10 Things I Love About Christmas

With just two days to go until we reach the big day I thought it was a festively perfect idea to countdown the ten things that I love the most about Christmas. This idea popped into my head as I sit here dreaming about Christmas at home - although I cannot complain, I get to sit on a beach this year and still get to devour a Christmas dinner in the evening. Winner!

So in no particular order;

1. The Food - Yes you got that one right. As soon as it hits 1st December I find it perfectly acceptable to not only eat one mince pie everyday but to also consume large quantities of chocolate as is possible. Don't judge me, I know you all do the same.
2. The Christmas Tree - I love this part - its a good old process from finding the perfect tree to lugging it to the car and then getting said tree into the car - cue seats down and the boot left half open. There is nothing more than having a real Christmas tree and being able to decorate it.
3. Watching Christmas Films - Binge watching every Christmas film that was ever made throughout the entirety of December is a must for me. From A Miracle on 34th Street to Elf to Jack Frost and so on. Christmas Films make me so happy and get me in that jolly mood.
4. Wrapping Presents - Some people find this the most tedious job in the world - but not for little old me. Each present has to be wrapped to perfection with some kick ass ribbons and tags to boot. They look so good under the Christmas tree, dontcha think?!
5. Mulled Wine - Such Christmassy mulled goodness. Perfect on a crisp cold day - well, perfect everyday in my world. I love it.
6. Christmas Get-Together(s)/Parties -  December is the one month in the year where it is acceptable to attend as many festive events as possible.There is nothing more fun than being able to throw on a sparkly outfit and team it with a bold red lip and enjoy a merry evening with close friends. Cue the excessive amounts of food and wine.
7. Christmas Eve Excitement - I still get as excited for Christmas Day as much as I did when I was a young one. Not being able to sleep on Christmas Eve has always been a problem for me...and I am now 27. I love meeting up with my closest friends on the Eve for drinks and festivities.
8. Christmas Morning - Its a tradition in our household to open our presents in the morning following a good old cup of tea and a bacon sandwich - there is nothing more exciting and satisfying than seeing your family open their presents that you got them. I live for the look on their faces.
9. Spending Time with My Amazing Family - I love love love being around all of my family and Jack on Christmas Day. It is a great time to just relax, stuff ourselves to the point of explosion and really appreciate what and who you have got with you in your life. If I could have one wish for Christmas it would be to have my mum there. I miss her every single day.
10. The Christmas Dinner - The main man. Yes, every year the stress of cooking causes family arguments to the point where f bombs are flying everywhere - but that aside, it all comes together in the end to form a beautifully tasty dinner. Utterly fantastic.

What do you love about Christmas?

K x

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A List of Loves, Covets and New Finds #2

Its time for the second edition...

Currently Loving
My favourite Blogger and YouTuber Vivianna Does Makeup. I have been following Anna for over a year now and she is one of the main reasons why I end up buying so much makeup & skincare. Damn you, Anna! Just joking, I bloody love it. Her ability to rock any makeup look and her great knowledge on anything beauty related definitely makes me her number one fan. Go subscribe to her YouTube channel and blog, you will not be disappointed.

I am totally digging my new OVERSIZED scarf from Zara (yes, caplocks is required for this bad boy). Just like the topshop boots, I never take it off. Put it this way, if I could sleep in both of these items, I would.

Currently Coveting
As usual, the biggest section of this post. Obviously, I want everything. First up is the Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream - when I purchased the Bobbi Brown concealer and corrector, the lady prepped my under eye with this cream. It felt so silky and hydrating (obvs) and made applying concealer like a blooming dream. It has brilliant reviews too - sold.

I am on the market for a new leather jacket - said everyone ever. Well, I know I certainly am. I have a faux leather one back in the UK that is well loved. However, four years of constantly wearing it has started to take its toll (got a few holes on the arms). So doing what I do best, I checked out the All Saints website the other day and found this stunner - a little pricey but you know its going to last forever.

I had a couple of comments on my Concealers, Concealers, Concealers post about the causes of under eye darkness and some remedies. One of them being the use of a Vitamin E Eye Cream - this one from The Body Shop has fantastic reviews and a great price. It also claims to hydrate the under eye and reduce fine lines. I may just divert my daily stroll to Thai Boxing via The Body Shop next time.

