Saturday, December 26, 2015

Snapshots of Blogmas 2015


Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! I hope you all are having a lovely time what ever you are doing!! 

Charlie xo

Sunday, December 20, 2015

Our Christmas Traditions




1. The Christmas Tree
We normal get the Christmas tree up around the first few weeks of December, however, since moving we have to think about when to put it up a bit more carefully. We now have under floor heating, a beautiful thing in the winter, however not so much for a live christmas tree... The under floor heating actually dries out the tree a lot quicker, it heats up the water, so it evaporates quicker and we are constantly having to check the water levels every few hours, the pins drop off faster and the tree just generally suffers. So this year we've put up the pencil artificial tree in the kitchen but are yet to buy a real one. If you you know of a way to protect a real tree from under floor heating please let me know!
To me a real Christmas tree is the heart of christmas.

2. Chestnuts
Roasting on an open fire! Well ok we don't have the fire any more but thats not stopping us! You can easily roast chestnuts under the grill! Alright its not quite the same, but its something my dad and I enjoy doing together on christmas eve so nothing will stop us.

3. Christmas Eve
Before we moved, we used to visit family and share a drink and pass out the presents. Now, being 400 miles away its a bit difficult. So unfortunately a tradition has changed. Instead we spend that family time, just a bit smaller than before.

4. Christmas Day Breakfast
Ok I don't wake up as early as I used too, a lye in is something I will enjoy on Christmas day. Dad is normally the first one up, he likes to enjoy salmon for breakfast with a bit of champaign on the side, after all is a day of no rules in our house! (I don't join in on the salmon but I won't say no to a bit of bubbly, but the best bit is seeing dad enjoy himself, thats my favourite bit)

5. Christmas Day Dinner
Christmas dinner is a step up from sunday dinner. My mum and dad pull all the stops for it, To be completely honest its the biggest thing we do on christmas day. Although it's always the same dinner as previous years, it is truly the best meal of the the year, hands down.

6. Films and a Kip
Breakfast and champaign, presents and sharing, Christmas dinner is then followed by Dr Who Christmas special, which usually then leads to mum and dad both falling asleep or otherwise known as a food comer, the rest of the day is spent relaxing and enjoying the day. I would love a big family Christmas but right now just the three of us is absolutely fine, maybe one day it will grow.

Christmas is without doubt my favourite holiday. Just seeing people forget their worries, smiles on faces and everybody is so happy to just chat with anybody. At work in particular, everybody has so happy to have a conversation and good wishes are every where. To me it feels like its that time of year people come together and moods are higher, whats not to love. Christmas is my favourite time of the year by far!


Happy Holidays!
Charlie xo

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Festive Candles

Yankee Candles have always been a firm favourite with me and my mum. If only they did a 'back to mac' sort of thing! We've had loads over the years all year round, but none have been as favoured as the Christmas time scents! The smells the candles give off cover the house and give a lovely, welcoming scent to a home. One of our most brought candle is Yankee Candles' Cinnamon Stick, you can not get much more christmasy!

Woodwick is a newer find, I've only had one Woodwick candle before, in comparison to Yankee I perfer the shape of the jar and the lid of the Woodwick candles, its a lot more simplistic and cleaner in the shape. The smell compares nicely with Yankee in my opinion, however my mum thinks that the Yankee Candle large jar doesn't keep the smell, almost like it runs out or gets weaker the more you use it.

This year I'm trying Woodwicks Cinnabark, but there are plenty of others to try if you don't like the smell of cinnamon, below are five different candles which I love the smell off and each and every one of them makes me think of Christmas!


Do you have any favourite Christmas scents? 
Charlie xo



Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Chapped Lips

This time of year there is one thing that really gets me down. The cold wind outside and the heating on inside creates all hell for my lips. They really do struggle with the change in temporature and I find myself always hunting for the best lip treatment to keep them soft and moisturised, instead of dry, cracked and sore, nobody wants that! So here are my top picks for lip care this winter.


For day to day care, I use my Blistex Happy Lips balm in Mango. Its nourishing, easy to apply, softens the skin and general makes me happy (the smell is good enough on its own).  The shape of the mango happy lips fits nicely into a pocket and because it's in a easy tube, it is tidy to apply. If you prefer a tin lip balm the Nivea Raspberry rose gives a subtle pigment to your lips, almost like a gloss and smells delicious! During the winter I need to take more time and care on my lips. If its been a particularly bad weather day and my lips are really sore I use Blistex Relief Cream over night to repair all the damage of the day. Over night my lips repair, and become soft and smooth again. The tube lasts a really long time as you really do not need much at all, a little bit goes a long way! 

Another thing you could add to your lip care routine could be one of LUSH's lip scrubs! I love the Mint Julips which is £5.50. The scrub is tough enough to get rid of any dry skin but not to tough to make your lips sore in return. It smells delicious, feels great and is a really treat to add to your lip care routines! 

Do you have any other techniques or product which are your holy grail of lip care? Please let me know, I'm alway up for trying new things!


Best Wishes
Charlie xo

Sunday, December 6, 2015

20/52

1. It snowed again on Sunday, huge, fat snowflakes drifting down from the sky! Theres something so beautiful about it, put a smile on every bodies face! (It didn't settle to well so there wasn't ice to worry about either, added bonus)

2. This is the first week of my new 12 Days of Christmas blogging series, I'm excited but nervous! Scheduling like crazy!

3. I'm only working two days this week which means I can focus more on my blog

4. The work Christmas Party, I've never been to one before but I'm so glad I went to this one. Getting to spend some time with people from work, outside of work was really nice, not to mention we all got dressed up)

5. Perhaps as a kid, a december birthday wasn't the greatest, but I always loved Christmas more than my birthday! However getting to spend it with family was really nice after not seeing them on the day for the last three years and you can't replace that feeling.

6. The weather has been a bit mental this week, the wind has been unbelievable at some points!

7. Getting back in touch with my cousins, we've all grown up a lot since leaving school and since moving I haven't liked not seeing them on sundays or sharing a TGI's dinner to celebrate our birthdays. I do miss them lots.

8. I've never been to a work's christmas party before, but this year I really wanted to go, and I'm glad I did. Sometimes you have to do things that make you feel in easy, but it's often worth the courage.

