What I Got For Christmas

Britney Spears Midnight Fantasy, Kardashain Kolors by OPI, Cream Star Jumper New Look, Snow Leopard Animal Hood Primark, Fur Trim Boyfriend Coat Debenhams (extra 10% off with code BF67), Gold Stud Holdall River Island, Various Nail Art Primark, Fur Scarf & Red Glitter Snood Marks & Spencers, Slipper Socks w/ Bells, Classic Ugg Minis in Chestnut

So I accidently packed everything away as soon as I got it on Christmas day, so I had a little bit of a struggle finding where I put everything to share with you, so instead here is a bit of a 'highlights' post on what I got for Christmas this year!

I did well this year and felt very lucky to have such wonderful family, friends and a boyfriend that all know me so well. I didn't make such of a wishlist of anything in particular this year so got lots of surprises which were all absolutely wonderful and right up my street!

Please share below if you've done a 'What I got for Christmas' blog post or video! I love seeing what other's got!

Hope you're getting all glammed up tonight for NYE! Have a safe one everyone and have a Happy New Year! See you in 2013!

Kardashian Kolors by OPI

Kardashian Kolors OPI: Kendall On The Katwalk & Khloe Had a Little Lam-Lam

My boyfriend clearly knows me so well! Amongst all the gorgeous gifts he got me this christmas, he surprised me with an array of the OPI Kardashian Kolors! I've wanted 'Khloe Had a Little Lam-Lam' since they released the range, but always avoided it due to expensive shipping rates from the US, but clearly Jack had a little plan up his sleeve and managed to pick me some gorgeous shades!

I can't describe how in love I am with 'Kendall On The Katwalk'! This has probably got to be the most gorgeous glitter nail varnish I have ever owned. The glitter is so full on, consisting of a beautiful combination of purples and blues. I literally stare at my nails all the time now!

'Khloe Had a Little Lam-Lam' is a gorgeous, ultra shiney deep evergreen/teal shade which I think complements the tones in the glitter varnish nicely. I love how easy it went on and only took a couple of coats to achieve such a bold colour. I've never used OPI before, but am seriously impressed with the quality and staying power of these varnishes! 

Has anyone else tried any of the Kardashian Kolors range? Or is there an OPI shade you recommend? Hope you all had a lovey Christmas! :)

December So Far...

December in Instagram: marieelton

Apologies for the lack of posts for the last 10 days. I've been super busy at work as well as basically giving up on my camera so having been stuck in a bit of a blogging rut! I hate it, and I really miss blogging regularly. It is difficult I will admit, working full time - so its pitch black when I get home each evening, as well as having a lack of space to actually take photos as I'm currently squished in my bedroom at my parent's house with Jack! My camera has also given up on focusing so its really hard to get decent photos recently. I think I'm going to have to upgrade my blogging equipment in the new year! Can anyone suggest some decent lighting?

Anywho, maybe a little update with what's going on with me? Jack and I have finally found our own little house and are due to move in March! We're really excited, and I think our catchphrase from now until then is going to be 'roll on March!', as it's all getting a little intense living at home after being used to have our own flat for the last year!

I've been working at my new job for 4 months now, and I think I'm settling in well! Getting to grips with the responsibilities that come with the roll and looking forward to progressing my career. I was project manager for the last month or so for the annual Children's Christmas Party we hold in the atrium in our building. It was an amazing experience to organise a party on such a large scale (500 guests) and get to see the kids having such a great time on the night! I managed to get reindeer's and an owl for the party (probably more for my sake then the kids?!) and it went down amazingly. So pleased with myself for volunteering myself at work and hopefully I've made a good impression on my colleagues! 

Jack's going home up North for Christmas on Monday, leaving me with my crazy family for a few days - so we'll just see how Christmas turns out this year! Nevertheless, I am attempting to remain excited for Christmas! Anyone else feeling the same??

I Knew You Were Trouble

Top: eBay, Skirt: c/o Lashes of London

I've been so keen for one of the Topshop 'Geek' tees, but alas they are sold out all over the place. Enter ebay! For £5.99 you can't really complain, its a cute little t-shirt, but unfortunately not the same style fit as the original topshop version, but it does the job! I love the colour too, I'm so pleased wines and burgandy has returned this winter - its such a rich and wintery shade!

I was deaddd chuffed when I got this faux leather skirt from Lashes of London! I've been eyeing up a few different pleated pleather numbers for a while now. I feel a little like a gladiator/alternative cheer leader in this outfit, but who cares! Although its a little short, I'm a sucker for skater skirts and am just all round in love with this skirt! 

Crash Land

 Dress: c/o Fashion Culprit

This is my new favourite dress for work. It's literally so comfy and to make things even better, so pretty! I don't actually own anything like this, and hadn't got anything new with a Peter Pan collar in a while, so this is a fun addition to my wardrobe! I feel very Zooey Deschanel-esqe when I wear this too, so that's never a bad thing! 

It's so hard to find stuff to wear to work now, it's just so cold and miserable all the time - I just want to wrap up in big snug jumpers, scarfs, leggings and boots! Mmm! Talking of wrapping up, I have been going coat mad this winter, currently at a grand total of three new winter coats purchased over the last two months - whoops!

