The Video: November Favourites

Can you believe it's favourites time again? I'm sure that 2015 has just vanished!
This month I have a big old mix of favourites, some beauty and some lifestyle, and some just weird. Let me know in the comments what your favourites have been this month!

Christmas Party Ready

 Let's talk about Christmas parties. I know it's only November, but it won't be long until they're upon us and you want to be prepared, no? 

So I've teamed up with George at Asda to share my tips for a party ready look, from hair and makeup to outfit, and I honestly love the end result - shame I work for myself so no Christmas party for me! 

So let's start with makeup (because don't we always)! I went for a very classic Christmassy look, but it was so super simple to achieve! I always go for a long wearing, high coverage foundation for parties, so no matter how long the night lasts you'll still be looking good. I love the MAC Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation, because they've got an awesome shade selection, and it still looks natural despite being really high coverage. I went in with the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer on a few blemishes, and then the Estée Lauder Brush On Glow BB Highlight to brighten up the undereyes. I didn't use a powder because I didn't feel like I needed one, but if you really want to keep things matte, try the Bourjois Healthy Balance Powder.

I did my brows the usual way with the Soap and Glory DIY Archery Brow Bar, I wasn't too worried about them because my fringe covers them anyway! I then primed my lids with the Lorac Behind The Scenes eye primer, to make sure my eyeshadow wasn't going anywhere. I used the MUA Romantic Efflorescence Palette to create a silvery lid look to compliment the red lip, and went in with lots of liner and mascara!

I always recommend keeping cheeks simple when you're going for a bold red lip, so I just used the Collection Contour Kit to chisel out some cheekbones. Then the red lip, because it's not a Christmas Party if there's no red lip! I adore TheBalm's Meet Matt(e) Hughes in Devoted, a pillarbox red that will suit everyone. I LOVE the formula of this, it's an incredibly longwearing liquid lipstick that absolutely won't budge, so you don't need to worry about touching this up whilst you're getting festive.

For hair, I absolutely love wearing milkmaid braids for any kind of party or event, they were my go to wedding hair this year! They're so easy to do too, just braid and pin! 

 George have so many amazing party dresses available instore and online, I could have picked out three! In the end I opted for this one because I thought I'd be able to use it again and again! I love the simple cut and how it's double lined, so it's heavy and hangs well, and feels floaty. It's not cut too low either, just skimming the tops of my knees, and the neckline sits just right. I love the bejewelled collar, it adds a little pretty, and means you can skip out on jewellery! It also comes in red, if you're a little more daring than me!

Warmth is a big priority for me when it comes to dressing for a winter party, so I paired this dress with thick knit sparkly tights (warm and festive) and black suede boots, which kept my toes warm, and had a sparkly heel that was just made for parties! 

And I think this glitter box bag is going to be my December go to, because you're never too old for a sparkly handbag right?! I much prefer this style of bag to a clutch, I can easily fit my phone, purse, keys and lipstick in here, and my hands are free to hold more wine.

And when it comes to staying warm at a Christmas party, I like to skip the coat and take a Christmas Jumper! Because let's face it, Christmas jumpers are the best. I think this one is my perfect Christmas jumper, subtle but festive! It's so soft and snuggly too!

Let me know in the comments what you'll be wearing to your Christmas party, and any get ready tips you have!

This post was created in collaboration with George at Asda, who are really lovely. As always, I never talk about things I wouldn't recommend, and all the thoughts expressed here are entirely my own!

Chai Lattes In A Toilet

 Normally if someone asked me if I wanted to go drink a chai latte in a toilet, the answer would be no, but when that toilet is actually The Attendant, the answer is most definitely yes.

Hidden a few blocks behind Oxford Circus, The Attendant is a converted Victorian toilet block that now houses a coffee shop. Yes it's weird, and yes it's unconventional, but do you know what? It's also bloody brilliant. 

I headed to The Attendant with Ghenet, for brunch and a good old chat, and we were totally those girls, snapping away with our cameras from the second we stepped in the door. Luckily, the team were super lovely, and obviously used to lots of photos since the location is pretty unique!

