Beauty | Winter Favourites

Brrr, it's cold outside! I'm so excited that we've finally hit December. Christmas is just around the corner and I've been busy prepping my Christmas beauty wishlist! I thought I'd share a little roundup of the products I've been loving recently, before I stock up on all the Christmas beauty offers available... I would say I won't go crazy this year but I'm a sucker for Boots 3 for 2 and I have my eye on so many things! 

Over the past week or so I've been reaching for products to soothe my winter worn skin, what with constant central heating and cold winds causing havoc with my sensitive combination complexion. Superdrug's popular Vitamin E Hot Cloth Cleanser (£4.99) is extremely gentle and moisturising, and removes make-up and grime in only a few swipes. There's something very comforting and relaxing about taking makeup off with a warm muslin cloth and this beauty is helping to keep pesky dry patches at bay. 

I always find myself in a bit of a pickle when it comes to moisturiser in winter as I don't like the feel of heavy creams but I do need a gentle moisture hit after cleansing. I was very kindly sent an Elemis Here We Glow Collection (£15) kit a few weeks ago that includes a mini tube of Softly Softly Daily Moisturiser and I've been loving it so far. It has a light lotion consistency and a divine lavender herb scent that proves super relaxing before bed. It sinks in quickly, making it a great base for makeup in the mornings and it doesn't leave a greasy residue. Perfect!

I can't be without a good lip balm throughout the winter months (actually, I'm obsessed all year around and can't sleep unless I've slathered on a layer!) and Smith's Rosebud Salve (£8) is my current prized possession. I spied it in Selfridges during the summer having lusted after it for months and had to grab a tin. It's a little more costly than what I'd usually pay for a lip balm, but I'd say it's very much worth the money. Aesthetically speaking, the tin is adorable and appealed to my superficial side instantly..!The balm itself is a multi-purpose, rose scented wonder and can be applied to lips, brows, cheekbones, eyelids, cuticles, etc. I've been using it primarily as a lip balm and love how it leaves a subtle rosy tint. It packs a real moisture punch and smells gorgeous, and the tin is pretty big so it should last a good while longer. 

My hair has also been in desperate need of nourishment and my oil of choice at the moment is Got2b Oil-Licious Styling Oil (£2.99). It has a nice thick-ish consistency, smells yummy and makes a visible difference to the frazzled ends of my hair. Plus, it's a total bargain! 

Makeup wise I can't get enough of a darker lip and two of my favourites are Collection Deluxe Lipstick 'Prohibition' (£3.99) and Barry M Ultra Moisturising Lip Paint '156' (£4.49), (the pink tube!) both of which I spied in Superdrug a few months ago. I'm quite fussy when it comes to red lipsticks as anything too bright or yellow based makes me look washed out, so I tend to favour a darker berry red. 'Prohibition' is a gorgeous deep red colour that I've been reaching for in the evenings, while Barry M's '156'  is more of a pinky purple berry colour that I've been loving during the day. I've been teaming them both with Rimmel's new clear Moisture Renew Lip Liner (£3.99) which is AMAZING. It eliminates lipstick application mess, which is great for a lipstick clutz like me! It also helps lock down colour when applied all over as a base before lipstick. 

I'm determined to branch out with my eye makeup and have started experimenting with colour, hence the inclusion of MUA's Pearl Eyeshadow '25' (£1). I love the cranberry colour and the pigmentation is pretty good considering the price. The shimmer it gives is lovely; you can't beat a shimmery eye look, especially for Christmas! I've been adding this to a slight smokey eye although to be honest I think I need to make more of an effort as it's so easy to resort to my tried and trusted neutrals! One thing I'm never without at the moment is Rimmel Scandal'Eyes Waterproof Kohl Liner 'Nude' (£3.99) which works wonders at making me look refreshed and awake on cold winter mornings. I apply it gently to the waterline of the eye and it instantly eliminates redness. 

