As 2017 is nearing to an end, and my palette collection is increasing more and more as the days go by, I thought it would be a really brilliant and time consuming idea to rank my top 10 palettes out of my collection!

Please note, these are 20 palettes. This does not include my Z palette with single shadows, and some drugstore palettes I own. They didn't make the shortlist. Then some of these didn't make the shortlist of the shortlist!

So let me start by listing the 20 palettes I am ranking. I am only listing my top 10 (this was extremely difficult). I will link where you can buy these from just here at the beginning!

I am choosing between:
1) Urban Decay Naked Palette
2) Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette
3) Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette 
4) Urban Decay Naked Smoky Palette (on sale!)
5) Huda Beauty Mauve Obsession Palette
6) Huda Beauty Smokey Obsession Palette
7) The Balm Meet Matte Nude Palette
8) The Balm Nude'tude Palette
9) Violet Voss Holy Grail Palette
10) Violet Voss x Laura Lee Palette (nooo it's gone)
11) Charlotte Tilbury Instant Eye Palette
12) Charlotte Tilbury Dolce Vita Palette 
13) Too Faced Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bar Palette 
14) Huda Beauty Desert Dusk Palette
15) Huda Beauty Rose Gold Palette (nooo it's gone)
16) Anastasia Beverley Hills Modern Renaissance Palette
17) Morphe Jaclyn Hill Palette
18) Morphe Copper Spice Palette 
19) Morphe 35o Palette 
20) Morphe 350s Palette 

Now time to cut these in half, and talk about my top 10 palettes of 2017.

10) Too Faced Semi Sweet Chocolate Bar Palette


You know they're loved when they look a messss! This had to make my top 10. It is a perfect palette for everyday use, but can also extend to glam.

This is the palette I am mostly travel with (on a daily basis, not over a few days)! I really like starting off the day with this, and if I have plans in the evening, adding more on!

As you can see, the shade called Cocoa Chili is one of my faves. It has really fine gold/green glitter in it, which looks amazing - I have nothing like this shade. Good palette.

9) Violet Voss Laura Lee Palette 



Yo, I didn't even know who Laura Lee was. I have obviously YouTube'd her now, and watched some of her videos..

I bought this palette because it was on sale and because I love Violet Voss shadows. They are honestly one of the best I've used. People compare them to Morphe, but no - Violet Voss Glitters are definitely better.

The glitters in this palette are soooo buttery, I was amazed. I really like 'fleeky' as an untraditional transition shade, and the mattes blend beautifully.

I'm assuming I found it with 30% off because they were discontinuing them - but consider a different Violet Voss palette (keep reading). I have my eye on the ride or die palette.. but I don't neeeed it :(.

8) Morphe Jaclyn Hill Palette 



For spot 8, I had to decide between the Morphe 35o & the Jaclyn Hill, because you do not need both!

I mean you do, if you're like me, and you prefer the slightly pinky tones in here compared to the 35o (on the top right of the palette). That's the reason I chose the JH palette compared to the morphe 35o. One thing I hate is the white packaging. Why Jaclyn? Mine is horribly smudged already!

I love the Morphe Copper spice as it was so inexpensive, and still good quality, but no space in my top 10, soz boo.

Morphe 35os is great with additional palettes, but can't be used for a whole look, due to the lack of mattes.

7) Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette 



Nobody can take my love away from this palette. You can probably tell from the state of it. (I REFUSE TO CLEAN ALL MY PALETTES FOR THIS POST TO SHOW YOU THE LOVE THEY GET).

I bought this when it first came out, and yes, there is fall out, but they are beautiful shadows that you can create beautiful looks with.

When this finishes, the only reason I wouldn't repurchase is because I have so many palettes.

I am really sad that other ABH palettes haven't been loved :( I really hope they produce another one as good as this.

6) Huda Beauty Mauve Palette 



A very recent purchase, but already in my top. Please note the Smokey Obsession did not make my top (although still a lovely palette) as these colours are more me.

I love the pink glitter, and the mattes. For a palette with only 9 shades, there's so many looks you can create!

Also loving the fact it's so small, as I can take it everywhere with me!

5) Charlotte Tilbury Instant Eye Palette 



Charlotte just does it right, every single time. You can read my review on this palette here.

4) Huda Beauty Rose Gold Palette 



Yaassss, my recent obsession with Huda Beauty products is real. I will stand by this palette, forever.

All the glitters except the 'textured' shadows are easy to work with. The textures shadows require more work, but are absolutely fab. Let's not forget the mattes, which are also lovely.

V V good palette.

3) Charlotte Tilbury Dolce Vita Palette 




Who's surprised this baby has made my top 5? Not one single person.

I kid you not, most wedding, party, formal event I went to in 2017, I was wearing this palette.

This palette is my child. I love you.

2) Violet Voss Holy Grail Palette 



Quite literally holy grail. This palette, like the Laura Lee, is such good quality.

