What I Got For Christmas 2015

Hello everyone,

Happy New Year! (Wow Beth so belated)

I hope you all had a wonderful festive period and that going back to school/college/uni/work hasn't been too bad. After a little hiatus I thought it would be great to get back blogging again. My timetable this term at uni isn't too heavy so I thought I can do some more blog posts for all you wonderful people.

My favourite blog posts to read and Youtube videos to watch are those about 'What I Got For Christmas'. This is going to be a long blog post, so make yourself a brew, get comfy, and (hopefully) enjoy...

So this is all the beauty related stuff I got for Christmas. Yes I know it is a fair amount, however I didnt really get much else. I got a whole variety of things, from shampoo, conditioner and shower gels, to some Lush stuff, makeup and skincare. I was a very lucky girl and am really thankful to everyone who gave me lovely bits for Christmas. I am now restocked with my Liz Earle skincare, got more makeup bags to add to my collection, and some great Soap and Glory eyeliners and body butters.

Now as many of you will know, I have a massive love for No7. I'm not sure if it's because of the wonderful customer service they always give, especially Olwyn at my home Boots store, or the great products they constantly have and the new ones they bring out. I always come back to this brand, time and time again. After the past year or so of loving No7, I wanted to make sure there were multiple items on my Christmas list. I really wanted to try some more No7 brushes so they were on the list, as well as some more skincare. I love the No7 miniatures and they are great for the price so they were also straight on my Christmas list. The final thing was another No7 eyeshadow palette. I got a very very similar one last year, but this year there was a different and more berry like tone in it, as opposed to a darker black one last year. No7 definitely did good this year, and I look forward to next years Christmas gift collection.

As many of you know, I am a big fan of the Naked palettes. As soon as I heard about the new Gwen Stefani eyeshadow palette, I really wanted to get my hands on it. This is so lovely and is a great palette for daytime looks. It is full of great neutral tones which suit every eye colour. It also has some great different and bold shades in it which I cannot wait to try out. It also has a huge mirror which is perfect and so overall would be a great thing to take away in a makeup bag. Another few things I have loved using instore are the All Nighter Setting Spray and the Matte Revolution Lipstick in Tilt. The setting spray is amazing and I love using it to set my makeup, especially when I would be worrying about topping it up throughout the day. The lipstick is just perfect! As many of you know, I am a lover of a bold lip. I havent yet found a lipstick which is the perfect red on me - until now! It is the perfect red with orange undertones, a perfect matte and just the perfect all round lipstick. I know for sure that I will be getting a lot of use out of this. Finally, the great thing about Urban Decay is that they always do what they can to achieve customer satisfaction, and they gave some extra lipstick samples in with the Gwen Stefani palette. I haven't yet used this, but I am excited to and I'm sure I will report back once I have.

There was only one thing on my Christmas list from MAC this year and this was a set of miniature, neutral and gold based, pigments. I was so happy to get these and have really enjoyed using them so far. They can form a beautiful eye for both a daytime and nighttime look. What is also great is that there is a glitter in the set. It is an orange glitter which looks great with a neutral and gold toned eye. I used these on New Years Eve and it stayed in place all night. They are great to pack in a makeup bag or travel bag and I cannot wait to keep using these and hopefully invest in more and expand my pigment and glitter collection.

When shopping with my mum and gran in Harvey Nichols in Leeds I spotted the NARS Steven Klein gift sets. They released a red lip set and a nude lip set. Although I am a lover of a bold lip, once in a while I love using a nude. It included a full size lipstick in Dolce Vita which is amazing. It can be worn on its own or with the other two lip items in the set. There was also miniatures of the Dolce Vita Matte Lip Pencil and the Patong Beach Velvet Lip Liner. These are constantly in my handbag at the moment and are so easy to apply if a touch up is needed throughout the day. I especially love this lip liner, in fact I am thinking of having to make a purchase of it in the full size soon.

If you have read my blog from the start, you will know that I got my first Jo Malone perfume over a year ago. Now the Peony and Blush Suede scent of mine has nearly run out, so when we were all shopping in Leeds mum said she would get me a replacement Jo Malone scent. However I thought it would be nice to try something different so rather than choosing another Peony and Blush Scent one, I went for the Nectarine Blossom and Honey. It is one of Jo Malone's fruity scents which has Spring and Summer scents running through it. I think this could definitely be my perfume of the year and I look forward to using it regularly, especially in the Spring and Summer months.