9. Saturday the 5th was my birthday! I can not believe how quickly time flies! I feel like It was my 18th birthday only a year or two ago, but no it was quite awhile ago!

10. Sunday we completely got into the swing of things for christmas and started putting up the decorations, so far we only have the kitchen decorated so we've still got the rest of the house to do!

Christmas Nails




Ever since finding my first gold nail polish in a Tesco no less, I loved the look and felt that it was perfect for summer and Christmas! Unfortunately my original gold polish dried up and I needed a new one, which was when I found Ciate's gold nail polish in 'Sand Dune'. Since it is now completely the festive season/month I decided to paint my nails with Ciates 'Sand Dune', but to make it a bit more festive I've also used Revlons 'Sequins' on my ring fingers. I didn't want to use any other colour beneath the gold glitter chunks so I only used Barry M's top and base coat nail polish.
I really do love the gold and the way in which the glitter catches the light so easily, a bit of sparkle never hurt anybody! Are you painting your nails for Christmas, are you going to do simple or extravagant and paint tiny christmas related things like snowmen or santa hats? I would never have the patience for that, too fiddly for me!

Best Wishes
Charlie xo



Friday, December 4, 2015

Christmas Party Makeup

Tonight is my Christmas party with work, I haven't been to one before so safe to say this is a new experience, one I'm a bit  nervous but excited for.
The party is at 7pm and I finish work at 6pm. With a 40 minute travel home I wouldn't get back in time. So the plan is to change and get ready at work. I don't really want to carry to much clothing into work with my so my idea is to do my makeup in a way that it makes up for the lack of dressiness.

I've decided to go with all black - easy enough - so I think the statement will have to be my makeup.


(There might be a few more photos to come, we'll see how the night goes) 

Charlie xo

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

10 Things I Love about Winter

1. Scarves
I do love a scarf, in fact it is probably one the things that I an addicted to buying! The added warmth that they actually provide is much needed up here in Scotland, and the fact that I can wear them at work pleases me to no end! Get yourselves a good scarf this winter, I personally like Accessorize's pashmina style scarves, light weight, keeps in the heat and available in so many difference colours and patterns.

2. Hot Chocolate
I'm no a coffee fan, I like tea but only really at home, but I will always say yes to a hot chocolate. Costa is my favourite and the moments and it is an added bonus to have one in their christmas cups!

3. Fairy Lights
I had fairy lights up all year round whilst I was at uni, but here at home we only really have fairy lights up around Christmas time. What is not to love about those twinkly lights?

4. Endless amounts of Films on TV
We get the Radio Times each month now, but I only really go through them throughly around Christmas time. Highlighting all the things we want to watch this season! There is always hundreds of films on, its gets a bit tricky to pick which one to watch!

5. Shop lights spilling out the windows.
Even is you aren't doing the late night shop, the sun is setting really early at this time of year, so by 4pm the lights of the shops spill out onto the street, making every shop look inviting.

6. Star Gazing on a Cold Clear Night
Its a lot easier to star gaze during the winter. For one it gets darker earlier, so you don't have to wait as long. There is something about the moon and stars that I love and I can't wait for summer to finish so I can start seeing those tiny specs of light in the night sky.

7. Spending more time with family.
We are quite a small family and although we see each other everyday, Christmas gives us the time we need to relax and enjoy each others company, to not take anything for granted and to appreciate what we have.

8. Wood Burners
Unfortunatly we don't have a wood burner in this house, so I am deeply missing the smell and the feel that it gave the room. Theres nothing quite like the atmosphere of a flickering fire and a light hearted film around this time of year!

9. All the little Christmas ink-naks in the garden centres
Okay well this tends to begin around the end of August and by the end of September all the garden centres are full to the brim with Christmas dec's

10. Christmas Time and all the winter Photos 
As is this needs explaining , Tis the Season to be Jolly!



What do you love about winter? 
Charlie xo

Monday, November 30, 2015

November Life Round Up

I honestly can not wrap my head around the fact that it is the end of November. December, the last month of 2015 is tomorrow and I feel like it should be May or something, I just don't know where the days and months have gone?
When I was little my parents used to say 'when you are older the years will flash by' and I couldn't ever quite understand how 365 days could just pass me by, but now, I don't know how I get the to end of the year and feel like the year has snuck up on me. Time really does fly and we need to make the most of it. With everything that has gone on in the month of November all around the world, it has made me feel more aware and conscious of the time that I do have. Instead of wasting my time having a lye in in the mornings I have off work I will get up and get started with my day. In the evenings, instead of going off to my room and catch up with social media or finding old and new blogs to read I want to spend my time with the family I have. I want to sit and watch TV with my family, I want to have good, proper catch ups with old friends that, now I've moved hundreds of miles away, I don't get to see or talk to everyday. Small talk is nice and polite but I want to keep that connection just as strong as it was before I moved away and grew up.

2016 is fast approaching and I am looking back at this year and looking at myself, thinking what I want to work on, what I want to do and I think some resolutions are beginning to form. Maybe its the time of year but or everything that has happened not just this month but all year, around the world, but I'm thinking of things to improve. Have you had any of these thoughts with everything that's gone on this month? Or maybe are you beginning to think about your new year resolutions?

My best wishes to you all, 
Charlie xo

Sunday, November 29, 2015

19/52

1. Its always good when monday flies by!

2. Tuesday night I wasn't feeling too good, I think the cold weather from last week had gotten to me. So along with drinking plenty of water (a great tip from an old friend) I used the good 'ld Olbas Oil, that thing is brilliant! I felt so much better in the morning and I could actually breath through my nose! The small things can really get you down but thank you Olbas Oil,  I'd be in a much grumpier state if it hadn't been for this piece of gold!

3. Maybe we left earlier than normal, but the moon was still visible when we got into Aberdeen, not only was it clearly visible but it was the biggest I've ever seen! There was a pretty spectacular sunrise too...


4. So far the weather has been quite mild and not too unbearable. It was something like 11° one morning, so not too bad really for November!

