End of year beauty shop

I went to the sales briefly as I do love a beauty bargain and buying products doesn't involve changing rooms. Harvey Nichols was a treat, I've not been there for ages and the Bliss sale was excellent. I now don't need any shower gels or body lotion in 2013. No I don't. Don't let me buy any...

I love the Blood Orange scent and this pack had 40% off it. As did this one.

This Snow scent was a special Christmas one. The woman assured me there was no glitter in it but of course, there is. It's very subtle though so I am willing to forgive her. It smells lovely, very gentle and a 'clean' smell.

The Bliss body butters are perfect - they sink in beautifully and are not overpowering.

I also bought a travel sized Blood Orange set because I can never resists travel sized anything.

In other news I decided it was time I had a serum. I've always been a bit dismissive of them but time ravages on and a girl has to be realistic. I got this one from L'Oreal as it's had great reviews and it was only £10 in Boots. So far, I am liking it very much, it's very smooth with not a hint of greasiness.

The Shu Uemura Karl Lagerfeld eyeshadow set was half price in Harvey Nichols by the way. You'll all be proud of me as I didn't buy it. Of course I am beset with regret but I just couldn't justify it.

Clarins Tonic Bath & Shower Concentrate

Clarins is a brand it's easy to forget about. It's not very sexy or funky but the products really do work. I recently treated myself to this (it was in the sale and I couldn't resist) and it's simply divine. It smells like heaven, you only need a teeny bit and it leaves your skin soft and smelling delightful. What more could you want?

You can buy some for only £14 here.

Nail colour of the week

Essie's Swing Velvet. If you want Christmas on your nails, this is your colour. It's all velvety, red and pretty.

2012's heroes

We are reaching the end of another year and it's time to take stock. I've been having a think about products I've discovered this year and what have become staples. Here is my list.

First up is this simple Tangle Teezer. I have no idea why it took me so long to buy one of these but if you have thick hair that is prone to tangling then it's life-changing. My pink one fell in the toilet the other week so I had to replace it with a pale blue one. I got it from Amazon.

This root canal spray is what I bought after I had inches lopped off my hair. I adore it. It gives your hair a boost and is easy peasy to use. 

You know I am all about eye make-up. I've bought a lot of it this year but the one thing I am wearing every day is this old favourite from NARS - Nepal eyeshadow. It's the perfect base, easy to apply and goes with everything you layer over the top.

For fun, you can't beat the Maybelline eye tattoos. The blue one is gorgeous used as an eyeliner, the more daring may want to go full-on with it. Nothing shifts these babies until you are ready.

This was the year I finally found the perfect mascara. Estee Lauder Doublewear. It's perfection to apply, it never smudges, it lasts all day. Why did it take me this many years? My life is littered with failed mascaras but no more.

Coupled with the Liz Earle Lash Care eye base, my eyes have never been happier.

I've had a love affair with Bobbi Brown this year. The eye gels are fabulous and my navy liner is a look I frequent most days. And the other brand I've adored this year is Bliss. The pedicures are heavenly and you really must treat yourselves if you've not done so. They last far longer than a regular pedicure

I am saving my perfume musings for another post. What have you loved this year?

I resisted for days

However, after occupying my mind for too long, I had to get the Armani Maestro. And then I had to get the Antique Gold Bobbi Brown eye shadow, it had sold out in Liberty which made me want it more so I ordered it online.

Am very excited to try both and report back.

Nail colour of the week

I had to do my own nails this week. I know darlings, I know. This OPI Russian Navy is one of my all-time favourites. It's perfection in a bottle and somehow never looks tacky despite being so dark. I love it. And amazingly, I managed to do a halfway decent job with application, much of which I think is down to luck as well as skill. Sometimes it's just a disaster all round but yesterday, it all went swimmingly. I am loving it.

Christmas shopping tips

Some people find Christmas shopping hard. I don't understand how shopping can ever be hard but here are some tips for the beauty addict in your circle.

The Karl/Shu Uemura collaboration continues to make my heart sing. This eye palette is so divine, who wouldn't want it?

Bobbi Brown is our friend when it comes to easy make-up and her gel eyeliners are legendary for a reason. I have my eye on this Antique Gold one.

I also love the look of the Black Pearl Eye Palette.

The NARS Andy Warhol set is so beautiful, you'd never want to mess it up.

I know I am always going on about eye make-up. I make no apologies, it's the most fun you can have. And the Urban Decay eye palette is so much fun, you can create loads of different looks with this.

The OPI Bond collection is genius. I almost don't care what the colours are like as I am so in love with the idea of wearing The Spy Who Loved Me.

I'm a bit over Jo Malone these days but you can't go wrong with bath oil and the Red Roses one is still my favourite.

I adore Bliss, their products are fun and they work. The body butters are gorgeous.

Make-up brushes are always a great gift. MAC has some fun ones. Look at the bag!

A Tom Ford lipstick is the height of luxury. Stupidly expensive but that's why we have Santa, right?

After all that partying, a good face mask is what every woman needs. I know it's not cheap but this Sisley baby delivers, trust me.

I could go on and on but I'll stop there for now. Happy shopping!

Experimenting with perfume

Having sold much of my perfume on ebay, decided that I had more than enough and a perfume for every mood, I made the mistake of reading a perfume forum and BANG! The obsession returned with a vengeance.

No matter how much perfume a girl has, it's never enough. My friend had a significant birthday approaching and I decided she needed a Chanel Exclusifs. After much soul searching and spraying, I plumped for 31 Rue Cambon.

I have to admit, I was secretly hoping she wouldn't like it so I could keep it but no, she loved it. And who can blame her? This is like rolling around in cashmere; soft and elegant. It's a total classic and I don't know why Chanel hide it away and push that hideous new Coco they are marketing the hell out of. Although I am quite relieved they are as we don't want everyone wearing this and making it common.

I bought a sample of Rue Cambon at http://surrendertochance.com/ which is a great site. You can buy decants and decide whether or not a perfume really is right for you. While I was there, I obviously had to buy a few more. Keeping to Chanel, I decided to get Pour Monsieur as I am always on the look out for a new scent for Cover Boy.

This is totally gorgeous but not typically masculine at all, it's got that Chanel softness and the dry down is quite sweet. If I was to get a bottle of this, I'd be very happy, although Cover Boy declared it nice but sweet so the search continues.

I've been reading rave reviews of Escentric Molecule 01.

I have to tell you, tread carefully, this is addictive. It smells different on everyone. Don't believe me? Read about it here. It's the most intriguing perfume I've smelt for a long time and it lingers. I really like it. Cool bottle too. I've added it to my Christmas wish list so fingers crossed.

I bought lots of others too but these are the three I can't get enough of.

Lush Twilight shower gel

I fell out of love with Lush a while ago and haven't been in a shop for a long time. Mainly because the assistants are so over enthusiastic and never leave you alone for a second.

Lush has recently opened at Waterloo station and I walk past it every day so I ventured in. I couldn't resist this purple shower gel and it is actually lovely. Full of lavender and slightly sparkly (but none of it stays on your skin thankfully). It smells delightful and I would recommend it highly except where do they get the prices from? It's ridiculous.