Finally, I got some wonderful Lush things for Christmas. In my stocking (from Santa of course) I received a Peeping Santa Bubble Bar, The Comforter Bubble Bar and a Magic Wand Reusable Bubble Bar. The Lush Christmas scents are amazing and I love to try and stock up for the upcoming year with the amazing products. The Magic Wand is amazing and it really is reusable. You can run it under the tap and swirl it in the bath to make bubbles for a wonderful bath. I am so annoyed that this scent isnt available all year round, however it makes Christmas time at Lush extra special. The Comforter is my second favourite Lush scent. I have the shower gels at uni and to get the bubble bar for Christmas was great. I haven't used the Peeping Santa yet but I look forward to using it when I next go back home. The other Lush product I got came from my auntie, uncle and cousins. My cousins Amy and Zoe never fail to make sure I get something from Lush for Christmas (or throughout the year at other times). The Dragon's Egg Bath Bomb is full of citrusy goodness. It makes the bath turn into a gorgeous gold colour. I am sure I will be repurchasing this throughout the year as this is in Lush's permanent collection. *celebrates!*

Sorry that was such a long blog post. I really enjoy reading these, and so hope you did too and didn't get too bored.

I hope you all got some wonderful presents at Christmas. Let me know what you got in the comments below as I would love to know. Also, let me know in the comments below what posts you would like to see in 2016 from VeryBeth.

So until next time lovelies xx

Looking Back and Looking Forward (again)

Hello everyone,

Well done for making it to the end of another year. This year has been a lot better than last year and because of this, I have decided to answer the same questions as I did last year to end VeryBeth's posts for 2014. You can read this here to see how 2014 has compared to 2015.  So here are the answers for this year...

1. If you had to describe your 2015 in 3 words what would they be?

Better than 2014 - This was the year that Beth managed to man up a bit and put herself first. This was the year where I realised that I didn't need boys or other people to get me to where I wanted to be. Although there are some things which didn't go according to plan, I have actually had a really good year - it's shaped me to be a better person all in all.

2. Which new skills have you learnt?

Last year I learnt to crochet, this year I haven't really learnt anything. I think that the skill which I have progressed is independence. I have learnt how to be happy with myself and happy with my life as it is. 

3. Which purchase turned out to be your best decision ever?

Once again this is a tough one to answer. I haven't really bought much which has been overly important. There have been some new beauty additions (of course!) which I love and use regularly, but nothing of too much importance. 

4. What was the most important lesson you learnt in 2015?

To be my own person. I have learnt to make my own decisions for my own good. I have learnt that I need to put myself first in any decisions I make and to make sure that I achieve as much happiness as I can as that is what I deserve.

5. Which of your personal qualities turned out to be the most helpful this year?

Once again, I think my people skills have been my best quality, or at least the most helpful. Since being at uni, I have definitely been given the role of 'mum of the floor' so there are many situations where my people skills have come in pretty handy. I love talking to people and attempting to help resolve any problems which they may have, and no doubt this has happened multiple times with my flat mates. 

6. Did any parts of yourself or your life do a complete 180 this year?

Not in particular to be honest. There have been a few ups and downs, but whats new there? I have attempted to keep my life on track for the good of things and this has definitely happened to an extent. For once it has been pretty smooth sailing!

7. What was the best gift you received this year?

I have received lots of lovely gifts this year from family and friends. I think the best gifts I have received have been a variety of nice new beauty items. For my 18th Birthday, my beautiful girlies got me a bottle of Cava and the Naked 2 palette - two of my favourite things in the world, booze and beauty! My parents have also got me some lovely new beauty bits. This Christmas especially I have been spoilt. I got some lovely makeup and skincare bits and bobs. 

8. If you had to go back and tell yourself one thing what would it be?

Hmm this is tricky. I think it would be to make the most of what you already have and dont take it for granted. I have so much love for my family and friends. I think starting university has been the making of me and has made me feel grateful for all I already have. I miss my family and friends dearly when I am away in Leeds, but because of this, it makes time spent with them better when I see them again. I miss my girls dearly when I'm so far away from them all, however our group skype calls make everything better.

