All Time Favourites (So Far...)

So here we are 2014; congratulations you made it. 

I always find the beginning of the year a nice time to reminisce the past year and use it to build my future, learning from my mistakes whether that be to not wear blue eyeshaddow and red lipstick together or to not do enough exercise. Because of this last year I feel that I've really started to come into my own makeup wise, as I started to try new products and stick with my all time favourites. So I thought I'd share some of them with you...

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Palettes

In the past I've never really been that fussed with eyeshadows as I felt they were an unnecessary step to add into my already long morning routine, but that was before I invested in some good pigmented eyeshadows. The first time I actually bought some Urban Decay eyeshadows was for my sister last Christmas, I'd seen so many reviews of the Urban Decay Naked Palettes I decided to buy my sister the Naked 2 palette. Being the kind sister that she is, she let me use the palette and I was hooked. 

So when my parents went away for the weekend and asked me if I wanted anything as a present I begged them to get me the newly released Naked Basics Palette; I've used it every single day since. Then for Christmas I was lucky enough to be given the Naked 3 palette, and as you've probably guessed I've also used that every day since! Not only the Naked range but all of Urban Decay's Palettes have been incredibly hyped up online so you've probably heard about them millions of times before, so all I can say is that if you haven't tried them, please do, but beware you will never go back to drugstore eyeshadows ever again!

Real Techniques Brushes

When I heard a couple of years ago that Samantha Chapman, one half of YouTube duo Pixiwoo, was releasing a range of makeup brushes I was extremely excited. Pixiwoo are some of my favourite YouTubers and I instantly added their release date into my diary. I first bought the Core Collection and then went onto get the Starter Set. They are the softest brushes I own and I use the buffing brush, contour brush, deluxe crease brush and the base shadow brush every day. They wash incredibly well: drying quickly and holding their shape, I've also never had a problem with shedding unlike some of my more expensive brushes. They're also made of synthetic hair, are cruelty free and are easily available from either Boots or Superdrug,what more could you ask for?

Mac Lipsticks

Mac Lipsticks are the only high end lipsticks that I've tried but I've never felt the need to buy more expensive lipsticks when I've already found some that I like. You can buy perfectly good drugstore lipsticks but they do not have the range of finishes or colours that Mac have, and will probably not last as long either meaning that you have to re-apply more and therefore re-purchase more, making Mac lipsticks a good investment in my eyes. My favourite finishes are amplified and satin but there are finishes to suit everyone such as matte or creme sheen. At £15 they are double the price of your average drugstore lipstick but your not just paying for a name but a great product, plus when you've used up six you can do back to mac and get a free lipstick!

Simple Face Wipes

Lots of people will argue that face wipes are bad for your skin but I personally find they are the best way of taking off my makeup and then I cleanse properly afterwards. Simple's Face Wipes are by far my favourite as they do not irritate my skin unlike other face wipes I've used in the past, they're often on offer so I normally bulk buy them as I am constantly re-purchasing them, as I've used them on and off since I started wearing makeup. 

Stella Eau De Parfum

I don't often change my perfume as I like to keep one scent so when people smell it, it will remind them of me, and Stella is my scent. It's got the right balance of sweetness, floral scents and musk making it not over powering or offensive, which is the reason I think a lot of people like it as I often get compliments when I'm wearing it. It's very distinct and according to the perfume shop it has heart notes of peony, rose, mandarin orange and woodsy notes. Not that I know what half of those things smell like but together they make a very beautiful perfume.

Company Magazine

Before their revamp I'd not read Company Magazine as I thought it was just like every other fashion/beauty magazine out there but since the revamp it's become by far my favourite magazine. Company sticks to the things it does best: fashion but approaches it in a way that's never been done before, appreciating the things that the average girl is into like blogs and YouTube or the latest things in trend, not just in fashion but books, films, social media, you name it, Company are on it. I also love the texture of the paper that makes it stand out from your bog standard glossy magazine. Also earlier this year they featured a picture of my nail art, cool huh?

Of course as I try new things I will find new favourites, but I just wanted to mention one last favourite of mine this year: my blog. I started The Lipstick, The Girl And Her Wardrobe one year ago today and it has been one of the best things I've done in my life. It's helped me become more confident in myself knowing people want to hear what I have to say. It's strange having people in sixth form coming up to me saying that they've read my blog and they think it really good, as when I started it I was conscious of what people would say when they found out but everyone has been supportive and interested. I've still got a long way to go and there are so many things I want to improve this year but I wouldn't have got this far without you reading my blog, so thank you. 

Hope you have a good New Year and 2014 brings you everything you desire.

Eleanor xx