I have been after a lovely notebook for a while, especially now I have started this blog. Every time I have a blog idea I have to whop the iPhone out - clearly not as sophisticated as getting a beautiful little personalised notebook out. Which brings me to the final product I am coveting this month - a personalised notebook from Jadeco. I spotted this in Metrobooks in Tsim Sha Tsui - it was super soft, red and had a personalised message in gold which read 'Love!' - I wanted it there and then. The only downside is that you have to pop into store to request personalisation - which takes seven to ten days. Bummer. I have submitted my request to Jack in the form of puppy dog eyes. It is such a good idea for a Christmas or Birthday present.

New Finds
I am always on the lookout for a good purifying mask. A friend recommended this one from Borghese. The best thing for us is that in Hong Kong you can find it for £6-£7 - in the UK the smallest one is £27! What is that about?! At the end of the day - me and Jack would still pay the extortionate price because its that good. It tingles A LOT when applying it to the face, after five minutes remove it with a warm/hot cloth and say hello to a smooth and brighter complexion. It really gets deep into your pores and draws out impurities - its going to take a good few uses to clear up my skin but it seems to be working. Jack loves it -  he is already making space in the suitcase to bring a bucket load home.

Oh and another new find is Nicki Minaj's new song The Night is Still Young. Definitely a guilty pleasure but I love it. Check it out.

I would love to know what you guys are currently loving or coveting?

K x

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A Whirlwind Trip to Shanghai.

Warning: this post is extremely picture heavy.

Shanghai is very beautiful place. At times I actually felt like I was in a European city, the buildings are so grand and picturesque and I suppose the freezing weather helped too.

Jack's half attempt at posing for me - the sun got the better of him though.

The streets are covered in couples having their pre-wedding photographs at this time of year (hence the lady in the wedding dress behind Jack). We even spotted a couple in the middle of the road, the taxi driver had to honk at them to move!

I spotted some cute children playing with tyres in the street whilst their dad tirelessly worked alongside them.

 Mmmm roasted chesnuts.

Elderly couple chatting away whilst eating one of their five a day.

Can anyone tell me what this is? 

Whatever it is, Jack found it quite tasty.

We then rambled along to the old town.

Check the man smiling out of the top window.

We got a little peckish and found a stall selling glazed fruits. Think toffee apple, but instead with strawberries. They were delicious.

 It is truly a hard life.

We then reached the Yu Garden. Beautifully picturesque.

 Me and Catrina took a snap of each other, taking a snap of each other.

We then hit Tianzifang. Tucked away in the French Concession, this cobbled maze is the home to a number of small shops and stalls boasting all types of goodies. Feeling the cold we dashed for the nearest bar and ordered an Amaretto Gluhwein. It doesn't look so inviting on the photo but it warmed up the old cockles.

This is where we bedded down for the two nights - The Astor House Hotel. Built in 1846, this hotel opened its doors to a number of famous people - from Einstein to Charlie Chaplin to President Grant in 1897, who happened to have stayed in the same room as me and Jack. Room 410.

It was safe to say that we both felt comfortable leaving a few lights on as we slept.

We got ready after a lovely afternoon of mulled wines and briskly walked on down to The Bund, taking a few snaps along the way.

The entrance to Bund 18.

 Another elevator shot. Obligatory.

Just check out this stunning view of The Bund from Bar Rouge.

After a quick drink we headed on downstairs to Mr & Mrs Bund, a beautiful French restaurant.

We started with an impeccably light tuna mousse served with crispy thin croutons. 

Lamb Shank Instanbul with eggplant for Jack...

...and Crispy Duck Leg Confit with Roasted Ceps Garlic and Seared Fois Gras for me.

The food was delicious and so flavoursome.

On our final day we took a cab to an area within the French Concession and had a stroll through a local park. The elderly were out in force, some playing card games, others dancing away to their friend singing away on a karaoke machine. We then came across this lady writing out Chinese characters with a water filled sponge/stick. Very interesting.

We walked along in the cold crisp air and came across these interestingly designed fences. I was more interested in how they managed to get the image on to the fence, whilst the boys took in some of the history.

After a couple of hours of strolling it was time to head back to Tianzifang for another Gluhwein. This time I stopped to take a few photos of the streets. Only one made it on to this post. I am so bad a photography.