9. What do you need to remember for 2016?

To be thankful for everything I already have and to not be greedy in wanting more. I have all I need in life and I am happy and healthy, meaning I should not ask for wants, but rather be thankful for my needs. 

10. Did you achieve your New Year Resolutions?

Haha nope! But there's always next year...

1. What is your main goal for this year?

To do well in my studies. For me, I would rather be a studious person at university as I really cannot be bothered with the night life too much. Oh and to watch the rest of Geordie Shore!

2. Who do you want to spend more time with in 2016?

I want to spend more time with a variety of friends. I have made quite a few friends already at uni but I would like to strengthen these further. However I want to also strengthen and maintain the original friendships which I already have.

3. What new skill do you want to learn?

I don't particularly have any new skills that I want to gain or learn. I would like to improve my singing and musical talent a bit more. I would quite like to learn how to play guitar if I am able to. It is a skill I have always wanted to improve on since learning it when I was a lot younger. I might ask for a guitar for my birthday so then I can be able to practise my singing a bit more.

4. What habits do you want to change this year?

This one is the same as last year. I still bite my nails. Stress and anxiety has been the main factor for me biting them and I haven't yet overcome this, however there is always 2016. 

5. How do you want to remember 2016 when you look back on it in 10 years time?

I would really like 2016 to be the year where people acknowledge me for the good that has shown. I would like it to be a good end of my teenage years and to complete everything I've always wanted to before I turn 20. Just like last year too, I want this to be the year where Beth smiles and doesn't stress about small things.

6. Which personal quality do you want to develop?

I would really like to be able to develop my self-confidence a bit more again. I often get worried about other people and their opinions, however I have started to get a bit better at this. I just think that it would help me get through university and just my plain old life if I put myself and my opinions first without caring about anyone elses. 

7. How are you going to become more organised this year?

I would like to make sure that I don't always leave things to the last minute. I have done this a few times since starting uni and, although it hasn't always been too bad, I don't want it to become a habit. With potential new commitments also, it is likely I need to be able to be more organised in myself and my life and with time management.

8. What risks are you going to take this year?

Haha, I'm not really one for risk taking. I just like to take life as it comes. Lets just see what this next year brings eh and we'll take it from there...

9. What is one think that you need to take more control over in 2016?

In 2016 I would love to be able to take control over my makeup obsession haha! To be fair I've been pretty good this past few months because of not having as much money and having to live off what I have and not having food bought for me anymore. I would like to use all my makeup up before buying more. However, if there is a new MAC lipstick I like the look of, I can't say that I won't be making a purchase!

10. What are your New Year Resolutions?

I would like to get fitter and lose a few pounds. I have definitely put some on over Christmas so it would be nice to lose them, especially the ones that have been put on after eating a lot of Christmas pudding and Christmas cake.

So thats my reflections on 2015 and hopes for 2016 in a nutshell. I am excited about what is coming up in 2016 for VeryBeth. I am hoping to do a lot better with writing blog posts and getting a lot more organised for all of you dear readers. I have really appreciated all of the support I have had for my blog this year. Thank you to all of you loyal readers, whether you are new to VeryBeth or have been reading from the start. 

Have a great night everyone! Stay safe, don't get too hungover, and make the last night of 2015 one to remember.

So until 2016 lovelies xx

  

No7 Beauty Advent Calendar 2015 - Final Week

Hello everyone,

Merry Christmas!!

I hope you have all had a great time over the festive period - I certainly have! This is the final part of my No7 advent calendar round up. I have decided to put together weeks 3 and 4 because there was only a certain number of doors left to open. I didn't want to drag this out for an extra week and so thought you might like to have a long blog post to read for once from me. So make yourself a cuppa and here we go for the final time with the advent calendar...

Day 15: High Shine Lip Crayon in Delicate Pink
I'm pretty sure a similar colour of this was in last years advent calendar. The miniatures of these are really good sizes which are great to put in any makeup bag and especially a clutch bag on a night out. This is a lovely pink colour which leaves a glossy and sheer effect on the lips. It is not at all overpowering or too bold. In fact, it is the perfect day time shade for all year round, or is something perfect to pair with a dark smokey eye on a night out.