5. After two weeks of 9-6 shifts at work it was nice to finish early on friday and go around the shops to get some christmas shopping done, luckily it timed in nicely with Black Friday, I was surprised by how manageable town was?! It was quieter than your average saturday shopping day

6.  It feels good to finally start my Christmas Shopping.

7. This week has been crazy busy with work, nothing like feeling rushed off your feet to get you back into work. It's definatly a good thing as the week flys by and before you know it, it's the weekend again!

8. I had the whole day to myself on saturday, relaxing getting a few jobs done, it feels good to catch up with everything blogging

9. Sunday morning and I woke up to snow! Okay it wasn't settling when I woke up but it was still a beautiful thing to see.

10. Theres no better time than a cold, sunday evening at the beginning of winter to sit down and have a stew. Shame I don't like dumplings , but hey thats more for everybody else.

Hope you too have had a good week, may the next one be even better!
Charlie xo

Saturday, November 28, 2015

What's in my Makeup bag



Ok a few switch ups. Like I said in my pervious post, which you can read here, With the help of a new product, or at least new to this blog, i've switched up my eye makeup with something I got for my last birthday, almost a whole year ago! Its a gather glittery thing so I haven't found I could use it during the spring and summer! However with November coming to an end and December literally round the corner what better time than any to crack out the glitter?

I'm still on the hunt for a new foundation so for the time being I'm still using the Maybeline Fit Me, everything else is pretty much the same. However the items above are just the products I will have with me in my makeup bag when I am out and about. You never know when you need a top up of something!
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THE EYESHADOW

The biggest change is centred around my eyes. No longer am I reaching for my Urban Decay Naked 1 palette, but I'm using the MAC Veluxe Pearlfusion Shadow in Peachluxe. It is such a sparkly palette but nothing too crazy, enough for a day time look and easily changeable for a night time look. I used it when I first received it for my birthday (from an amazing housemate!) mostly using the two colours at the top of the palette and the two at the bottom. To be honest the pink shade scared me but I'm slowly dipping my toes in the water with that colour as it were. The palette is just so beautiful and  the colours are so pigmented the pearl fusion line is almost to pretty to use.

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THE EYELINER

Another change, although not quite as big of a change, is my eyeliner technique. I'm still using the L'Oreal Blackbuster Super Liner, the only difference being, instead of the classic winged liner, I've been using it to just give a thicker appearance of my lash line. I love a good winged liner, and I hope they should always be even and effortless for everybody, but right now I enjoy just using it to make the lash line look thick and fuller.
Just a thin line, nothing special or really noticeable, but with mascara then liner does make a difference, and its a lot less hassle at 6:30 in the morning not having to worry about my winged liner being even!

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THE BAG

It's no secret to those who know me but I love make up and stationary. Now a makeup bag is pretty much the stationary bit of makeup! There are so many lovely styles, and I swear every time I go into Boots there are always different style and colours of makeup bags! I've brought plenty of wash bags from Boots in the past, but this one, well this was a beautiful surprise one day when I went to collect my mum's click and collect item from Marks and Spencer! I always forget that Marks have a beauty section but I wont be forgetting it any time soon! I fact I highly recommend popping into your local Marks and Spencer to see what they actually have to offer! I didn't realise the types of brands they have, Pixi, Stelia and even their own brands which have some beautiful products! I love this makeup bag and for £12.50 I could not resist! 

Charlie xo

Sunday, November 22, 2015

18/52

1. I am so thankful for the Met Office website, Aberdeen's weather can be miles different from where my home is so thank you Met Office for giving us a heads up! Have to love it!

2. It feels weird to return to work after time off, no matter how long you have off, returning to something that has continued on without you, is confusing, you have to get back into it and learn everything that you've missed whilst way in a short period of time! But hey who doesn't love a challenge?

3. Having wednesday off work and just catch back up after work was a welcomed break, and not only did I have time to relax but I managed to order some Christmas presents!

4. There have been some stunning sun rises, they really do deserve to take up your time in the morning, they are just so beautiful.

5. The beginning of the week was quite nice and mild but it's 100% time to crack out the thick jumpers and scarves!

6. Catching up with the girls at work after not seeing them in ages always brings a smile to my face :)

7. We are almost at the end of November and December is literally round the corner! It's crazy to think how fast this year has gone!

8. It tried to snow over night, thankfully it looks like the ground by us was too wet for the snow to actually stick! I'm not ready for the cold harsh winter and I'm defiantly not ready for snow and ice!!

9. The parker came out of the closest! Friday was FREEZING and planning ahead and getting my parker coat out was a very wise choice!

10. It snowing again, right now (Saturday eve) and I can not get over the fact that it's snowing in Novemeber, this is alien to me! January yes, but this side of christmas is just so much cooler!

Charlie xo

Sunday, November 15, 2015

17/52

1. Little indulgences, face pack, cuppa tea and relaxing time! A little pamper is always nice.

2. Although I am meant to be on holiday from work, I haven't really been able to sit down and blog. To get it all out and line some posts up ready, or at least almost ready. So to sit down on monday, take some pictures, work on the layout of my posts felt good and a hopefully a step forward in the right direction.

3. I hate the feeling of unruly eyebrows, when they are just to stubborn to keep a desired shape and have grown out of shape. I am far too impatient to shape them myself and I'd defiantly know I'd pluck them too far. So having them wax by somebody who knows what they are doing is the best feeling!

4. I've never been to keen on a packed cinema screen, so we decided to go and watch the new James Bond film 'Spector' during the week in the middle of the day. The cinema was almost too quite but it was nice to just sit back and relax and watch the film

5. Mum and I decided to pop into town and do a bit of christmas shopping!

6. On our shopping trip to town I wanted to pop into MAC and see if they have the refill pan of Soft Brown, now I've been back there for five weeks in a row asking whether they have it in yet, unfortunately they didn't so I just ended up buying the normal eyeshadow pan, I wonder if anybody else is finding this problem? Can anybody else find Soft Brown in a refill pan in the UK?

7. Getting sorted and cleaning out your wardrobe, helps clean the mind

8. We don't go out for food very often, so when we went out for dinner on thursday to Bella Italia it was really nice, not to mention the food- that was delicious!

9. The first week of my holiday went super quickly but this second week took it's time, which is always nice when the second part of your time off doesn't flash past you in a blink of an eye!

