What I Got For My Birthday 2015

I’m sure you’ve all seen the hundreds of What I got for Christmas blog posts, because I sure have. However like few, I celebrate my birthday 6 days after Christmas, which means it isn’t until the new year that I can round up all my presents to truly appreciate what I now own in my life.

So now I have decided to show you a glimpse of some beauty products that I received for either Christmas or Birthday! Enjoy!

Currently, my bedroom lacks both good lighting and a good mirror. Both of which are vital to getting ready daily and successfully at that. I am so happy to have received Carmen’s Light Up Desk Mirror, that runs on batteries, so is super handy and is perfect to give good lighting for a decent winter makeup routine. (I received this from the wonderful Rach, whom you can find online here and here.)

After the poor death of my The Wet Brush, I was eager to try a new version, for comparison. Superdrug’s Detangling Brush seems to be a cheaper dupe for the Tangle Teaser. And boy it is good!
With the size fitting comfortably in my hand, I find myself constantly wanting to brush my hair. However, I fear how successful it’ll be on a day that I want to keep my wavy hair on point without brushing them out.  

Personally, I like mascaras that give length. After recently disliking my current mascaras, I subtly asked for recommendations. This resulted in two mascaras for my birthday, that I know I’ll already love. Rimmel Extra 3D Lash has a small plastic brush etc. Maybelline Lashionista claims to give endless length (unrealistic but hey). As soon as I opened this I saw that medium bristled brush also had fibres on it, of which is known to create length. Perhaps a more evening mascara, for that fake lash effect?!

In the shade Bare Light, Revlon Photoready Face Illuminator is a liquid lightly golden highlighter! It’s so pretty and effective, that I do have to be careful not to get carried away with it on my face. It’s quite a bit darker than the pink-toned Benefit highlight, yet still works on my pale skin, foundation or not!

In the past, I’ve used M&S skincare, as it is cruelty-free (Leaping Bunny approved). With thanks to my skin clearing up, I can now use Marks & Spencer Limited Collection Eyeshadow Palette and eyeshadows freely, and this is the perfect way to start. A variety of matte and shimmer coloured eyeshadows, as you can see, are a perfect beginner and even travel-friendly palette! 

Estee Lalonde Nail Art Kit. A nail art pen for dotting and lines, and three beautiful shades of nail polish. I both adore Estee and The Body Shop; with these being my first nail polish from there, it has a good formula and brush for application. Oh and I’m wearing the blue shade right now #beaut!

This Nail Kit, of which I'm brand clueless,  legit has everything you’d need to maintain your nails! Personally, my nails grow quickly, and losing my clippers can be guaranteed. So I also love the packaging, as I know I’ll try my hardest to keep them all in place and not lose them!

I’m beyond happy with all the wonderful gifts that I received. Plus, it’s crazy to know that I got many non-beauty gifts too! What good products did you receive over the Christmas period? 

- Tash.

October Haul

I went shopping on a few occasions with no intentions of what to buy, but after discovering a new shop and using my loyalty points, I've ended up with some bits to haul and share. 

After clearing out some of my nail polishes that had gone bad, when I saw W7 was being sold for £1.99, I knew I had to pick up a few, and I'm surprised at myself not not picking up even more! W7 is cruelty-free, hight street available and cheap!
I chose the colours Midnight Debris (glitter), Skinny (the nude colour which doesn't even seem to exist on W7 website) and Mauve (purplely blue). 

Week In Photos #2

I've finally perfected my morning skin care routine using my Magnitone paired with The Body Shop face

~blog post here

purchased this amazing scented hand cream to add to my nail care collection ~blog post here

caking baking these lemon cakes were a success!

The Cloud- exploring lakes and hills with my bestfriend

 

post walk ice creams from Snugburys!

 

getting a little bit adventurous and trialing a few coloured hair chalks

Glamour in one hand, rucksack at the ready for a day trip to London

Finally, don't forget to enter my giveaway to win all that is shown

~enter giveaway here

It's been a busy week for me, and I'm currently heading to Birmingham for the second week in a row!

How has your week been?

- Tash.

P.S. Don't forget to follow me on Twitter @nimblewhaleblog

Nail Care Routine

After being inspired by The Nail & Beauty Files' nail care routine blog post last week, I decided to pick up a few purchases on my next shopping trip so that I could get myself into a routine of looking after my nails.

Upon the beginning of my nail care journey, I picked up a twin pack of nail buffer blocks in Primark, costing only £1! There are 4 sides to use. 
1. File down the edges of each of my nails.
2. Buff gently the top of each nail which removes most rough areas and ridges.
3 & 4. Polish & Shine helps to smooth the nail and give it a shine finish.

After using each side of the block my nails feel so smooth, so I highly doubt there is much of a difference between more expensive blocks except for how long they will last.

I follow on my by using my strawberry hand cream from The Body Shop, rubbing this all over my hands and focus on massaging it on and around my nails to help hydrate my cuticles and skin that surrounds my nails.
I can't emphasize enough how much of a difference this have made since I started using it regularly, especially due to how amazing it smells!

To help keep my nails strong and looking healthy I'll apply my base coat nail polish after the cream has sunk in. Whether alone or underneath a coloured nail polish, this create a naturally light pink tint to my nails as well as filling in any other naturally nail ridges I still have.

Of course my nail care routine is no where near complete, as I plan to get a cuticle oil/ cream of sorts to help maintain them, and a better nail file to use on the edges rather than relying on the buffer blocks. I'll be sure to report back when I invest more into my routine.

I'm so glad that I finally got around to purchasing products to use in my nail care routine, because it means that I now stick to using them all, and recommend you sort one out if you haven't already, you won't regret dedicating a little time to do it.

Do you have a nail care routine? What other products do you use to look after them?

- Tash.