Day 16: Nail Effects in Sun Rays
During the Winter months and the festive period I love painting my nails with darker toned colours, whether they be berries, purples, blues, greens, greys etc. However, what makes these more interesting and somewhat festive I feel is by adding an glittery effect. As a nail biter (I know, shoot me!), I think it makes the nails look a lot nicer and brighter, hence I see that these effects make the nails look longer. I haven't yet used this, but I really look forward to pairing this golden glitter with a gorgeous purpley-burgundy shade.

Day 17: Youthful Eye Serum
A miniature of this eye serum was in last years calendar. I also received this from Boots as a free gift when they sent me a variety of No7 products in the middle of this year. I am thrilled to get another of these. Although many may be thinking that you don't need an eye serum with young skin, I disagree. I personally feel that it is a good thing to use in your skincare routine because it helps reduce wrinkles, puffiness and dark circles, hence making the eyes look younger and cared for.

Day 18: Stay Perfect Amazing Eyes Pencil in Black
This was the third eyeliner in the advent calendar, however I am not one to argue against this. This was another of the smaller sized eyeliners, this time in the shade black. It has the same formula as the others do which have been in the advent calendar. They have a pencil application but with a gel-like finish which is really nice to have in an eyeliner. It is an intense black which is something you don't often get in a pencil eyeliner, however is is also good for smudging, meaning it looks great for both a classy daytime eye look and a deep smokey eye, perfect for a night out.

Day 19: Stay Perfect Eyeshadow from Moonlight Shadow Duo
I love this eyeshadow! I am always on the look out for eyeshadows which are plain and neutral enough to be worn with other colours but also can be worn on their own. This is a light brown shade with grey undertones, which for my skin tone is perfect. I have to say, it also looks good with my blonde hair and blue-grey coloured eyes. It has a small amount of shimmer but is not at all overpowering. I would wear this on a 'no makeup' makeup day or as a base for a neutral eye for both the daytime and the nighttime.

Day 20: Eye Lash Curler
Oh my goodness, have you seen this!? I love the No7 eyelash curlers. Before I got this, I was on my second pair of the silver ones. However, once I got this, I gave those to my mum and kept these gorgeous gold ones for myself and added them immediately to my collection. I love the No7 eyelash curlers. Even though they are somewhat more expensive than other drugstore brands, I find these really durable. They do not wear down quickly like others I have previously tried, and they constantly produce a lovely curl. When paired with any of the No7 mascaras, my eyelashes never fail to look flawless!

Day 21: Extravagant Volume Waterproof Mascara
Leading on from the last review, this mascara is great. When I found out that I would be getting some more No7 mascaras to add to my collection I was thrilled. I especially love finding a new and worthwhile waterproof mascara. The two which I have previously tried have been either fairly drying or very wet on the lashes when applying. However, this mascara is the golden mean of the two extremes. It makes the lashes volumised and lengthened - just what I want in a mascara!

Day 22: Smokey Eye Brush
Now as many people know, I am a makeup brush collector. Last year, there were two brushes in the advent calendar, however one cannot complain at a new brush to be added to the collection. It is a nice brush which, as its name suggests, is perfect for a smokey eye. It is somewhat small and is suited to detail when applying eyeshadow. I think it is good for applying pigments or applying darker shades in the crease. I dont think I would use this brush on a day-to-day basis, but it will definitely get some use when doing more original eyeshadow looks, especially for a night out.

Day 23: Beautiful Skin Eye Make Up Remover
I got this product last year as well and I loved it. When I got it again this year, I decided that because I love it so much, I would purchase the full size. It is a great dual action remover which means that it conditions whilst it cleanses. This is also perfect now I have the waterproof mascara as it works wonders with them. It is a great item to have in a skincare routine, especially when you can use the £5 off vouchers that Boots constantly have, meaning you can get a great eye makeup remover (which actually works!) for only £3.50.

Day 24: Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Night Cream
As I said when I got the day cream, I love getting new creams for my skincare routine. This was also in last years calendar, however I think it was a different formulation with a different name too. These miniatures are great sizes to have in an overnight or travel bag. With the amount of hydration it provides, only a small amount is needed. I pair this with the eye serum after using the eye makeup remover before I go to bed if I feel like using a purely No7 based evening skincare routine.