10. A nice chilled weekend topped off with a beautifully tasty sunday roast, what better way to finish the weekend?
Charlie xo

Saturday, November 14, 2015

Everyday Face of October


Taking a picture of all the stuff that I actually use on my face every time I do my makeup is actually a  little overwhelming. I never realised how much I use!
Any how whilst I come to terms with how much I use on a daily bases, here is how I wore my makeup during the month of October...
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THE EYES

Ever since watching a Jaclyn Hill video, where she started her makeup by doing her eyes makeup first, I've changed the way in which I do my makeup routine. I find that the end result is actually affected when I do my eyes after my foundation as I lean on my cheeks to draw on my eyeliner and sometimes mascara. Now I like to do my eyes first, I start by priming my eyelids with MAC Painterly Paint Pot. A shade that helps to even out the colours on my eyelids and creates a good base for my eyeshadows. I'm still using my Urban Decay's Naked and Buck eyeshadows (yes I'm obsessed). After covering my eyelids in the shade Naked I use Buck in the crease and outer 'V', I then go in with my L'Oreal Blackbuster Super Liner to create a classic winged liner and Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara (my absolute favourite mascara wand ever!) I've been hooked on this look, and I'm deciding now to try and switch it up a bit. My next Everyday Face will have some different products I promise!
One this that most likely will stay the same is my brow routine, I'm still filling them in with the good ol' MAC Quarry eyeshadow but at the moment I'm waiting till they grow a bit to have the shaped by a professional, so for the mean time I'm trying real hard to stay away from the tweezers.
Brows

One last step I do for my eyes, can only be completed once my foundation and under eye concealer is done. Once everything is dry and set, I will go in with more Buck eyeshadow on a smaller brush and add it to my bottom lash liner, only on the outer corner blending it up to the black eyeliner.

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THE FACE

One my eyes are complete I move onto my foundation, I start by concealing any blemishes or imperfections with MAC Studio Finish  Concealer in NW20, I love the consistency of this product and I use the Zoeva 142 / Concealer Buffer brush to blend in into the skin. For my foundation I'm still using the Maybeline Fit Me Foundation in '115', I really am enjoying this foundation and am happy with it, however it could be time for a change, if you have any recommendation please do let me know in the comments below, I'd love to hear about other products!
Under my eyes I prefer to use the Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer, the tiny specks of glitter in the product really does help to make me look more awake, I only like to use this under my eyes as I do not like the flecks of glitter over my face, I feel as though it would highlight my imperfections rather than flatten them out and hide them. To set the Rimmel concealer I use my MAC Emphasis powder, which too has tiny flecks of shimmer in it, to keep it in place. Even when I've had the worst nights sleep this method hides all the problems I don't want people to see!
Blusher is one of those things I've been getting into more and more after watching a few bloggers talk about their favourites. Never having been one for bright colours, I am working my way up slowly and I felt that this colour was the perfect place to start. MAC's Blusher in Blush All Day is a dusty rose shade, not too harsh but just the right amount of colour for me.
With the summer drifting away I find myself not reaching for the highlighter as much. Although I like to pull of the MAC Soft and Gentle I find it can be a bit much for day to day, so when I feel like I need a bit more of a glow, I like to use the Emphasis powered to give me a bit of highlight on my cheekbone area and under my eyebrow, double the usage, always a good thing!

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THE LIPS

If I'm having a particularly bad day, I'll always turn to the Blistex Relief Cream to give them an intense healing treatment and just let it do it's thing. (I'll only use the cream at home, it takes ages to soak into the lips and so you'll find yourself with beautiful white lips, it's not attractive I'll tell you that for free!)
If my lips are doing ok, I will just apply Blistex Lip balm in Mango (Favourite!) and start on my makeup, letting them hydrate and soften before applying any type of lipstick or stain.  Throughout the day I will keep on topping up with the Mango lip balm making sure they don't suffer from the wind or the cold.  

At the moment I am totally obsessed with Rimmel Lipstick in 077 Asia, its creamy and has a good staying power , safe to say I've already brought another to replace the one I'm using when It inevitably finishes!

Charlie xo

Sunday, November 8, 2015

16/52

1. Taken mum to Boots and introducing her to makeup brands she's never tried was a great bonding thing for us.

2. Dads back from the hospital and all is back to normal.

3. I forgot how much I love watching Time Team, such a guilty  pleasure! I used to watch this when I was home ill and feeling sorry for myself!

4.  Catching up with people who you haven't seen in a while

5. Not ashamed to say it, but I loving visiting gardner centres, granted not for the plants, for the kitchen ware and home decorations and anything else they sell! I especially love going to garden centres around this time of year, christmas just takes over everything in garden centres around late August early September and I'm just loving it!

6. I finally went and box dyed my hair, unfortunately it hasn't turned out as planned, infact its way off. I wanted red hair, brought a dye called deep red and my hair is brown with a warm tint... never mind it could have gone a lot worse, live and learn, live and learn.

7. Having time to spend on yourself. I love having my own space to do anything, sit and watch tv, be on my laptop, watch a film or just singing my heart out. However coming back from uni and moving back into my parents house time by my self doesn't come up with often. The house is far to small for me to sing without annoying anybody so when mum and dad went out on saturday I sang my heart out, because why not!

8. Seeing the beautiful vibrant colours of the autumn leaves, is just breath taking in the sunlight

9. Summer may be over but orange juice and lemonade is still one of my go to refreshing drinks, no matter what the time of year.

10. The weather finally started to clear, no fog in the mornings and the day actually had some sunshine, so much better than the grey atmospheric feel of the rest of the week, hello sunshine!

Charlie xo

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

October Life Round Up

It crazy for me to think that I've almost done an entire year of monthly life round ups. But they say that if you love something your passion never really dies. Unlike the taps and modern dance lessons, and all the other out of school activities I did throughout my life. Blogging on Lotties Thoughts has been so fun and I'm so interested in the whole idea of blogging. I never stuck to anything for this long and I'm still so excited as to the endless possibilities that I could do with this blog. It's become my bobbie and a passion.

I feel that this year has been a very positive outlook for posts, making me look back on the month and even the weeks in my other series of posts, 52 weeks of positivity, and I'm glad I've done them. Whether I continue these types of posts through next year is still a question I'm yet to decided the answer too but its in the full front of my mind.