Glitters are buttery, mattes are super blendable, and the shades in this palette compliment each other SO well. I prefer the shades in this than the Laura Lee palette.

As my friend Sabera once said, this palette is me in a palette. ha.

1) Huda Beauty Desert Dusk Palette 




Yes baby girl, you got my top spot.

I am in love with this palette. You can read my really in depth review here, where I tell you basically how obsessed I am with this palette.

Seriously guys, before 2017 ends, get your hands on this!



I really enjoyed writing this blog post! I'm quickly going to add my reasons to why some palettes weren't chosen, if I haven't already.
- The Balm palettes - So the Nude'tude was probably one of the palettes I regret purchasing. I purchased it because I came across The Balm products for the first time, in the smallest airport in Ireland. As I was waiting for a plane, I picked up two palettes, the matte nude, and the nude'tude. The nude'tude shadow pans are the SMALLEST PANS I HAVE EVER SEEN IN MY LIFE!!!! I do use it because the quality is good, however for the price, not worth it. On the other hand.. the Nude Meet Matte palette pan sizes are absolutely huge!! I just don't reach for this palette everyday, but they have really good matte staples. Also their packaging is fab.
- Urban decay Naked Palettes - these are what started by obsession with eyeshadows, and it's really sad to say I've outgrown them :( I just think there's so many better quality, and cheaper palettes out there, but Naked Palettes - you are the OG's, you know it.

Do you agree with my top 10? I'd love to know yours guys!

7 December 2017

Top Eye Shadow Palettes of 2017!

Choosing The Right Chanel 

I mean, I don't think I'll ever promise to write a 'series' again as the last time I wrote about this topic was 16th November 2016.

Over a year later, I have decided to finish something I started.


If you're looking to invest in a Chanel recently, I thought I'd give you a rough idea about where to start.

When you walk into Chanel, there are a lot of bags on display. Trying to pick a bag you like can be daunting. Firstly, it should be known that not all their stock is on display, ESPECIALLY their classic bags. Most bags they display are their seasonal ones, which they change regularly. Therefore, it is a good idea to have done some research on the bag you actually like & want, and go in with some knowledge. If not, you'll probably walk out Chanel-less or with a bag you didn't really want but ended up with.

If this is your first Chanel bag, I can guarantee you, you will want a Chanel bag you can wear for a long time. Therefore, start at classic. Classic bags are timeless pieces, this includes a Chanel Jumbo Flap bag. 


For reference, in 2006 the classic flap bags were roughly $1700, now they retail at $5500. These bags will always hold their value! These bags come in 3 sizes; small (which is the most popular and is still quite big), medium (which is quite big), and jumbo (which is huge). 

The reason I chose my seasonal compared to the classic is because the flap itself takes up a lot of space in the bag itself! Mine doesn't have a flap, therefore I can fit a lot more stuff in, and was more convenient for my everyday life. 

Saying that, these bags are of course exppppeeensive. If you're dedicated, keep an eye out on the seasonal bags as you can find very classic styles with a slight twist (as it's seasonal). The one I have, is a plain black lambskin with silver hardware, however it has a small difference above the CC sign! This small difference, and the fact it was seasonal made the price retail at less than half the price of the classic flap! It is very very similar to the classic flap bag. 

Materials - there are two classic types of material; the caviar leather & the lambskin leather! The caviar leather is the grainy type of leather, while the lambskin is the softer leather. Caviar leather will hold its shape more, whilst lambskin leather will look softer, but is easily scratched. Although it's more susceptible to scratches, light scratches can come out quite easy, as they are still quite durable.
Other types of materials that are normally seen in Chanel bags are the velvet type, tweed etc. You may want to stay away from this type, as this again may something which is quite trendy right now, but in 4 years, you may not want to wear it at all!

Be aware of buying online/from an untrusted seller! Even replica Chanel bags can come with receipts, authentication cards, and made out of good quality leather!

Stick to a CC design on the clasp if it's your first Chanel! Going for another type of clasp may not be as great in a few years time. Of course, it's your choice though.

One mistake when I bought mine, was going for silver hardware. At the time, I loved the silver hardware. Now, I just feel like the Gold hardware is more luxurious!

Boy bags - very very nice. Many styles, many materials. But, can we predict if you will want to wear this type of bag in a few years time? No. Again, your choice though. My tip is, if you do go for a boy bag, stick to a classic colour (black/beige) , classic hardware (gold) & classic material (lambskin!). It's not a classic bag.

Chanel bags come with a lifetime warranty. My chanel chain broke, and as soon as I took it to the Chanel store, they sent it to Paris, and replaced it within 4 weeks. I find this type of service worth buying a luxury bag!

I wrote this in my previous post, DO NOT BUY A BAG IF YOU WILL BE BROKE AFTER. Your bag will not buy you food.

Overall, consider your lifestyle. Will you actually get usage out of the bag you are considering? Consider the size, the material, the style and then decide.