 Steve found a horses head and decided to scare the locals with it.

We ended our day at a lovely little chocolate themed cafe, Whisk. Me and Jack plumped for the Upside Down Chocolate Cake and a hot chocolate each.

It was fan-chocolatey-tastic.

On our very short trip we only touched upon a few of the sights. There is so much more to see and I hope to return one day.

A great weekend was had by all.

K x

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A Lazyday Outfit

We went on a little trip to Shanghai last weekend (blog post coming soon) and Jack and I were in need of some wintery clothing as the weather was as blistery cold as the UK. We ordered a bucket load of items from ASOS last month but unfortunately it has gone missing. Therefore we had to make a mad dash to the shops in the hopes of finding some goodies to keep us warm for the weekend.

Here is what I bought;
ZARA CHECKED DOUBLE SIDED SCARF (£19.99) - This scarf is massive! It is so fluffy and soft and is super for wrapping myself (and Jack) up in to keep nice and toasty.

H&M OVERSIZED JUMPER (£14.99) - Love this jumper. Its so big, soft and cosy - I could wear it everyday. I need this in every colour.

TOPSHOP CUT OUT BOOTS (£46) - These babies featured in my List of Loves, Covets & new Finds post last month. I can't get enough of these - the only time I remove them is to go to bed. They are so comfortable (tried and tested from walking for miles in Shanghai). I love wearing them with my berry coloured socks.

I thought I would pair the outfit with the boots and also a pair of court shoes (similar here) just to show how you can take this from day to night. Low maintenance, yet sophisticated (the outfit, not me).

I am starting to feel a little Christmassy now wearing all these warm wintery items!

K x

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Concealer, Concealer, Concealer - My Current Collection

Everyone has an addiction to something. For me, that something is concealer.

I have had a manic obsession with concealer since my early teens due to sporting panda like eyes. You name it, I have probably tried it - from Benefit's Boing, Fakeup & Erase Paste to YSL's renowned Touche Eclat (embarrassingly enough, I used this as a concealer and not as a highlighter - forgive me, I was young and naive). Not forgetting the countless drugstore brands I have tried and tested too.

So without further ado, welcome to my current collection;

BOBBI BROWN CREAMY CORRECTOR (£19) -I don't think I could ever be without this product ever again. It is fantastic at neutralising dark circles. This is always the first step in my concealing process. For £19, it is a tad on the expensive side but totally worth the splurge.

COLLECTION LASTING PERFECTION  ULTIMATE WEAR CONCEALER (£4.19) - Time and time again I find myself going back to this one. With good coverage, lasting power and zero crease-ability, this has to be my all time favourite. For £4.19, its a no brainer people. It just does the job in hand; covering dark circles and blemishes, no question. I use the shade Cool Medium (2). *Beware: the black on the packaging melts and transfers onto your fingers - not cool*

MAC MINERALIZE CONCEALER (£17) - With a light to medium coverage, I use this as the last step in my concealing process. It is a little lighter than my skin tone so its great for brightening my under eye. It is very lightweight and is easy to blend with your ring finger or a fluffy brush. I have the shade NC20.

BOBBI BROWN CREAMY CONCEALER KIT (£24.50) - I have touched upon this one in a previous post so I won't bore you. Once warmed up on the skin, it blends in seamlessly. It has a light to medium coverage so I tend to use it on days where dark eye circles aren't much of a problem. Make sure you use the accompanying finishing power as this stuff can crease slightly. Still a favourite of mine.

SOAP & GLORY KICK ASS BLUR AND BRIGHTEN CRAYON (£6) - Meh. I had high hopes for this one when I swatched it in boots. It is so damn creamy and applies to the skin like silk. Coverage is not great. It claims to banish under eye circles but it certainly didn't banish mine! With a whole two shades to choose from this was a severe disappointment.

MAYBELLINE ERASER EYE CONCEALER (£7.99) - For a start this is a little too dark for my skin tone, I should have gone a shade lighter. Its ok, I shall say that. Coverage is light to medium but it doesn't seem to cover my dark circles at all. Eraser schmaser. 

MAYBELLINE PURE COVER MINERAL CONCEALER (Only available in Hong Kong) - I think I swatched this one in the dark too as it is just ever so slightly too dark for my skin tone. This one is of a thicker consistency, like the Collection concealer. It covers well but it feels a lot more cakey meaning it tended to crease a lot more. I wouldn't shout from the rooftops about this one, but for a budget buy, it does the job.