October has been a busy month, full of work and all new challenges. Some things went well, others not so much, but it's all a learning curve at the end of the day. Not too much else has happened, but we tend to have those kind of months where work takes centre stage. Hopefully now, with two weeks off I can get back on track with everything else I've been neglecting. Two months to go until the new year (not to mention Christmas!) Any how onto the next one, November what have you got for us?!


Charlie xo

Sunday, November 1, 2015

15/52

1. JAMES BOND came out this week! I do love a James Bond film and I can not wait to see it!

2. It's really easy to just buy a meal deal on your lunch break and have the choice of what you want to eat. However preparing and making a homemade lunch feels and tastes so much better than anything you can buy.

3. MAC delivery! Nothing makes me happier than a packaged that arrives earlier than expected!

4. The evenings have gotten cooler and we can now sleep comfortably without having the window open (I rather suffer in heat than open my window and let the creepy crawly spiders in!)

5. I was really impressed by peoples commitment to Halloween, I think costume makeup has really kicked off it the last few years, I did see some people who were a bit too freaky for 8am for my liking but I admire the commitment!

6. Hot Chocolates galore (same as last week)

7. Finishing work on Saturday to enjoy a week of holiday, relax, catch up with everything and to get back on track with my little space online. Cant no wait!

8. A home cooked Sunday Roast, quite possibly the BEST meal ever.

9. Its been a while but after maybe three years because of uni. but I finally got back behind the wheel of a car! Crazy how everything my driving instructor said to me during my lessons is still there is the back of my mind, but clear as day as if he was still sitting beside me!

10. Being at home during the day and driving around seeing all the beautiful colours on the trees! I don't get to see the autumnal colours on the drive too and from work! Its pitch black, good old daylight savings, nothing says winter than go to and from work in the dark.

Hope you had a good week too!
Best wishes Charlie xo

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Sunday, October 25, 2015

14/52



1. BLISTEX relief cream has been a saviour this week as the wind got colder my lips suffered.

2.  It's officially, I cracked out my scarf! Only the one though, I can wait a bit longer before getting out any more but I can not promise that I won't buy any new scarfs before the end of the month...

3. Hot Chocolate.

4. I don't know what I did but I really hurt my knee, I think I twisted incorrectly and I paid for it with swelling. Thankfully my dad's has some knowledge of injuries and what I should do. So now the swelling is down and not so painful. (Thats me being clumsy for ya)

5. Having a super big sort out and clear out feels so good for the soul! A tidy space is a tidy mind

6. We had some stunning weather in the week and Aberdeen actually had the highest temperatures in the UK which was rather enjoyable!

7. One of the girls at work is moving on to better things, which was so sad to say goodbye too but I know in the long run it will be so much better for her and I'm totally grateful for all the help and support she's provided over the period of time I've work with her! A complete inspiration!

8. Everything that could have gone wrong, went wrong on friday, but thankfully the girls at work cheered me up and it turned the day bak around, there isn't any sort of replacement for people who can get you back on your feet.

9. Saturday was a relaxed day in our house, I felt very inspired to take some blog photos and my parents actually proactively helped me out with taking photos. Normally they'll ask how things are going and such, but they were super supportive in helping me do some work for the post I was working on.

10. Having an extra hour in my day when the clocks went back. Granted the clocks changed around 2am sunday morning but I stayed up a bit later and watch Dr Who with my dad.


Charlie xo

Saturday, October 24, 2015

URL Change over

The time has come to re-think on things. When I first created this blog, I wasn't ever 100% happy with the name (i guess like most people) and i frittered about from one name to another. However I've grown attached to my name but wanted to make it a bit more direct in the naming.

So Ive change the blogs URL from 

http://lotties411thoughts.blogspot.co.uk/
https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/lotties-thoughts-10311775

to...

http://lotties-thoughts.blogspot.co.uk
https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/lotties-thoughts-14516493

I hope you understand and you'll continue to follow me on this journey as this continues to grow and develop :)

Charlie xo

Nail polish to take you from Autumn to Winter





Accessorize - Almond
A P.E.R.F.E.C.T neutral colour for me! It has a slight purple undertone making it a cool neutral colour. I hadn't tried Accessorize nail polishes before but there were a few beautiful colours that had caught my eyes in their collection. The bottles are too cute and remind me of the old tv show Crystal Maze which I totally loved to watch back in the day! The rose gold finish on the brush handle is also beautiful and easy to hold and use!

Butter London - Stag Do
This was one of the first Butter London nail polishes I ever tried. In the bottle it has a slight metallic colour too it but unfortunately I am not seeing it on my nails. It's quite a harsh colour, strong and bold but paired with a gold glitter I think it would be great for christmas/new year time.

Ciate - Sand Dune
I love gold nail polish! It just isn't in your face and can be warn pretty much all year round! But put it with a chuncky gold glitter polish (like the one above) it look great for the festive season!

Seventeen - Russet Shimmer
This is a new purchase, once I clapped eyes on the colour in Boots I had to have it! It has a orange undertone too it or it is the tiny flecks of orange glitter in the red polish. It is a beautiful rich warm red and echoes the tones of autumn and christmas!

GLITTER
Butter London - Bit Faker (Bronze)  and Revlon - Sequins (Gold)
Now don't get me wrong, I love glitter as much as the next person, but having my nail covered in glitter polish is an actual nightmare for me. Taking the time to take the glitter off my nails just makes me sad and it takes way too long for me. However I do really love the accent nail, where you just have one nail covered in a thick layer of glitter polish. The Butter London Bit Faker is the polish on my thumbs in the picture above, it took only two layer to get the look and I was extremely please about that! Two layers and quick drying what is not to love?!


So those are the colours I will be sporting this winter, maybe with a few others in as well, what colours are your favourite for this time of year? Also if you have any tips and trick to easily removed glitter polish, let me know I am all ears for any tips!