We settled into a little corner table with the best view of the place. With all the original urinals and cisterns intact, it's definitely a weird venue, but it's also cute and cosy.

We opted for brunch, Ghenet went for the Avocado Toast with poached eggs, while I couldn't resist the french toast, piled high with berries and vanilla cream. Both dishes were every bit as delicious as they sound, and I can tell you with absolute certainty I'll be heading back there!

So if you're after delicious food, reasonably priced coffee, and somewhere a little different for your Instagram feed, hit up The Attendant!

Beauty Stocking Fillers

Is there anything better than waking up on December 25th to find a bag stuffed with beauty at the end of your bed? I think not! Whether you're playing Secret Santa for a beauty fiend, or just writing your letter to Lapland, here are the beauty bits I think everyone should find in their stockings this year.

A Lush Bath Bomb: Because everyone deserves a little pampering, right? Pictured above is the Big Bang Bubble Bar, a new favourite of mine, but you can't go wrong with Yog Nog, or So White. Most of their bath bombs are under £4 so it's a super reasonable way to bulk up a stocking (and get it smelling good too!). 

MAC To Go: MAC stores have started adding a few baskets of doom near the tills, travel size wonders to tempt you in at the last minute, and I'll admit to being unable to resist their allure. There aren't many beauty junkies who wouldn't love to find a mini Mac Pigment in their Christmas stocking, they're £10 so not the cheapest, but despite being travel size, it's unlikely you'll ever run out! I love the shades Vanilla and Blue Brown, they are universally flattering! They also do miniature Cleanse Off Oils too, which are worth picking up.

Lush Lip Scrub: We've all got dry lips this time of year, so a little jar of lip scrub is a great addition! At under £5 they are super reasonable, and the Santa one smells (and tastes) of cola bottles. Win win.

Lip Balm: Because a girl should have a lip balm in every coat and handbag at this time of year for lusciously soft lips. 

Soap and Glory Sexy Motherpucker Gloss Sticks: These have been repackaged and repriced to be dinky and £3.50, so hell, you can buy all five shades! These are an awesome gloss lipstick hybrid, they look glossy on the lips but aren't sticky and last well too. Bargain.

Nail Polish: A girl can never have too many nail polishes. I like the super budget friendly Rimmel Salon Pro Line, wide brushes, glossy formula, quick drying and awesome colour range. And at under £5, not bank breaking either. 

Hand Sanitizer: Sounds boring but hear me out on this one. Hand sanitizer is one of those really useful things that you never have on you when you want it, and always forget to buy in Boots, so pick up a yummy smelling one for their stocking. I love the Bath and Bodyworks, Aesop and Cowshed ones.

Caudalie Beauty Elixir: A princess product that every girl should have in their handbags as an afternoon refresh. You can even get this in pretty Christmas packaging that you can hang on the tree. 

Mini Bumble and Bumble Products: Bumble and Bumble products are pricey but worth every penny, and luckily, most of the line comes in generous travel sizes so you can try things out before you buy. I reccommend the Surf Spray, Don't Blow It & Brilliantine. 

Bamboo Bodycare Hairdrying Wrap: Available from Feel Unique, this is one of those seriously useful little things that every girl needs. A mini towel that's shaped to wrap your hair up easily, and it's super absorbent material helps cut down drying time. You won't know what you're missing til you have one. 

Aromatherapy Associates Bath Oil: For a little splash of luxury. Again, Space NK do these in Christmas packaging you can hang from the tree!

Mini Candles: There is no girl in the world who has too many candles! I love these mini festive candles from H&M, they smell amazing and they're only £1.99 each! Bargain! 

I hope that helps!

What are you hoping to find in your stocking this year?

Thoughts On: Life After Graduation

I've been umming and ahhing about writing this post for the longest time, it's hard to know how much it's appropriate to share here, and also how much I personally feel comfortable sharing. Whilst I've hinted at things that have been going on over the last few months, I haven't really addressed them, in all honesty I wasn't ready too. But I've reached a point now where I feel like hey, I'm not the only one going through all this, and maybe sharing my experiences might make someone else feel like they aren't alone in this weirdness. 