I also have my eye on the Clarins Instant Concealer and the MAKE UP FOR EVER Full Cover Extreme Camouflage Cream - both of these concealers have received rave reviews and I can't wait to test them out.

Now please excuse me whilst I attend my weekly CAA* meeting.

What concealers do you use? Can you recommend any good ones?

K x 

*Concealer Addicts Anonymous

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Bad to the Bronze

It's very rare that you'll catch me with a splash of colour on my eyelids, let alone eyeliner.

Picture this: My 18th birthday. Virgin Vie party. I was made up to look what resembled a drag queen. The result - scarred for life.

Nearly ten years later, I feel it is time to push that memory to the back of my mind and road test some eye shadows that I have been collecting. As I am a beginner at this I kept it quite neutral with a splash of liner, for that extra bit of definition.

On my lids is Maybelline's Color Tattoo 24hr Cream Gel Eyeshadow in Bad to the Bronze. This is the first time I have used a cream shadow and thank lord I chose this one. From the pot, it seems quite dry but once it warms up on the fingers it applies to the eyelid like a dream. I use a fluffy brush to blend this in, but using your fingers can work just as well. You can really pack this product on for a more intense look or go completely the opposite and lightly blend in for a subtle hint of colour. For all of you worrying whether it will crease, then worry not - even without a primer on my lids this stuff did not budge.

I was recommended this eyeliner from my friend, its by Heroine Make (a Japanese brand) which is easily accessible in Hong Kong and equally as accessible if you tend to purchase products online in the UK. If you struggle to apply eyeliner then this is the bad boy for you. The brush is thin and not too stiff or floppy (apologies for the use of words there) meaning it makes for an easy application. Its very pigmented and stays on my lids for hours and hours. My only gripe with it is the time it takes to dry, so either apply it earlier on in your make up routine or curl your lashes before application - otherwise the curlers will sweep some of the liner off. I am sure you ladies already know what to do - I am just too new to the eyeliner world. I highly recommend this.

K x

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Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil: A Skin Saviour

I have been reaching for the Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil on and off for the past eight months and if I am being honest, it didn't float my skincare boat as much as I thought it would. Until recently.

Rosehip oil boasts so many skin loving qualities, one of them being its ability to boost the skins natural healing process. This is why it has jumped to the top of my skincare routine as of late.

Hong Kong has not been kind to my skin. Not only have I been suffering from very dry skin due to a change in the weather but an army of angry under-the-skin spots have been battling through. This is when I reach for the Rosehip Oil. It has quite a strong scent, but not one that is uneasy on the nose. I just press it into clean skin before bedtime and let this orangey goodness work its overnight magic.

I kid you not, by the morning the pesky under-the-skin spot has reduced significantly and the pain has decreased from a painful 10/10 to a friendly 1/10. The dryness that seems to have gathered around my nostrils (due to excessive nose blowing) has disappeared too.

This lovely little oil is also supposed to improve skin tone and reduce fine lines - personally I haven't used it enough to witness this but I will certainly be making it a regular in my skincare routine from now on.

If you are looking for a face friendly wonder oil that is perfect for all skin types I urge you to go along and buy this.

Have you ever used Rosehip oil? If so, whatcha reckon?

K x

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In Love With: Revlon Colorburst Matt Balm in Elusive

Yes, I know I am a little late to the Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm party, but I just had to say my piece on this lovely little product.

I have been reaching for this near enough every day for the past 2-3 weeks. This lovely matte rosey pink shade has great colour pay-off and effortlessly sails on to the lips, feeling very moisturising at the same time. Its great to wear from day through to evening and smells minty which is very refreshing to the nose.
 
The only downside to this product is the staying power - it doesn't last on the lips very long, especially when you are eating and drinking. But for a mere £7.99, it doesn't really phase me.

I can't wait to pick up some more of these balm sticks. I already have my eye on Standout - a beaut berry red number.


P.S. This was the only half decent picture I could get and it doesn't really show the colour to its true potential, but you just have to believe me.

P.P.S. I got to dust off the old parka this weekend and I am very excited. Hong Kong is finally getting cold.

Have you tried any of the Colorburst Matte Balms?

K x

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