Charlie xo


Sunday, October 18, 2015

13/52

1. Monday flew past which was beautiful! As well all know how mondays can drag out

2. I had a really productive planning out my life session on tuesday (work was quite) and It feels good when you figure out a plan, even if it might not work out, a plan of action is always motivating

3. Mum offered to help me dye my hair this weekend. The hair colour I'm after is red, and from experience she knows I wouldn't do it by my self, the whole room will look like I've just killed something, brutally  (hair dye will actually stain the wall so be careful, I learnt that the hard way!)

4. I hate cold weather so dad treated us to a hot chocolate from Costa (this can not develop into a habit, it just can not be allowed!)

5. I've learnt the meaning of 'hump day' i.e. wednesday. I think I dislike wednesday morning more than monday! Monday lets you catch up with everything, and wednesday just shows how long the week has been.  Does that mean I'm growing up?

6. Makeup makes me happy and warm inside, so getting time to clean up my MAC pallet was actually rather enjoyable...

7. A good cuppa tea with mum

8. Having a long weekend gave me the time to catch up with myself! The Nights are drawing in and It's almost pitch black when we are travelling home after work! So to have friday off was really nice start to the weekend

9. *cough* 10 weeks till christmas!!!!! *cough*

10. Getting into bed with new sheets is just the best thing to do at the end of a productive day.


Best wishes Charlie xo
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Saturday, October 17, 2015

M.A.C | Pro Palette | Eye Shadow No.5 Patina



Oh I do love my eyeshadows and this one is no exception. It was one of the ones I had originally had my eyes on.

In my opinion Patina is a warm light brown shade with gold shimmer running through it. It is easily buildable and can be use as an everyday all over the lid shade. I often use Patina with Woodwinked as a transition shade, I do this so that the glitter from Woodwinked isn't too intense. I also love to use this colour on its own, all over the lid with a winged liner or with some brown eyeliner smudged out around the edge.

If I had had this shadow whilst at school I would have warn it everyday, It is neutral for the daytime and buildable to create a warm smokey eye effect with some other shadows. I think it is so versatile that you could use it with almost any colour! It takes no real thought or effort to make it work, and it can look feminim and polished.

Charlie xo
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Sunday, October 11, 2015

12/52

1. Fruit tubs! Nothing better than fresh fruit with all the juicy goodness!

2. Not entirely sure what the weather was doing at the beginning of the week here is Scotland, but It was nice to have some rain! But of course it was nice to go back to normal on wednesday with some sunshine!

3. More and more leaves are changing colours! Autumn is upon us! Just waiting for the crunchy leave now!

4. I'd ordered something online and there was a bit of difficulty actually receiving the package, so I am truly thankful for some amazing customer service, it's nice to feel like somebody really does want to help you.

5.  We went to a Christmas Charity event one evening at Dobbies Garden Centre, and I just loved to see all these people here for a good cause the staff were amazing and full of energy and the Christmas Jumpers - I want one for christmas this year!

6. I finally got my glasses on thursday and I am beyond pleased with them! It funny how you forget how much you are actually missing when you don't wear your glasses.

7. Friday night was clear of clouds and the stars were shinning! Another reason why I am thankful for my glasses and having new lenses meant that I could admire the stars in all the glory not just blurry lights!

8. Talking about stars Accessorize had the most B-E-A-UTIFUL neckless in at the moment! I am obsessed! (picture to come!)

9. Since coming home from uni, and trying to get my life back on track with work, getting an opticians, doctors and a dentist I haven't had time to myself to just sitting down and getting some stuff that I want to get done done! Having the house to myself and relaxing was so nice and gave me the chance to catch up with myself. Sometime you just need to put time aside for you.

10. Film night with the family. Hasn't happened in maybe three years, but we have a family film night  tonight (sunday) which was really nice. Should always put time aside for family.

Charlie xo
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Saturday, October 10, 2015

Beginners Guide To Lipstick


Up until two/three years ago I never touched lipstick, I thought I wasn't brave enough to try it and that everyone who did, new themselves and they looked like they had their lives together! There is just such a range of colours and shades it seemed too difficult to even consider jumping into that ocean of possibilities!

Along with not feeling brave enough to try lipsticks, I also thought that the problem I have always had with my lips would never allow me to even try. I've mentioned this multiple times but my lips are seriously effected by the weather. For me they have been my biggest problem area, even over blemishes during those teen years. They dry out at the slightest drop in temperature and I am forever buying new lip balms to keep them moisturised, and supple, instead of dry cracked and sore. (Not pretty I can tell you!)


With the condition of my lips and how they behaved I knew I should start with a lip tint. Something like a moisturiser that would colour my lips as well as keeping them nourished. I'd watched many a Youtube Haul and reviews and final decided to try out the Maybeline Lip Butters, specifically the Pink Truffle as it wasn't too pigmented to look like a lipstick but gave enough of a difference for me to feel like I was taking a risk (granted a small risk, but at the time, for me it was huge!)


From here I tried other colours within the collection, this helped give me an idea of what kind of colours and tones I liked and didn't like. For example I like browns and berry colours, whilst pinks I was not comfortable in and I did not think that they suited me.

From here you just have to find the right kind of formulations and textures to suit you. Swatching and finding reviews was the best method for me, sometimes you might find that the lipstick doesn't feel very nice on your lips if it is brand new. However I have found that after several uses, once you have made a dent in the product the formulation changes, often to a softer, easier on the lips texture.


Once you've found a lipstick/balm you like, you can build up your confidence! You don't have to develop into darker or brighter colours. You can start venturing into lipsticks which are most opac but in a similar colour range as to your lips, and build up your confidence that way. I moved onto other colours and brought a lot of colours which I eventually realised I didn't like and didn't suit me like they did others. (money wasted)


If you are a bit daunted by lipsticks but want to jump into the endless world of beautiful lips, start small, something neutral and more like a balm is an easy place to start out. Build up slowly and do your research. Find review and swatches with good photos or even better youtube videos with good images. Find out what would best suit you, texture wise, no what your lips are like, do you suffer with dry lips and need to moisturise them 24/7 like I do, or do they put up with anything! (In which case I'm super jealous of you!) Think about the kind of colours you like seeing on others and whether they would suit you, sometime you will just have to try some out, but hey the drugstore's are amazing places to find things to try which aren't too expensive! And the last thing to remember is that what ever you put on your lips, what ever colour, it will come off. It's not permanent and you can just try things on around the house, you don't have to go outside, you can test it out in the comfort of your own home and get comfortable with that lip colour be it bold or your lips but bolder! It's a way of expressing yourself so have a play, you never know you might end up loving lipsticks!


