It’s still not back to normal here quite yet. The kids and I are off today for a teacher work day and then school starts tomorrow. Poppy is still sleeping here and it is 9.30am – tomorrow morning is going to be hell. I can also say that this has been one of the best, most relaxing Christmas Holidays we’ve spent as the 4 of us, and I am really not looking forward to them heading back tomorrow. I could happily spend another week at home with them. We’re off to the movies this afternoon to watch Into the Woods as my Husband is back at work and I thought it might give me a couple of hours break later 🙂

I had a couple of hours to myself yesterday at the Mall. As I am trying not to buy any new clothes for a while, plus I seem to have unintentionally embraced a sober January, I thought a little indulgence was in order. I used to treat myself to nail polishes but my nails have been such a disgrace since having my acrylics removed that I can’t even consider colored nails right now. More on that later. So instead I have become hooked on lipsticks. Last month I bought 3 beautiful deep plum colors from Mac. Rebel is still one of my all time favorites – it’s not nearly as dark on the lips as it looks in the bullet and it has a lovely soft satin finish – it really makes my teeth look whiter. Odyssey has a beautiful frost finish to it and reminds me of and old Rimmel lipstick I wore years ago – Heather Shimmer, and Hang Up is deeper and creamier than Rebel and full of moisture.

From left to right – Rebel, Odyssey and Hang Up with Vino pencil

After a few weeks of wearing these lush darker colors I was craving a heavier eye and nude lip – especially with my darker hair. I spent a lot of time reading beauty blogs as Mac do lots of ‘nudes’, but given my yellowy undertones I was really concerned about going too pale and feeling washed out. I decided, especially on viewing, that their classic nude, Creme d’nude, is just too nude for me. The Mac girls at Bloomingdales were super helpful and in the end I walked away with 2 I had on my list and 2 that I hadn’t even considered before – one of these, Myth, now being my favorite!

Left to right Hue, Myth, Pure Zen and Blankety, with Dior Addict liquid liner.

Hue is very sheer with peachy tones – it is a great every day color. Myth is stunning – really nude on the lips and perfect for that smokey eye look – very dramatic for a night out. Pure Zen is a little creamier than Hue but still has those gorgeous peach tones. Blankety is gorgeous and really creamy with mauve undertones and gives great coverage. Ironically Myth and Blankety were the 2 that weren’t on my list and yet were recommended and are now my favorites – those Mac girls know what they are doing!

As for the eyeliner well I have been looking for a great liquid liner for some time. Only problem is most these days seem to have the felt tip and I prefer a brush. Having browsed Sephora and ummed and ahhed for a while I decided to take the plunge with the Dior Addict – the packaging won me over 🙂

Back to my nails – I first started looking at the Dior counter as I have recently rediscovered my love for their Nail Glow. My nails have been horrific since having my acrylics removed from over the summer – never again – it has taken months to get them anywhere near the strength they used to be, plus Folic acid and Biotin every day! The only thing that has saved them recently and looks decent on them is the Dior Nail Glow – I cannot live without it now. Not to mention reading “How to be Parisian” has encouraged me to adopt the mantra ‘less is more’.

As for my skincare routine this year I have splurged on a couple of new products that I now can’t live without. I’ve always been good at cleansing and moisturizing but I felt the need to switch it up a bit heading into 2015.

For the last 6 month I have been using Shiseido Ultimune serum before my basic Nivea moisturiser. I absolutely love it – you only need a tiny amount so it lasts months. I really have noticed smoother skin – especially on my neck were I need it most. It is now a must have in my daily routine.

Following on from this success I figured the Japanese must know what they are doing and I purchased the Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist night emulsion. It is super light and non greasy so I really feel like it is all absorbed before my head hits the pillow. Again it lasts forever – one pump/drop covers my whole face and neck.

As for cleansing I had been using up a trial size of Clinique Take the Day Off and I nearly bought a full size version until I saw Sephora did their own cheaper version. It does exactly what it says on the bottle and I love it and use it before using a drugstore foam cleanser.

So what with my decreased alcohol intake, increased water intake and new products my skin should be glowing! Have you added any new beauty products to your routine this year?

My outifts from the past couple of days have been rather black heavy – it has taken a lot to persuade me out of my M&S cashmere onesie (now only £89 reduced from £199!!).

Shoes – Stan Smith sneakers // Trousers – H&M faux leather // Sweater – Everlane cashmere v-neck // Jacket – Mango (on sale)

Shoes – Stuart Weitzman Leman (half price in sale!) // Jeans – Zara // T-shirt – Asos // Scarf – H&M (old) // Jacket – Mango (on sale)

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