Saturday 31 January 2015

1/12: January Wrap Up


I thought that this year instead of doing a favourites post every month, I'd make something a little more wide-reaching in the form of a Monthly Wrap Up. Instead of being solely beauty based, these wrap ups will centre on anything and everything I've been enjoying, experiences I want to share, Ideas and thoughts I've been having, etc etc. Prepare yourself- things will be getting chatty! 

Beauty-
As far as beauty goes, January hasn't been the most explorative, adventurous month. As the new year has begun, I've tended to have stuck with quite a minimal face (post here) as I've been thrown back into exams and the day-to-day stresses of normal life.
This being said, there are definitely a few products that I've been reaching for more often than others.

The Clinique Powder Blush in Iced Lotus is a lovely frosty pink colour that suits my cool skin tone and adds a bit of colour to my cheeks when they're looking a bit lacklustre. It leaves a naturally flushed finish, and goes greatly with...

Revlon's Colorburst Balm Stain in Honey. I think this must be the triple threat product: it moisturises, provides a bit of colour, and -added bonus- smells minty and fresh. The balm goes onto the lips smoothly and does a great job of keeping them hydrated in this weather (which, by the way, is pretty much arctic) The shade is a dusty, browny pink that just adds a bit of depth and life to tired lips- a winner.

I feel absolutely stupid for have waited so long to get on the bandwagon for this next one. The Healthy Balance powder from Bourjois has been a life saver since I finally purchased it at the beginning of the month. I have the shade Vanilla, though it is almost translucent in its coverage. It really does a great job of mattifying that dreaded t-zone shine but also gives the skin a subtle radiance and glow. I could go on for hours- so keep your eyes peeled, there'll be a full post on this coming soon.

The last beauty favourites are 2 nail polishes. Revlon's Gel Colorstay in Trade Winds is, in my opinion, the perfect nude- but I won't go on, there's a full post about it here.  The second is a maroon shade that's been hanging around in my drawer for absolutely ages from Gina Tricot. I really do love a good dark red on the nails, and this one is just lovely.

Body & Face-
It's become a bit of a tradition that every Christmas my sister gets me a Radox Berry Shower Smoothie, and 2014 was no different. I've since re-kindled my love for this shower gel, it's filled with blackcurrant and cranberry seeds that are great for gentle exfoliation, as well as being super softening and comforting on the skin. And as if that wasn't enough, it smells bloody amazing- it's a good thing it has a 'Don't Drink Me' label on it or I would be very tempted.

The Pink Grapefruit Cream Wash from Neutrogena is another firm favourite. It's gentle and goes on quite thickly, and does a really great job of softening and cleansing the skin. Plus, it smells like pink grapefruit- mmmmmm.

Style-
I haven't bought many new clothes this month (for which I deserve a round of applause), so there's not too much to report on that front. However I did receive a beautiful necklace from Accessorize from one of my friends for Christmas, and I've been wearing it almost non stop the whole of January. I love the gold finish it has, and its classic and simple nature I can wear it with almost anything.

Books-
Ian McEwan recently released a new book, "The Children Act", over which I was ecstatic. Being a huge fan of his other books (especially Atonement), this one particularly caught my interests as I'm going off to university later this year to study Law, and this book is centred around cases that I'm actually familiar with and know a bit about. McEwan is a brilliant author and I would highly recommend this book to anyone.

Though not technically a book, I've been really enjoying keeping a "journal" of sorts. It was one of my goals for 2015 (post here) to write more down about anything interesting that happens in my life, or just little things that I might want to look back on or remember. So far, I've really enjoyed documenting my daily thoughts, ideas and recipes- let's hope I have the stamina to keep it up for the whole year haha.

Music-
Music-wise, this month's been really quite varied. Though I usually do tend to find myself drifting back to firm favourites (all time favourite album being the Artcic Monkeys' 'Favourite Worst Nightmare' or The Beatles' 'One'), I've really been loving Sarah Close's cover of 'Only One' - what a talent.
My shower go-to songs have definitely been 'Pretty Hurts' by the Queen herself, as well as George Ezra's cracker of a tune 'Cassy O'' .

Well, I think that's everything for this month's wrap up. Apologies for the extremely rambly long post (I'm really not skilled in the art of concise writing), and congratulations if you've made it this far!

What have you been loving this month? What do you think of this style of posts? I always love hearing what you have to say.

xo, Anna






12 comments:

  1. Those little pictures are so cute, I haven't bought much on the beauty side this month, just books, I'd rather spend money on books though!

    Meme xx

    Latest post out now 'Waterstones Mini Haul'
    http://thedayinthelifeofmexoxo.blogspot.co.uk/

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  2. I love these kinds of posts, always nice to know everything which you like! I loove that necklace, what a fab present - it looks lovely! x

    Jasmin Charlotte | UK Lifestyle Blog

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  4. I am also, loving your polariods pictures! I am saving up at the moment to get one! I've been loving Taylor Swift especially Blank Space :)x
    My Blog ❤

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  5. lovely selection! I am loving the nail polishes :)

    http://allornothing-blog.blogspot.co.uk/

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  6. Great idea, I like this type of post... I've been staring at the Bourjois healthy balance powder at the store but I can't bring myself to buy it because it costs about triple where I live :(

    Samantha Series

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  7. I love reading these sort of posts! It's great keeping a journal type thing, it's just nice sometimes to write things down without fear of being judged! I've nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award, here's the link: http://www.hanniemc.co.uk/2015/02/one-lovely-blog-award.html
    Hope you have a great day :)
    Hannah x
    Hanniemc.co.uk

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  8. Hey girl, I just put up a Liebster award post today, and nominated you :)

    Samantha Series

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  9. Hey girl, I just put up a Liebster award post today, and nominated you :)

    Samantha Series

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  10. I love both foundations from the bourjois healthy mix range but i never thought to check out the powder, now I may just do that. Thanks for the great post. x

    http://themakeup-gypsy.blogspot.com.au/

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