Charlie xo
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Sunday, October 4, 2015

11/52



1. There was a 'Blood Moon' on sunday night and I really wanted too see it but there wasn't really a set time for the viewing. With work early on monday morning I went to bed and didn't expect to see the blood moon, however my body clock woke me up at 03:35 exactly and wondered into the Living room to see if I could see anything, which I did! I love the moon and stars and to see the moon shaded red was defiantly worth waking up at 3:30 for!

2. Although there wasn't a blood moon the next night, I decided to get the telescope out and view the moon. Thankfully it is getting darker earlier so I don't have to wait all night to view the stars. My dad and I tried to take some photos of the moon through the telescope and the picture above is one of the photos that we took, obviously it isn't great quality!

3. The girls at work are just the best and I am still so thankful to have meet them :)

4. Found out that it was 100 days before christmas during the week, we are into the double figures! Not too long to go!

5. Having a early nights sleep is so underrated! Going to bed earlier and feeling good in the morning is defiantly worth it!

6. Its was crazy windy and cold a few mornings this week so a nice hot chocolate from Costa was just the thing for a cold morning walk up the hill to work.

7. I finally got my eyes checked and brought some glasses which have been well and truly needed! I knew my eyes had changed in the last few years, but in the midst of moving and uni I haven't been able to get them checked. It feels good to get my feet back on the ground again with everyday things.

8. I love strawberries, probably too much, but they are going over soon and then we'll have to wait an entire year till the best of the best are ready again!

9. It's felt like a never ending week this week but I'm thankful for my day of on sunday, a lye in and chill out day has truly been needed!

10. We have had exceptional weather this week, its been nice to have some continuity in the weather! Granted its chilly in the morning but sunshine is always welcome.

Best wishes Charlie xo

Saturday, October 3, 2015

Wish List

I love writing lists and the feeling of success when crossing something off the list! It makes me feel good. Granted my lists normal are about jobs to do, things to look at and so on and so forth, but I've never even thought about creating a wish list of things I really want.



1. Becca Champaigne pop! I might be the last person in the world of beauty without one, but I really can not take my eyes of this beautiful thing! 

2. Too Faced Chocolate Bar Eye Shadow palette, the thing looks and smells amazing!

3. Benefit They're Real Push Up Liner in black or green, I can't decided! 

4. A Smaller bag for work, something that will actually fit into the lockers without being forced in would be good.

5. Some black boots which I can wear for work

And I thought I'd leave number six off the picture as everybody knows what it looks like but also I'm not sure what kind of tripod I really need or want at the moment... 

6. A tripod for my camera, I want to start using my macro lens better and I do not have a steady enough hand for the job.


I love a good list and never thought about using a wish list to remind myself and I love to research into products, brands and styles! Is there anything you are wishing for, and what do you do before splashing out the cash for the things you've got your eyes on?




Charlie xo

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

September Life Round Up

HOW just how are we already at the end of September?!
This second half of the year has just flown by at sonic speed! September has been a tad bit mental, I was thrown into the deep end with work, which was an experience. Thankfully the people at work were tremendously supportive and nice, they made it a lot easier.
Dad had his operations and has gotten back to work, which has been good to see him jump straight back into things. He's done pretty well not letting things get him down, if it were me I would have refused to leave the house! I think I was more bothered by the stares than he was, so I admire him for that.
At home things are picking up speed, plans are slowly coming together and it's being to feel like a proper home. The weather hasn't been the greatest of summers and it's making me thing about the winter. Christmas Market's have already been written onto the calendar! Snow boots will have to been taken out of storage. I hate to say it but I think it could be a harsh winter!
October is just one sleep away and there's Halloween and Bon Fire night and the run up to Christmas! What's not to look forward too!


Hope you have had a good september and that the next month is even better!
Charlie xo
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Tuesday, September 29, 2015

10/52

Image.

1. I noticed that the leaves on trees are starting to change colour!! Beautiful reds and oranges just peeking through the green!

2. The conversations that my dad and I have on our commute in is quite insightful, and I am thankful that he makes me want to question things and find out more information. Basically I am a sponge for knowledge, thanks to my dad.

3. Wednesday morning was a pretty stressful start to work, but I'm happy with how the day went

4. The realisation that I think I'm becoming a morning person is slowly daunting on me... I think I like it.

5. Having a day off work thursday and just enjoying a slower pace of day, chilled and relaxed.

6. Recently the night have been colder and there hasn't been many clouds in the sky at night. Perfect for just popping outside before bed to admire the stars. Perks of living in the middle of know where!

7. Finishing the working week happy for the weekend

8. I really have missed my best friend who is all the way down south being a grown up! But I'm thankful for Snapchat so when our schedules are super busy, we can still check in with each other!

9. payday... that is all that needs to be said.

10. Weekend off and I went to the Home Show in Aberdeen, saw some amazing home made crafty things, a B-EAU-TIFULL! flower display that I wish I could have in the garden!(alas I can't even keep a cacti alive so this would not of had a chance)


I hope you have had a good weekend and a positive start to your week! 
Best wishes Charlie xo
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Saturday, September 26, 2015

My Everyday Face of September



Oh I do love a simple clean makeup look! A cat eye is possibly the most classic look there i, at least in my opinion! It is quite possibly the most iconic eye makeup there is and it will never go out of style!

From Marilyn Monroe to Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor and Amy Winehouse, the cat eye is a beautiful style which can be adapted to suit anybody! It is so classic and simple you can change it up to suit your personal style! It is without doubt my favourite and I can not help but want to wear it everyday!


In fact, at the beginning of September I started switching up my makeup for work. Whilst I would have normal used MAC's Patina or Woodwinked, I decided to use my Urban Decay Naked 1 palette! Wanting a clean base for a cat eye I've been using the shades Naked, Buck and Virgin or Sin from the palette to create the look I've been wanted for some time now, of which I am finally happy with to share with you! So here after a lot of trial and testing, is my favourite clean and tidy cat eye makeup I've been wearing to work pretty much everyday! 