A word of warning, grab a cup of tea, things are probably going to get rambly.

I graduated with a BA in Fashion Journalism from London College of Fashion back in July, which was a pretty momentous and terrifying occasion. I survived the day without falling flat on my face/dropping my mortar board/ripping my robes, and felt an overwhelming relief, like the hard part was over. Oh naive naive past Jaye.

After a lot of discussion with my parents who, sidenote, have been MASSIVELY supportive through this whole thing, I couldn't have asked for anything more, I decided not to start looking for jobs until after my post-graduation trip away, so I returned late August and began the job hunt. In the first week of August I accepted the first job I was offered, a social media manager role within a large retail company. On paper it seemed like the perfect job for me, within driving distance from my flat, reasonable hours, creative control of social media strategy, that sorta thing.

The reality of the job wasn't all it was cracked up to be though, and I ended up with three hours driving to and from work each day, a miserable work environment, and most importantly, no actual creative control. The job I was doing wasn't social media management, it was customer service on social media, and I was bored out of my mind. There's nothing worse as a creative type, than being stuck in an office full of people who have no interest in inspiring creativity. But worst of all, something about being trapped in that soulless office 9-5 sent my anxiety skyrocketting, and I was crying all the way to work, crying in my car during my lunchbreak, and crying all the way home. I sat at my desk all day trying not to cry, and then went home to my poor boyfriend to cry some more. I didn't eat, I barely slept, and felt anxious every second of every day.

I made it to the end of the week before having a massive panic attack in the bathroom at work, and deciding enough was enough. I chatted to my boss and HR, and decided to leave. I was miserable, and no asset to the company when I couldn't even sit at my desk without crying. I got in my car and without really thinking, drove all the way home to my parents house, hid under the sink in my bathroom, and sobbed. 

I'm not telling you all this for any kind of sympathy here, the point I'm trying to make is that I made a mistake. Not in quitting, I felt an instant relief walking out of the building, that only grew the further away I got. No, the mistake I made was thinking that I had to accept the first job I was offered out of Uni. People are always going on about how hard it is to get hired out of Uni, and I just assumed that because I was being offered a job, I should take it. I ignored a lot of warning signs that the job wasn't going to be right, just because I was excited to be being offered a job at all. And that was a massive, massive mistake. 

It took me a good few weeks to start feeling a little more normal, and in all honesty, I still don't feel okay about it all. Since all this happened at the end of September I had an opportunity fall through that I thought was going to be perfect, which didn't help either, but what all this has done is made me realise a few things.

1. It's okay if you don't have to accept the first job you're offered.
2. When you go for a job interview, it's as much about you interviewing the company as it is about them interviewing you. My mum told me this a thousand times and I didn't listen (silly me, mums always know best).
3. It's okay to walk away from something that's not right, especially if it's affecting your health.
4. It's okay to not know what you want to do after uni.
5. It's okay if working a 9-5 office job isn't for you.

So what's next?

Well, I'm not really sure. For now, I'm doing some freelance and interning work whilst I try to find a job that's a good fit for me, not just a job that I'm a good fit for. 

We shall see. 

Brands I Want To Try More Of

Not that I need any more makeup, but there are some brands that I'd love to try a little more from. Because I am a beauty junkie and no amount of makeup is ever enough. It's a problem, I know. There are a few brands that I've heard only good things about, and been impressed with what I've tried, so this Christmas, they're on my wishlist!

When I left my job at Boots my awesome colleagues put a few together a big box of deluxe samples for me as a leaving present, and in amongst them all were a few Ojon products. I have quite dry, coarse hair and was super impressed at how well they tamed it, so I definitely want to give the line a go. I'd especially like to try their oils and masks, to give my hair a little TLC! Also in the hair range, I've been super impressed with the H&M Knot A Problem Primer so much so that the Dry Conditioner and Hair BB Cream have made my wishlist. In fact, there may even be a few makeup bits on my hitlist too, it's nice to see a good new affordable line hit the shops!

