TOP FIVE SKINCARE HEROES OF 2015

If I had to choose between make up and skincare, I'd choose skincare every time. I'd rather spend more time looking after my skin so that I can spend less time applying make up. I'm yet to find the perfect skincare routine for me, but at the moment I have some products which I'm really enjoying using - so I thought I'd share them with you.

MY TOP 3 BOOKS OF 2015

There really is nothing better than getting lost in a good book. Since I was little, I've always loved to read, but for a couple of years I seemed to go through a phase where I was reading less and less. Very disappointed in myself, I made a New Years resolution for 2015 to make the time for reading and I feel like I've done pretty well - at least I have succeeded at one of my resolutions! This year I have read books that have made me laugh, cry and some that I never wanted to end. I'm always looking for book recommendations, so I thought that I would share with you my top 3 books I have read this year.

DIGITAL DETOX

If we're honest with ourselves, I think the majority of us are guilty of spending too much time staring at our phones. For me, checking my phone and social media became a habit rather than something I was enjoying. Don't get me wrong, I love Instagram, but after aimlessly scrolling for hours seeing each new picture as it was posted, I really wasn't getting any enjoyment out of it.

OCTOBER FAVOURITES

I can't quite believe that October has already come and gone and I'm already buying Christmas presents, eek! Not that I'm complaining, I'm so excited for Christmas this year, it'll be the first Christmas that I'm not at work for three years and I plan on making the most of it - which will probably mean eating far too much food and watching as many Christmas films as possible! I'm getting a little ahead of myself here - can you tell I'm excited?! - so for now let's calm down and talk about what I was loving in the month of October.

FASHION: POINTED BOOTS

 Office Feline Padded Zip Boots

It's that time of year again. The wind, rain and freezing cold is creeping in and before we know it the dreaded 'S' word will be upon us - snow that is. This impending weather means but one thing - boot season! But quite frankly, do I need an excuse to buy another pair of boots?

MARY PORTAS: SHOP GIRL

Last week I went to see Mary Portas talk about her life, from growing up in Watford to working in the glamorous world of Harvey Nichols and Harrods. I've always enjoyed watching her TV shows, particularly 'Mary's Bottom Line' - her passion for what she believes in is contagious.

PRODUCT REVIEW: BARE MINERALS COMPLEXION RESCUE

As you may have seen from my previous face of the week look, you can read all about that here, I'm not really one for base products. Anything heavy on my skin makes me feel weirdly claustrophobic - it's odd, I know - so a lot of the time I stick to concealer on it's own. Last weekend I took a trip to London to celebrate my birthday and I felt like wearing a bit more make up, so out came the Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream.

BEAUTY AND SKINCARE HAUL

Last weekend I went on a little bit of a shopping spree to stock up on a few bits and bobs and also to pick up some new products to try out. I was very strict with myself and resisted buying everything that is currently on my wish list - which is very long!!! - and stuck to only a few products. *Pats self on back*. Here's what I picked up.

QUICK AND EASY AT HOME MANICURE

I must confess, I am guilty of neglecting my nails for long periods of time until they start to annoy me so much that I need a full on professional manicure. I'm trying to get into the habit of doing short little manicures more frequently to avoid the mess and dryness that my hands are often in. Woops. This post is by no means a professional manicure and I have no experience at all, this is just what I like to do to try and look after my nails and keep them in good condition.

TOP 5 CORAL LIP SHADES

In the past, I was never exactly daring with my lip colours, sticking to neutral, barely there glosses. Then I discovered the world of orange/coral shades. These shades suit my skin tone and hair colour far more than red ever has - in my opinion anyway - and now there's rarely a time that I don't have some shade of coral on my lips. Since it's the only shade that I've been wearing over the summer, I thought I would round up my top picks - from lip gloss to full on matte liquid lipsticks.

PRODUCT REVIEW: ORIGINS ORIGINAL SKIN SERUM

Well would you believe it, my second Origins post in no time - I wasn't lying when I said I was a fan. This time it's all about the Origins Original Skin Renewal Serum.

AUTUMN NAILS

Summer has felt like a distant memory this week as the autumn chill has certainly taken hold. Not that I'm complaining, as much as I love balmy summer days I think there's nothing better than chunky knits and scarves! I've left summer and bright coral nails behind and I've dug out one of my favourite autumn/winter shades.

PRODUCT REVIEW: ORIGINS DRINK UP INTENSIVE MASK

I'm fully aware that pretty much everyone has heard of Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask by now. I definitely haven't made a groundbreaking discovery to change the world of skincare forever. I just have to talk about how much I ADORE this product.

FACE OF THE WEEK #1

This week it's been all about the minimal makeup for me. On an early weekday morning, I need something that is quick and easy but makes me look slightly more awake than I feel! This is how I achieved a natural, simple look.