The Urban Decay eyeshadows are beautiful and pigmented, Naked is my go to neutral eye base blending into Buck on the outer V. I use Sin more than Virgin on the inner part of the eyelid blending into Naked in the centre. With a bold cat gel eyeliner it is the perfect base for me!

Like always I use my MAC Quarry to fill in my eye brows, and MAC Emphasis to highlight under the eye and cheek bones. Onto lips, my absolute favourite is Rimmel 077 Asia, I love this colour and pretty much where it everyday. I do use a lip balm first to moisturise my lips first, but the lipstick doesn't dry out my lips in the slightest! Truly in love with this lipstick! 

I only have the Naked 1 palette but the others look so beautiful! Do you have any Urban Decay makeup? What would you recommend?



Charlie xo
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Sunday, September 20, 2015

Time to Reflect 09/52



1. Everybody needs a bit of tlc, so having the time to make yourself feel better, a little bit of a pamper session can go a long way and its a good start to a hectic week!

2. Having a good old sort out of my draws, throwing away all the things I thought I might have needed a few years ago, turn out I am just a sentimental hoarder!

3. Enjoying a little lye in, which I would never had considered 8am a lye in! I never used to be a morning person, I would honestly be at war with myself getting out of bed at 6am for work, but like everything routine makes things easier.

4. One week till pay day! I am awful at saving my money, especially when I wonder into Superdrug or Boots (which happens whenever I am in town) so I decided this week I am NOT allowing myself to spend ANY money on makeup - YOU DON'T NEED IT CHARLIE!!

5. Although this should have technically been post 100 I decided to post one to describe why I started blogging in the first place, so this is 101! I can't not believe I managed to get to 100!

6. No matter how utterly rubbish thursday was, to get home and get into a nice warm cosy bed was exactly what I needed, I should not have left my bed in the morning, things only got worse.

7. There is such a supportive network of people at work and I am so thankful for each and everyone of them!

8. Getting things done! Jobs started pilling up and it does start to get to me, so when I finally had a moment to sort myself out getting those jobs done and sorted feels so good!

9. Saturday we went out as a family to Dobbies garden centre and enjoyed a few hot drinks and cake, because why not! Also if you follow on twitter you might have seen something I brought from the garden centre, and can now no longer complain about how early places bring out their christmas things...

10. Sitting down with dad, whilst waiting for dinner to cook, watching the highlights of the Grande Prix.

Charlie xo
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100 POSTS!



I can tell you, honestly, I never thought I'd ever reach 100 posts, or at least not this quickly, there's a whole load of things people do when they reach 100, but I thought I'd tell you the whole reason I started blogging.

At the beginning of 2013 I was starting a lengthy process of finding out whether I was dyslexic. After years of struggling and getting angry with myself as to why I could work harder than anybody and still come out worse than somebody who did work the day before. I didn't understand what the difference was. It wasn't until I was in my final year at sixth form that one of my teachers pulled me aside and mentioned that she recognised mistakes I was making in my work. Nothing happened until I got to university, when I spoke to one of my tutor's about it. He offered me help and guidance as to where I should go to find out. If it hadn't of been for their help I wouldn't have tried to find out if there was something different. In the second term of first year I went everywhere, all over the campus (and to other uni's) to meetings and tests to finally find out I was dyslexic. To be perfectly honest with you, I was over the moon to find this out. There's nothing worse than remembering and holding on to all those horrible comments from other kids when your a young child and finally being able to just let it all go!

Long story short, I did a lot of research into dyslexia and found loads of people, celebrities in particular, that I've respected are also dyslexic. That summer I had found blogs of Youtube Beauty Guru's like FleurDeForce and ViviannaDoesMakeup and really loved reading them! I began playing with the idea of creating my own personal space online. It would be something, for myself, something to help me develop my writing skills.

I've always struggled with writing and making paragraphs, so the idea of committing myself to a blog seemed like a good idea. I never imagined still being here two years and 100 posts on, still full of ideas and passion for my blog! I am so happy just writing on this blog, whether anybody reads anything or just passes by, I am happy just planning and writing even if it is just for myself.

Two years on I feel more confident in my writing, and willing to keep learning. I love being here, typing away, and with my 100th post I look forward to the future to my 200th post! Imagine, and here is to the next 100!

Charlie xo
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Saturday, September 19, 2015

My Top 5 Lipsticks for this Autumn




1. I probably wear this 5 out of 7 days a week, if I am working or going outside I absolutely LOVE IT! Rimmel Asia is a muted pink toned brown, which helps to make my lips look bolder whilst not outlandish. I love the colour and the formulation doesn't dry out my lips at all!

2. My mum had originally brought this L'Oreal Color Riche lipstick in Bois De Rose and it turned out to be a bit too purple for her, ok ranted the first two in the picture do look kind of similar, I promise you, on the lips it does look rather purple if you layer it up, however I prefer to use a light hand when using this lipstick.

3. Cosmo, I LOVE this colour, I should admit that the name was the thing that drew me in initially but once I swatted the colour it was mine! In the picture it look fairly pink however it does have pink undertone, but on the lips it appears as a muted pink-red.  Cosmo was my second MAC lipstick and it absolutely love it, it's an amplified formula and can dry out my lips a little bit but it's manageable.


4. Buttery and moistersing! Revlon Pink Truffle the first lipstick I ever tried! Before jumping into the world of lipsticks I new I needed to try and work up. My lips have always been a massive problem for me, they are so easily affected by a change in weather that I need to have a lip balm whenever I go outside the house. I'd heard about the Revlon Lip Butters on other blog posts and Youtube videos so I thought I was give it a go. They are a very moisturising formulation, they feel and look like a colour tinted lip balm and for me it was the perfect beginning to trying out colour for my lips.

5. I have a leather jacket almost identical to this colour, and I should probably admit I brought this because of the colour of the packaging because it was very similar to the jacket! Bourjois Plum Russian was the first Lip crayon I brought and although I haven't used it as much as i thought I would when I brought it a year ago, I have fallen in love with it again this Autumn, Its creamy and moisturising enough for me but I it doesn't have great staying power for me, but Im excited to get to use this beauty again!

Charlie xo
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