I love my Fresh Sugar Lip Treatments, and have amassed quite the collection, so now I'd love to try some of the skincare. I've heard good things about their face masks and moisturisers, and I'm totally in love with their brown sugar fragrance, so fingers crossed that'll make it's way under the tree! Fresh have some incredible Christmas gift sets this year, well worth a look if you're buying for a beauty lover!

MUA is one of those budget brands that everyone talks about, but I've tried little of. I picked up their Romantic Efflorescence Palette on a whim last month, and I'm so impressed with it, I'll definitely be giving the line a closer look! I've heard good things about their brushes so perhaps I'll start there!

I've fallen head over heels for everything I've tried from Charlotte Tilbury, so I'm desperate to try more. Next on my hitlist is the Filmstar Bronze and Glow, Eyeshadow palettes and blushers! I'm also head over heels for this mini lipstick set, and I'm desperately hoping I'll find it under the Christmas tree. 

Here's hoping my Beauty Bits To Try crate gets filled up this Christmas! And hey, if you're buying for a beauty addict and you have no idea what to get them, a crate of their own is a safe bet! If they're anything like me they'll probably need somewhere to store their overflowing new in pile! 

What brands do you want to try more of?

A Week In Makeup

I thought it'd be interesting to do something a little different, and see how much my makeup really shakes up in the space of a week, since I'm guilty of reaching for the same products over and over. So a little experiment, I documented the makeup I wore every day for a week, to see what got used over and over, and what got mixed up. And here are the deets.

Monday

 What I Wore

Soap and Glory One Heck of a Blot, L'Oreal Infallible 24h Foundation, Estée Lauder Brush On Glow BB Highlight, L'Oreal True Match Lumi Concealer, L'Oreal True Match Lumi Illuminating Rose Powder, Collection Contour Kit, Maybelline Master Brow Palette, MUA Romantic Efflorescent Palette, Maybelline Big Eyes Waterproof Mascara, Rimmel The Only One Lipstick in One of A Kind.

 I went for something of a full on look on this day as I was filming and taking blog photos, and I was just in the mood for a bold lip. I kept eyes simple and taupey, cheeks simple and slightly contoured, with a bright bold lip! I loved this lipstick, despite not being matte, it wears really well throughout the day!

Tuesday

What I Wore

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation, Estée Lauder Brush on Glow BB Highlight, L'Oreal True Match Lumi Concealer, L'Oreal Infallible Matt Powder, Collection Contour Kit, Chanel Cream Blush in Revelation, Marc Jacobs 108 The Glam Trio, Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara, Sephora Oil Infusion Lipgloss in Iced Coffee.

After the previous day's bold lip, I was in the mood for something more subtle. I opted for a flawless base, simple golden eye look, and nude lip colour that was super moisturising. I was literally just running errands and getting some work done, so I kept things super simple!

Wednesday

What I Wore

L'Oreal True Match Foundation, Benefit Erase Paste, Max Factor Creme Puff Blush in Pink Seduction, Anastasia Dip Brow Pomade, Bare Minerals Eyeshadow Duo in The Epiphany, Bare Minerals Lasting Line in Eternal Bronze, Essence Maximum Volume Mascara, Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in Plum Plum Girl.

I did my makeup on this day and then decided it was a little boring, so I added a bold lip. I went super simple on the eyes and cheeks, and I feel like the bold lip perked it up. This is the perfect berry lip for a minimal effort makeup day, once applied this stuff sets down and doesn't budge!

Thursday

What I Wore

Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream, Bobbi Brown Calypso Coral Pot Rouge, NARS Alahambra Eyeshadow, Maybelline Master Line Matte, Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara, H&M Tinted Lip Balm

A busy day of taking photos, home chores and running errands, so simple makeup was the order of the day. Natural skin and lips, lightly shimmery eyes and a little winged liner. Simple stuff, and I liked it, but I missed my contoured cheekbones.

Friday

What I Wore

MAC Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation, Clinique Highlighting Stick, Clinique Cheek Pop in Berry Pop, Maybelline Brow Satin, Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon in Smoky Emerald, L'Oreal False Lash Telescopic Mascara, Revlon HD Ready Lipstick in Peony, Marc Jacobs Lust for Lacquer in Kissability.