25 November 2017

Starting a Designer Bag Collection: Part 2

Hi,

The last time I reviewed a Huda eyeshadow palette, you all loved it, so I thought I would review her smaller yet still so cute eyeshadow palettes!


I so far own the mauve obsession palette, and they all retail at £25! 

Compared to the desert dusk palette which is £56, this is pretty good! I thought I would compare the consistencies & tell you if they're worth it. I will also show some swatches, like I did for the desert dusk palette


Here's the palette. Despite its size, they actually do contain full size pans. This is really good for £25, and also makes this palette super travel friendly. It also comes with a decent size mirror, which is also great.

The swatches: 








& all together: 



My review: 

- Firstly, if you find the glitters in the other HB palettes difficult to work with, these are a lot easier. They're easier to use with fingers or a brush. They're creamy and they do feel like a premium glitter shadow. They still have the same colour pay off. They are super glittery! My preferred method is using a finger with the glitter though (I do this with most of my palettes). 
- The matte shades are very very similar to the other HB palettes. They are very pigmented, and are buildable. They're pretty easy to work with. 
- £25 divided by 9 is roughly £2.78. Per pan you are paying around £2.78, this is pretty good value for money, and for good quality shadows too!
- I prefer eyeshadows that are named. It helps me to remember what I actually used lols, this doesn't have that but I guess that's the compromise you have to make to have a travel sized palette!  
- I really like the way Huda categorised these into 4 different palettes, so people can choose which colours they prefer, and not have to buy a huge palette which is more expensive, with all the colours in it. 

Buy the other palettes here: 


22 November 2017

Huda Beauty Mini Obsession Palette!


Because I got your backs boo boo's, just thought I'd let you know that Dishoom has opened a new store in Kensington!

Until Wednesday 22nd November, ALL food is 50% off!




They've got plenty of tables, and during lunch, there wasn't a queue & we were seated pretty quickly.


Kensington Special: Mutton Fry :)



& as usual, their decor was lovely.

Go go go.

20 November 2017

50% off Dishoom!


20 DM's later about this place, I thought I'd write this post and share some of the pictures. This magical place we went to is called Enchanted Woodland in Syon Park. It's on only 3 weeks in November.

I went last year, and second time round, it does noooot get old. It's a secret place which is much better than Winter Wonderland.

Everyone loves Winter Wonderland, but that can get pretty repetitive. This is a 1+ mile walk full of lovely magical lit up features. It's quite literally lit. -_-

It's a walk around Syon Park, which has a castle & a beautiful conservatory. These are lit up and have light shows.

There's also a BBQ outside, and an indoor food area which sells jacket potatoes, chips & other great stuff.

Adult prices were £10 each which is definitely worth it!





















Bye. :)

14 November 2017

Enchanted Woodland.




Anyone who knows me knows how much I love CT products. I received this as a present & was super excited to play around with it. :) 

This is Charlotte's first palette which isn't a quad. I wanted to go over if this is worth it, as some people have asked me whether this palette is good or not! 


So this palette comes in Charlotte's traditional brown packaging. It is narrower than I expected, but when you open it up, they have a good sized rectangular pan. 

The packaging is so pretty, it's like a gold bar, like most of Charlotte's products. 


It comes with a a transparent sheet on top with 1, 2, 3 on them. 
1 = prime
2 = enhance 
3 = smoke 

This is really really good for beginners. It'll tell you what to use where, so prime would go all over the lid, enhance will go in the middle of the lid/in the crease & smoke will go on the outer corner. 

What I really like about this palette is that it's an everyday type of palette. You can see that from the way Charlotte categorises from day eye to disco eye. But what I mean is, no colour is so outrageous that it can't be used. They're all subtle but not too subtle. The glitters are glittery, but not the type of glitter some palettes have where it's like woah. Basically, Charlotte's glitters are really different to other palettes. 

One thing I wasn't so sure on - I used the date eye - I felt like I needed a matte prime shade, rather than a glitter, but of course, you are not confined to just using the shades in the date eye. In fact, when you mix them all up, there's so many combinations. 

So the matte's are very identical to the mattes in the quads. They're not extremely pigmented when swatched, however I feel like they blend really well and are buildable so you can control the amount of pigment you want for your look. The glitters are not as glittery as in the Dolce Vita palette, but I imagine that was the point - to have a different type of glitter.

The glitters go on better with your finger rather than a brush, but I like to do that with most my glitters.

Price - yes this palette is expensive compared to others on the market. I honestly think that it's worth it as an everyday palette. If you were to get one palette, this would be it. There's so many combinations. I also feel like most the glitters can be used on their own, and your eyes would look fab.

I've already recommended this palette to people. I knew I'd like this palette, but not as much as I do!

Purchase this palette here.




Here's one of the looks I created - using the shades in 'date eye'.

13 November 2017

Charlotte Tilbury Instant Eye Palette Review.

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