Day 25: Lovely Lashes Mascara
The final item in the calendar this year was another full sized mascara. Firstly, I just want to point out the gorgeous, purple, metallic packaging which encases the mascara. It is so appealing to the eye and looks great next to the gold eyelash curlers. However, I am not as impressed with this mascara as I was with the waterproof one which came previously in this advent calendar. The mascara wand is not one which I am keen on and with the wet formula, it can be difficult to use. I think that this only gives a good look for daytime lashes; I would not use this if I was going out. However, I think I will be keeping this in the makeup bag in my handbag as it is a good mascara which can be used as a top up throughout the day.

So there we go. Another No7 advent calendar, another 25 items and another 25 mini reviews. I think this years advent calendar is better than last years - so well done No7! I definitely have got lots of use out of most of the items, and those which I haven't have been passed onto others who I know will. I hope you have enjoyed reading these reviews and I hope they have given an insight into what each product is like so it might help some of you decide what to buy from No7 before wasting your money on something which might not be good for you.

I hope you have all had a great Christmas and I will be back very soon with some more exciting Christmas related blog posts.

So until next time lovelies xx

No7 Beauty Advent Calendar 2015 - Week 2

Hello everyone,

Sorry it has taken longer than usual posting this weeks instalment of what is in the No7 advent calendar. I came home on Monday for Christmas and have been busy every single day this week. However, I couldn't let my lovely readers go without the second week of exciting beauty bits. So here we go...

Day 8: Protect and Perfect Intense Hand Cream
I got this a miniature hand cream in the advent calendar and mum stole it and put it in her handbag. Guess what happened this year? - the exact same thing! I managed to use it once before she nabbed it off me. Although I can't give much of a review because of this, I did enjoy it. It was a great size to fit in a handbag, hence the steal from mum, and it is also so nourishing for the skin and very hydrating, locking in moisture and making the hands amazingly soft.

Day 9: Skin Illuminator in Peach
As many of you old and loyal readers to VeryBeth will know, I love this product! Many times I have received this from No7 and each time it's filled me with joy. This size lasts me all year with it being used nearly every day. I either use it under foundation, on top of foundation or mixed with foundation. This item is multipurpose and brilliant for all year round. It is the perfect size also to put in a makeup bag, meaning it is good for travelling. If you are looking for a highlighter, look no further, rush out and buy this!!

Day 10: Stay Perfect Amazing Eyes Pencil in Bronze
Last year in the advent calendar, there was a full size liquid eyeliner. However this year there is a full sized gel-like eyeliner. It is so smooth and easy to apply. The colour was so glittery and great for both the waterline and lashline. I had an Avon one once and its nearly all gone now so its great to try a different brand of a similar product. It is great for christmas time and I would personally say it is more of a gold colour than a bronze.

Day 11: Beautiful Skin Perfecting Body Polish
Usually, I'm not a fan of body polishes and scrubs, however I was prepared to try this as I do with others I get. Its the same size as the body wash I received earlier on in December. It has a nice scent and is quite exfoliating - which obviously is what you seek for in a body scrub. However, I don't know if I would buy the full size product as I don't usually buy body scrubs as I don't use fake tan or anything so don't have much of a need for them.

Day 12: BB Lips Beauty Balm in Blink Pink
Now if you have read some of my last blog posts, you will have seen that I have already got this product in full size. It was a miniature BB lip balm in a really nice shade. Beth nabbed this one as well as the eyeshadow because I thought she would really like it. It is a great size for a handbag on a night out. It is also brilliant in hydrating and nourishing the lips. It helps to reduce chapped lips but still manages to make them look beautiful with the gorgeous baby pink shade it comes in.

Day 13: Stay Perfect Amazing Eyes Pencil in Brown
Once again I got another eyeliner in the same style as the full sized one I got earlier on in the week. However this one is a miniature one. I really like this shade. As someone who isnt too daring with eyeliner, in the day I will tend to use a brown eyeliner if I do a fairly neutral eye look. It is so easy to apply and it is great to smudge if the eye look is more exciting. I really like this and the miniature size means its great to take travelling or in a handbag if you need to top up the eyeliner on the go.

Day 14: Stay Perfect Nail Colour in Me Me Me
The final product this week was a lovely pink nail varnish. It is a colour which my mum loves so when I brought it back from uni with me, she took it straight away and painted her nails with it - so guess who is not seeing that again! These size nail varnishes are great to receive in the advent calendar because they are full of product and are especially great for packing in an overnight or travelling bag. I know many people who would love this colour, so I might have to make some purchases of it for some gifts.

