant, eclectic instalment from their SS15 collection: Columbia Road: Think Crochet cushions, hand painted drawers & dainty floral tea sets, perfect for the optimistic & quirky among us (think Jessica Day from New Girl). The accessories & furnishings  from the collection possess a unique romantic country charm and authentic treasured nature of thrift store finds & grandmas antiques.

The floral prints from the duvets are authentically hand painted via water colour by BHS designers and replicated throughout the collection.

With comforting knit throws, hand-painted drawers and beautiful tea sets, it’s a timeless collection to be loved and cherished for years to come.

Avon Beauty Bus: Christmas Collection Lust List & SS15 Wish List

Yesterday Avon embarked upon their annual beauty bus tour, taking over the city in a cute pink vintage beauty bus which was packed with beauty must haves from this season and the next. I caught up with them outside Vogue House in Hanover Square, where the fabulous girls at Vogue were dropping by to get their nails done by celebrity nail artist Kim Treacy (who told me she just did Kiera Knightly's nails last week) and lips painted by celebrity makeup artist Liz Pugh whilst catching up on all that's new with Avon.

From their origins of intimate community selling Avon is built on the legacy of listening to women's feedback to create products that actually work, that women really want, at prices we can all afford. As well as community sales, modern Avon also operates online as a convenient one stop online beauty store haven, meaning your beauty Christmas shopping just got one click easy. I was thoroughly impressed with their Christmas 2014 collection as well as their SS15. Both are filled with great, quality products I was all too happy to get my hands on. Read on for a Christmas gift guide & to see what SS15 has to offer.

Kim Treacy working her magic

My nails were done using Avon Gel Finish & gold glitter, for a modern seasons take on the classic french tip. I love it!

Christmas with Avon.

This Christmas Avon have an array of fab products to get you into everyone's good books. From stocking fillers to presents for your sister cousin and mum,  Christmas with Avon is set to be a beautiful affair. With so much to choose from, I thought I would be a star and break it down for you.

Anew Clinical Beauty Heroes

First of all and most exciting is the Anew Beauty Heroes Collection, made up of 5 of Avon's best selling skin treatments. A perfect gift for mum, the pack includes Avon's award winning clinical Anew E defence cream, which protects against pollution, UV damage, whilst training your skin to better defend itself in the future.

Other Heroes in the pack include:

• Anew Clinical Pro Line Corrector for blemishes, 
• Anew Clinical Infinite Lift Firm & Sculpt Creme- which lifts under the chin & neck
• Anew Clinical Absolute Even Skin Tone Corrector- which evens out the skin tone to fights dark eyes & hyper-pigmentation

Retailing at only £20.00,  Buy Here

Nail Art

Perfect for the sister, cousin (or to be honest I just wanted it myself) is this nail art set, which comes with glitter & a little handy paint brush to paint art with. It also comes with embellishment stickers, which are great for experimenting.

Master Collection Makeup Palette

The dream for anyone obsessed with beauty like I am is this all in one beauty kit. It comes with 55 eyeshadows, 10 lipsticks and 4 blushes. Beauty overload! 

Excellent Stocking Fillers & Secret Santa:

1. Lux collection.

 Choice of 6 shades of eyeshadow compacts available with complimenting rose gold edition mascara, for a subtle yet dramatic look.

Rose Gold Edition Mascara £9.00

Lux Eyeshadow Compact £10

2. Planet Spa Pamper Treasures Collection

Comes with 3 treatments.

Perfectly Purifying Body Scrub made from Dead Sea minerals for a perfectly buffered behind and enviable elbows.

Heavenly Hydrating Body Moisturiser, enriched with Mediterranean Olive Oil, for gracefully smooth hands

Blisfully Nourishing Creme, with African Shea Butter for those winter SOS areas that need a little extra TLC: hand, elbow & feet.

Shop planet Spa Here 

3.Stardust Nail Enamel

I was in love with this one, it has the most beautiful subtle glitter effect and comes in 7 stunning shades. At only £3.00 it is the perfect Secret Santa gift. Buy Here

SS15 The collection:

This spring summer Avon launches their exciting wax free lipstick, in 15 shades of awesome. Wax free means that it won't clump on your lips, or cake. I had the pleasure of trying it myself, and can attest that the colour is unstoppable, seriously- a coffee and a croissant later, and it still hasn't worn off. What's more is it has a luxurious moisturising texture to it, keeping your lips looking luscious. The lipsticks will launch in January, so keep your eyes peeled online at www.avonshop.com

15 gorgeous shades of wax free heaven, launching January 2015

Ready for Mothers Day, Avon launches their new fragrance Cherish by Abbey Clancey. The sweet aroma is a delightful concuction of Jasmine, Sandal Wood and Precious Musk.