Another simple makeup look, but I wanted my skin to look as good as possible, so I went for a high coverage base option. I smudged the Charlotte Tilbury eyeshadow stick along the lashline for definition, and smudged it out with a MAC 217, finished with lashings of mascara. Simple.


So that's what a week looks like! I always think that I reach for the same products over and over again, but whilst that's definitely true of a few favourites, looking at these photos I can see that it's not necessarily the case!

What makeup have you been loving this week?

Embracing Hygge

The concept of Hygge is something that has been present in my life without me knowing for so many years, and it wasn't until reading Rosie's blog post that I realised it had a name. Hygge is a danish word that is pretty much untranslatable. The closest way to describe Hygge is the word for the practice of living simply, and creating a cosy and warm life where every little thing is appreciated. There's a reason the Danes are often regarded as the happiest nation, and it's because they're finding happiness in the little things, something we all need to embrace a little more.

Come Winter, the idea of hygge becomes even more important, creating warmth in your life to fight the cold. After a particularly manic and crappy week, Con and I decided to embrace all things hygge, for a cosy night in.

 I think the best thing about Hygge is that it's open to interpretation, but for us it meant lighting all the candles, turning on fairy lights, and gathering all the pillows and blankets we could find to create a cosy bed nest. We piled pillows high and draped blankets everywhere, and snuggled into the middle of the bed to get away from the cold.

 Of course, no cosy evening in is complete without appropriate snacks, so when Con announced he had ordered pizza, I was practically giddy with excitement. So we snuggled up for a night of pizza and Disney movies, and do you know what? It was the best night I've had in a long time.

Add To Your US Beauty List

Maybe it's one of those grass is always greener things, but it certainly seems like the US get the best of the best when it comes to beauty products. Whilst us UK girls would do anything for a Sephora, the US is teaming with Sephoras, Ultas, CVS and Target, so it's no wonder my dad normally heads off on his US business trips armed with a wishlist longer than him.

Something I often get asked as something of a beauty maven, is what you should be picking up from the States. Really the question should be, what shouldn't you.

Bite Beauty: I mean, it would be rude to start anywhere but here. Bite Beauty produce the most incredible lipsticks, in every shade and finish, made from food grade ingredients. I love the High Pigment Pencils and the Luminous Creme Lipsticks, but I've never tried anything from them I haven't loved.

Tarte: Okay so technically you can order some of this on QVC, but who really shops on QVC anyway? I am all about Tarte's blushes, they're the best I've tried, and the mascaras are pretty damn good too. 

Physicians Formula: Another one for blushes and mascaras, Physicians formula has some real knockout products at stupidly good prices.

Formula X By Sephora: Just all of it. My favourite nail polish line, without hesitation.

Kat Von D: After I fell for the Tattoo Liner, it only felt right to try a little more. The eyeshadow palettes are incredible, as are the liquid lipsticks.

Lorac: The undisputed ruler of the eyeshadow world. You want the original Lorac Pro, but if you really don't need any more eyeshadows, try the Pocket Pro, which has the three best shades of the palette. 

Sephora Collection: Surprisingly good. I love the Micellar Water, face and eye masks, Oil Infusion lipglosses, liquid lipsticks and eyeliners.

Josie Maran: Because all products should be infused with argan oil. I love the cheek products, and the liquid eyeshadows are the bomb. 

Bath and Bodyworks: All the candles and hand sanitizers. Every. Last. One.

Wet and Wild: I'm not so sure how they can make products so cheap but so good. Check out the eyeshadows and lipsticks.

Milani: BLUSH HEAVEN.

What's on your US beauty wishlist?

Things It's Okay To Do

To start the day on a healthy eating plan and end it with a box of donuts.

To not really understand the point of Periscope, nor have any desire to learn.

For the barista at your local Starbucks to remember your order.

To wear thermals under your new Topshop Jeans. It's cold.

To want to scream at people when they ask you when you'll be getting married.