So I hope you all enjoyed this weeks round up of what was in my No7 advent calendar. Sorry that it was very late - hopefully I wont leave you waiting too long with week 3! How are your advent calendars going? Are you fed up of chocolate yet? Have you got some exciting other things? Let me know in the comments below.

Only 5 sleeps til Christmas!!

So until next time lovelies xx

No7 Beauty Advent Calendar 2015 - Week 1

Hello everyone,

Yes I know I promised I'd be blogging again regularly and I'm sorry that it hasnt been the case. However, December is now upon us which can only mean one thing - it's time to get festive! And now I promise you that there will be more uploads over this festive period once I've done my 2000 word essays that are due before Christmas.

So I thought, what better way to end my blogging hiatus than with reviews of my advent calendar. I absolutely loved the No7 advent calendar last year and so was desperate for one when they were released again this year. Here begins week 1...

Day 1: Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Day Cream
Now this year I have been really big on skincare items and have loved branching out across brands and trying a variety of items. There were miniature face creams in the advent calendar last year and so to get another one this year has been really good. I love No7 for their skincare and to have a small face cream is really good for when you're travelling or for putting in an overnight bag. This face cream works wonders on your skin. I would say however that it is suited to more older skin, but there is nothing wrong with looking after your skin when you're young.

Day 2: Beautiful Skin Blissful Body Wash
I remember getting a body wash last year and my mum stealing it, however this year that won't be happening! It is such a creamy body wash that is nourishing on the skin and helps to fill it with moisture. It has such a neutral yet lovely smell, as do all things pretty much from No7. I don't think I would purchase it in the full size as, personally, I think it is quite expensive. However, there is nothing wrong with having a selection of miniatures for when you are going away, and so this will definitely be going in my cupboard or straight in my shower - either way, its not getting into the hands of my mum!

Day 3: Instant Illusions Airbrush Away Primer
I have been so excited to get this in the advent calendar. Now some of you will remember that Boots sent me some free No7 items in the post over the Spring/Summer time and a full sized version of this primer was one of them. Now it's lasted me a long time even though I have used it nearly everyday, but I have just about come to the end so to get another one, even though it is only a miniature, has been a lifesaver! I wont have to repurchase it just yet now :) One of my uni friends also loves this so trying to keep this away from her will be a task (yes we all know its you Demi!).

Day 4: Beautiful Skin Radiance Exfoliator
Once again, there was another reappearance from a favourite item of mine from last year's advent calendar. I loved this exfoliator that No7 do. It only has small exfoliating beads  which means it is less harsh on the skin which, for young skin especially, is good. I think this is such a generous sample size that really does last for a number of days. Rediscovering it again this year has made me want to buy the full size version. So watch out Boots, Beth might be making an appearance soon to do some serious shopping.

Day 5: Shine and Tint in Seduce
I had thought that by day 4 we would have a makeup item make an appearance, but unfortunately not. However, day 5 did not disappoint! Behind the door was a miniature of a lovely fuchsia looking lip gloss. When it was applied however, it looked a lot more berry toned. It is a really lovely colour, especially for the festive season. It can be worn dulled down in the daytime or can be layered up for a bold nighttime look. Miniature lip glosses are really good to have as they are great to take in a clutch on a night out as they save a lot of space.

Day 6: Stay Perfect Eye Shadow from Forest Fruits Trio
I was a bit disappointed with day 6's treat. Earlier on in the year, No7 gave away a small gift set to celebrate their 80th Birthday. This eyeshadow was in there. If you are an avid No7 fan, like me, it is more than likely that you will receive duplicates and so I was prepared to receive some duplicates in the advent calendar this year. It was just a shame for it to be a beauty item so early on in the calendar. Now I am doing the same as last year with my duplicates and dislikes, so Beth, it's on its way to you when I see you next week! I'm not saying I dont like this eyeshadow, because trust me I love it, I was just somewhat disappointed that it was a duplicate for me.

