Christmas edit - what we got

The excitement of Christmas never really goes away as we grow up, which is why we want to share all the lovely presents we received this year. 

Beauty

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish -With all the hype surrounding this product I've been itching to get my hands on some. My Mum was ever so kind and bought my first bottle for me, which came with two muslin cloths. Before I was introduced to cleansers I always used to use makeup wipes, but had no idea how terrible they can be for your skin because of the alcohol content. I've used the cleanse and polish a few times already and love it so far! The consistency is quite thick and it removes all my makeup without having to wake up with damn panda eyes. 


GOSH eyeshadow crayon - I've been on the hunt for cheaper dupes to Charlotte Tilbury's eyeshadow pencils and MAC paint pots, so I found this gem in Superdrug! It was actually a small Christmas present to myself (because why the hell not) and I plan to wear it on new years eve for some sparkle.


REN Moisturising Day & Night cream -  Living up north combined with the cold, the stress of uni and the nights out were not doing wonders for my skin. So, last christmas was my first time asking for 'grown up' products. I was yet to delve into the whole 'skincare' world and so wasn't particularly sure what to ask for. My mum thoughtfully provided me with a collection of mini products to try out. Out of them all, (Clinique, korres, simple...) I discovered my skin responded wonderfully to REN, and so this Christmas invested in full sized day and night cream. Not too cheap, but definitely worth the price if you have normal-dry skin and want something light, soft and instantly illuminating!


Urban Decay, Naked Palette - Watching endless youtube videos on makeup tags/hauls/tutorials I've constantly seen this lil' fella popping up: The Urban Decay Naked Pallette. Not being one to spend too much on makeup and knowing my 'smokey eye' ends up looking like I've just been in a catfight, I wasn't convinced. However, discovering my drugstore eyeshadows practically fell off my eyelid after an hour, I decided maybe expensive eyeshadow is worth the hype - and I wasn't let down. The colours are gorgeous and simply glide onto your eye with an impressive stand out shade.

NARS Sheer Glow- I'm a firm believer of the view that if you're going to invest in high end makeup, a foundation is a must. Personally, I've always been loyal to Laura Mercier, having found the exact tone for my skin and enjoying its coverage. When it ran out just before the holidays, I decided to become a traitor and give into NARS. So far, I definitely do understand the obsession, but not sure if it will forever keep me away from Mercier's clutch.

Marc Jacobs, Daisy Every year i'm provided with a perfume and this is one of my absolute faves! 

Homeware 

Copper drinking jug - My mum saw me obsess over this jug when we were out shopping one day and must've bought it while I wasn't looking (cheeky). I've noticed I don't drink enough water some days, so my theory is that if I have something nice to drink out of it'll make me want to drink more. Hopefully it works!

Diptyque candle - My lovely other half got me this candle from Diptyque which smells ah-mazing. I've wanted one for ages, but could never justify buying one for myself. The packaging and jar is also stunning - can't wait to burn this baby.


Other bits and bobs


The Collected Works of Oscar Wilde - A good friend of mine knows how much I love The Picture of Dorian Gray, so bought me Wilde's whole collection! I've been wanting to read of his other work, so now I have the perfect reason to.


COACH purse - A cute surprise gift from my stepmum. Thought the colours were absolutely gorgeous and will be using lots in the spring/summer time!


Topshop coat - I cheekily bought this jacket/glove combo while I was out shopping, but had to (reluctantly) pass it over to my mum until Christmas. I was immediately drawn to it and couldn't resist! This coat is something I don't have at all, and the faux fur lining will definitely keep me warm and cosy up' norrrth. Black Leather gloves are also a simple must, so elegant, classy and go with everything!




Christmas decorating and DIY

As Christmas is near we thought we'd share all the festive things we've been getting up to! Being students, we can't always splash out on fancy Christmas decor, so we came up with a few ideas on how to spread festivity on a budget. 

Bedroom

On our hunt for Christmassy things I found a wire garland from Tiger which I used to wrap around my bed along with fairy lights and my room was already looking a lot more festive! To keep the vibe going I bought these flannel fitted sheets, which is the WARMEST thing to sleep on (maybe a bit too warm sometimes, but it's only going to get colder). Finally, I popped into TK Maxx on the hunt for a cheap candle and found this gem for only £8, and the best part wasn't even the smell - the wick made a crackling log fire sound when lit. 

Wire garland - Tiger
Fitted sheets - Primark
Candle - TK Maxx

DIY

I've always wanted to make my own wreath, but never had the resources (or any idea how to for that matter). So I did some research and went into my garden to collect some twigs and things. Luckily I have a holly bush in my garden, so I decided to make a holly wreath using some twigs and fishing rod.


Step 1: Create a circle by tying a few pieces of twig together with fishing rod.
Step 2: Tie clusters of holly around the wreath.
Step 3: Add some berries using super glue or more finishing rod and it's done!


Another quick and easy idea is to find your favourite glass vase and fill it up with Christmassy things you have lying around. I used baubles and pine cones, but anything will do really!


Hope you all have a lovely Christmas. Sophie and Damini x