Unfortunately I have a sad tale to tell about the B. Cheeky Blusher 'Candy Cane' (£5.99) perched in the top left of the photo above *Sobs all over laptop* I love a light pink blush in winter to compliment my pale skin but alas on my hen night a few weekends ago I somehow managed to smash this little beauty to bits in my handbag! Sad times. Prior to it's unfortunate departure from my makeup bag I was using it everyday and loved it for its pigmentation and staying power. Now that it's gone I've rekindled my love for Natural Collection's Blushed Cheeks blushers (£1.99 each) especially 'Pink Cloud' which is a really lovely alternative... But I still miss my B. blush like crazy! 

I'd love some recommendations for other wonderful winter products, so if you've got something in mind let me know!

Baci e abbracci, 
       
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Sunday Gratitude | December 1st 2013

Happy 1st December! The countdown to Christmas begins today, and I thoroughly enjoyed cracking open my advent calendar this morning and munching on some chocolate! I'm settling down to write today's post with a warm mince pie and cup of tea to hand, feeling very snug indeed. Here's what I'm grateful for this week...

I'm grateful for a lesson learned

The past few weeks have been a little up and down, and I've really wanted to throw in the towel with uni work on numerous occasions. I had to request an extension for an essay as I was finding it impossible to tackle the research and writing required, and once the anxiety gremlins take hold it's really difficult to kick them to the curb. 

. However, rather than give up and run away from it all, I decided to keep going, one step at a time, slowly slowly. I've now typed up my assignment and just need to edit it a little tomorrow before sending it off. Even though it isn't brilliant I feel so proud of myself for pushing through and at least giving it a go, as I know it was important to face the fear and not run from it as I've tended to do in the past. A hard lesson to learn but an important one. 

I'm grateful for Christmas movies

I've stumbled upon a wonderful antidote to anxiety and panic attacks this past week: Channel 5 afternoon movies! They all seem to be Christmas themed now that we're getting closer to the 25th, and it turns out there's nothing more relaxing than a cheesy American made for TV movie! I've managed to watch quite a few this week, in between studying and wedding prep, and I'm not in the least bit embarrassed to admit I've really enjoyed them! 

I'm grateful for tarot

This week I've started a new routine of randomly selecting three cards every morning, and I'm finding the process of reflecting on the cards and recording my thoughts very therapeutic. The 

Tarot has proven to be a very gentle and comforting tool lately and I love how  reflecting on the cards allows me a little daily meditation time. I've been posting Tarot Trios on Instagram and am hoping to start including them on the blog as well. Keep your eyes peeled!

I'm grateful for bus journeys

A bit of a random one, I know, but I love bus rides, especially in winter. Waiting in the cold makes nabbing a seat feel even better! Yesterday I indulged in some people watching and loved seeing families heading to the local park, kids kicking up leaves, dogs running around.  Everything looks crisp and fresh, Christmas lights are springing up everywhere and shops are looking so cosy and festive. It's nice to get out and about and see the sights from the top deck!

I'm grateful for reaching 300 followers on Bloglovin'!

This morning I received a lovely email that instantly put a smile on my face: I've made it to 300 followers on Bloglovin'! This was such a welcome surprise as I've been finding it quite difficult recently to write up posts, so I'm thrilled to know that people are still taking a peep at the Bluebird & the Robin. I've got lots of ideas bubbling away for 2014 and reaching milestones like this gives me such a boost during tricky anxiety ridden times. I'm going to keep on writing and doing my thing!

What are you grateful for this week?

Baci e abbracci, 

                                                       

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Anxiety Diaries | Trust yourself

I've learned over the past few weeks that even when it feels as if everything is complete chaos, a part of me has it covered underneath the surface. Underneath the panic attacks, the fear of not being able to write or study, the feelings of frustration, the sadness that comes with feeling misjudged, the sadness that comes with uncomfortable change, somehow I've got it covered. My subconscious, my soul, my something has got my back and it will be OK. 

When I couldn't seem to write or study or rest, somehow underneath it all I was picking up what I needed to and soaking in more than I realised at the time. I'm still feeling a little wobbly and I'm finding it frustrating that I can't seem to write what I feel I need to write, but I think that's because I'm processing and reflecting and sifting through things. It doesn't mean I'll never be able to write! It just means I need to take it easy and ease the pressure. 

Whatever you're finding difficult, trust that your soul is doing what it needs to do to make sense of it all. Don't give up!

Baci e abbracci, 

                                                      

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