Day 7: Gel Finish Nail Colour in Red
The final item in the first week was a gorgeous Gel Finish Nail Varnish in the shade 'Red'. It is such a wonderful festive colour that I know will have a lot of usage at this time of year, whether this be from me or my mum. The gel nail varnish I got last year was great so I cannot wait to try this one. The miniature nail varnishes are a perfect size to pack in a travel bag and are just very easy to carry around. Don't be deceived however about their small size because they are full of product so they will not run out too quickly I promise. This colour would also look lovely with a glitter on top, so when I decide on the colour of my nails for Christmas, I think this will be a contender.

So that's what I got in my advent calendar for the first week of December. I have two questions for you this week. Firstly, what advent calendars have you got this year, are they beauty related, are they chocolate, are they anything else exciting? Secondly, do you like the idea of me reviewing my advent calendar again this year?

I hope you've had a wonderful start to December. Only 17 days til Christmas now guys!

So until next time lovelies xx

Happy 1st Birthday VeryBeth!

Hello everyone,

Once again I've been a bad blogger. I'm sorry I haven't blogged for over two months now. I had lots of ideas and then life stuff happened. I have been so busy that I haven't even got round to planning blog posts, let alone writing them. But this one had to go up today for one reason...

It's the first birthday of VeryBeth!

I wish I had a cake to put a candle in to mark the occasion. There have been a whole variety of posts over this last year, ranging from hauls to tags to favourites. I look forward to what is coming next for this blog and look forward to writing (hopefully) more interesting blog posts for you all.

I love doing this blog, and it is just such a shame that I get so busy that I can't keep up with it. So I am sorry for the lack of posts, but I hope to be writing some more very soon.

Lots has happened over the past two months, including me starting university. I am absolutely loving uni life and I can't wait to write about it for you all and show you the gang I am living with and what uni life is just like in general. So please bear with for now, but hold me to the fact that I am promising you more blog posts very soon.

Now I live in a big city with many more shops to what I'm used to, there will be many posts coming your way I'm sure - whether they be hauls, reviews, swatches - who knows!

So this is just me checking in for now and letting you know that I am still alive and haven't disappeared off the face of the Earth. I will be back very shortly. I look forward to what the next year has in store for VeryBeth.

So until next time lovelies xx

MAC Patentpolish Lip Pencils - Review

Hello everyone,

About a month ago, I popped into MAC with the intention of expanding my lipstick collection further. I wrote myself a list of potential purchases, however when I tried them, none of them looked at all good. So I had a little wander around and found the Patentpolish Lip Pencils on a stand and was immediately drawn to them. If it's not a lipstick I'm after, it's any sort of lip crayon. I swatched a few different ones before trying them on, and then before I knew it, I was at the checkout with my card in the card machine about to pay for two new Patentpolish Lip Pencils. Here are the shades which I treated myself to...

These were limited edition lip products before in MAC and I think they made a great decision by choosing to bring these back again. I just hope that they stay for a decent amount of time so I can try a majority of the colours. I chose two slightly different colours this time. Both of these have a gorgeous glossy formula so it is a change from the matte lip that I am used to. I chose a lovely nude-ish pink colour called Kittenish and a bright red-pink colour called Pleasant...

Kittenish is what I would say to be one of the most perfect nude and wearable colours. It is a great pink shade to wear during both the daytime and nighttime. With one application it looks natural whereas it can be layered up for a bolder light pink colour. I like to use this on top of MAC Soar lip liner in the evening. Even though it is a slightly different colour, I think the combination of the two are just perfect. The size of this product is also amazing for a makeup bag or for a clutch bag on a night out. I think this shade is great for all skin tones. So if you are looking for a new pinky nude shade, I would definitely recommend this.

Pleasant is the most gorgeous bright pink shade. It isn't too dark or too red which, for me and my skin tone, makes it perfect, especially for the summer. The only small problem I have with this is that it is very very glossy. I am used to having more matte and satin shades for a dark lip, but nevertheless I am prepared to work through it. I like to use this colour to brighten up my makeup look, especially during the day with minimal eyeshadow. Once again this is a great staple to have in your makeup bag or clutch bag on a night out. If you love bold colours or a glossy lip, this product is definitely for you!

I will definitely need to head back into MAC soon because I don't want to risk these going out of stock again. I have loved using these so much and definitely want to try other colours, especially something orangey. Let me know in the comments below if you have used these Patentpolish Lip Pencils before or if you might have been persuaded to want to try them. 

So until next time lovelies xx