To decline any offer of plans that involve leaving the house after 6pm.

To steal your parents/boyfriend/best friend's Netflix and Spotify passwords so you don't have to pay for your own, and then get annoyed when it's already in use.

To complain about the weather all the time.

To vehemently ignore your mum's advice, and then backtrack when you realise she was right.

To steal the duvet.

To buy Christmas pants, socks, jumpers and pyjamas every year. And wear them right through til March.

To listen to the same three albums on repeat all the time.

To like your dog more than any human.

A Little Lush Haul & Review

You know I love Lush bath bombs, but I never seem to show them in action, which is a crying shame because they're so damn good. So today I thought I'd show you three recent bath bomb purchases, and what I thought of them.

I was super excited to try Yog Nog, because it smells FREAKING AWESOME. To me this smells like rich toffee, and biscuits, which is DEFINITELY not a bad thing. It's got lovely ingredients like Soya and Shea to make your skin silky smooth, and it's a pretty hefty bath bomb, so you know it's going to really fill the room with fragrance.

This definitely didn't disappoint, in fact, I think it was my favourite of all three. After this fizzes away for a bit, it reveals hidden bath melts and bubble bar pieces, meaning you get fizz, fragrance, bubbles and incredibly soft water. Amazing. The best part is that my skin felt so soft after, and I could still smell it on my skin the next day.

I ignored So White last year because it looked, well, pretty boring. This year though I had a mammoth sniff-a-thon in the Oxford Street store, and fell head over heels for this scent. It's like fresh apples, with a hint of citrus and subtle rose. I don't normally like rose scents but this is really subtle and just lovely.

I wasn't expecting much when I dropped it into the bath, just looking forward to the scent, but I was pleasantly surprised. It's got a rosy pink core that appears after a few minutes, and turns your bath a soft pastel pink shade, so pretty! It smelt amazing, and I felt so relaxed after using this!

I was walking out of Lush's Oxford Street store having already made my purchases, when an assistant asked if I wanted to drop Shoot For The Stars into the giant sink bath hybrid. I of course said yes and my fate was sealed, I had to buy this. Aside from turning the bath a beautiful inky blue, it just made the water so unbelievably soft, which London water so desperately needs. This has a super refreshing orange and lemon scent and I felt like I was floating on cloud nine in this bath.

What are your current Lush favourites?

First Impressions: H&M Beauty

When I heard that H&M were relaunching their beauty line, my first thought was about bloomin' time. The first images dripped through the grapevine and I was excited to see luxe looking packaging, and a vast line, long gone are cheap nail polishes and chunky glittery shadows in clear packaging. A real beauty line has arrived!

When I finally got to see the line, I was immediately drawn to the packaging. Whilst I'll admit, it feels a little cheaper than I had hoped, I love how it looks! I opted for the Pure Radiance Powder Blusher in Deep Brown, because it reminded me of the likes of Tarte Exposed. I was after something to use as a blush bronze hybrid on days when I want a little subtle cheek definition, and this is perfect. It's super pigmented, soft and easy to blend, and it's a great shade to go with a bold red lip!

 I was intrigued by the Colour Essence Eye Cream texture, it's almost mousse like, reminiscent of the MAC Electric Cool Eyeshadows. I picked up the shade Dauphine Truffle, which is more brown on the eyes than I expected, but also much lighter than it appears in the pot. A nice all over lid shade, that lasts really well throughout the day and doesn't crease.

I'm all for tinted lip balms at this time of year, so I've been giving the Lip Saviour Balm in Sepia Tint a go too. This is really creamy and soft on the lips, with a barely there hint of colour, a great one to chuck in the handbag for on the go!

 And lastly, I picked up the Knot A Problem Hair Primer Spray, mostly because I really appreciate a good pun. I've been spritzing this into damp hair pre blow dry and it does a good job of detangling my mane without weighing it down. My one complaint is that the packaging is pretty vague, and there's no real description of what this is actually supposed to do!

So far, so good, I'm impressed, so much so that there are a few more bits on my wishlist!

Are you going to try H&M Beauty?