Last Christmas

Dress: c/o Chi Chi, Shirt: Asos

So the Christmas party season is upon us and I've started looking the ideal work party outfit. I wanted something Christmasy but still work appropriate. So, I teamed this white scalloped collar shirt with this gorgeous peplum dress from Chi Chi. I love how expensive and glamorous the gold floral pattern is against the black, and this gold foil effect is so perfect for this winter season. I'd probably complete this outfit with a chunky, black pair of lace up shoe boots and gold accessories. 

What will you be wearing to your Christmas party this year? I'd love to hear about your glam, winter looks!

ghd Style & Protect Gift Set

c/o ghd Style & Protect Gift Set

Now here's a great Christmas gift idea for any hair obsessed girl - like me ;) This sleek and sophisticated set includes the Style Straight & Smooth Spray, the Final Style Shine Spray, a paddle brush and two sectioning clips.

The ghd Style Straight & Smooth Spray is designed to help smooth and de-frizz your hair, containing ghd Heat Protection System that ensures a sleek and long lasting look. This heat protectant is light weight  and fruity, perfect for refreshing your hair between washes before heat styling. I struggle to find a heat protecting spray that doesn't weigh down my hair and make it greasy when applying to dry hair, however a few spritz of the straight and smooth spray absorbs into my hair really quickly and it doesn't feel like I've over loaded my hair with product. Despite the spray being aimed at straight hair styles, I do find it helped in creating loose and silky curls - my favourite hair look. 

The Final Style Shine Spray is my new favourite hair spray! I hate hate hair sprays that stiffen your hair and give it that crunchy, unnatural look. This spray is so fine and allows your to rework your hair whilst still holding the style naturally. It also smells sweet and fresh unlike my usual hair spray which often chokes me to death when I apply it!

I love the paddle brush that comes with the set, perfect for post-hair curling when I want to soften my curls and create smooth waves. Followed by the Final Shine Spray is the perfect combination for quick styling. 

This kit is a perfect essentials kit, making your hair gloriously shiny with minimal effort. 

Happy 1st Birthday Marie Loves!

 A Year In Outfit Posts

I can't believe I've been running my little bloggy for a year now. It has actually flown past! But it has been an amazing journey and so encouraging watching it grow and flourish as the past year has progressed. I have to say, and I think most bloggers would agree, starting Marie Loves has been one of the best decisions I ever made. It's amazing how something so enjoyable can be so rewarding and extremely beneficial in so many ways.

Primarily, I began my blog as a way to write about one of my biggest passions, fashion and beauty, whilst hoping to connect with like-minded individuals who swoon over the same pretty little things that I do. However, I also began blogging as a demonstration to potential employees that I was capable of working on something outside of my degree, to show initiative and dedication - I would definitely say blogging has proven itself a valuable asset to my CV. The biggest example of this being that it was the main point of conversation when it came to both my internship and the interview for my current job. 

As much as my blog has taken a lot of dedication, including hours upon hours of getting ready, taking photos, testing out products and so on, my blog would not be what it is without the amazing beauty bloggers community that I am so proud to be a part of! I would definitely say integrating yourself with fellow bloggers makes blogging the most worth while, and the #bbloggers chat on a Sunday night (despite the occasional dramas) has now long been a perfect way to end my weekend.

A special shout out to some of favourite bloggers right from the beginning goes to Nicola, Sian, Tereza, Kat, Rebecca, Katy, Paula, Eloise, Sarirah, Lizzie, Leigh, Fee, Ysis and Corrie. These girls have inspired me as well as given me some major outfit/hair/make up envy over the past year, and it has been amazing to see all your blogs achieve the greatness and more they deserve! 

So here's to many more years of Marie Loves! Thank you to all my followers, I hope you've enjoyed my posts so far ;)

Conerstone

Studded Jumper: Oh My Love (c/o), Chelsea Boots: Primark, Lipstick: L'Oreal Color Riche in Plum Passion

As my love affair with thick knit jumpers continues, this Studded jumper definitely has me smitten. I love the contrast of the soft, cream knit with the silver studded shoulders - its amazingly on trend whilst still keeping you cosy (my idea of perfection). Oh My Love is an amazing little gem - I've actually spotted my next jumper crush, an amazing Christmas jumper which is just too cute for words.

I paired the jumper with my trusty Primark Chelsea boots, which sadly are starting to look a little worn after receiving  so much love from me over the past year. I wonder if Primark have any more in this year, does anyone know?

Win My Jumper!

Jumper: Glamorous

With Winter now in full swing, I'm definitely making sure my wardrobe is topped up with jumpers galore, and the thicker and warmer the better! So, if you love my paisley jumper just as much as I do, here's how you can win one for yourself!

Don't fancy the jumper? Well you can pick from a whole list of items from Glamorous! Here are some of my favorite treats from the bunch!

What else can I win? Have a click through the links and see what takes your fancy! Paisley Black and White Jumper, White Cotton Sleeveless Shirt with Matte Sequin Collar, Cross Embellished Top, Blue with Black Lace Skater Dress, Grey with Blue Tie Dye Vest with detail Leather and Studs (in 'rust'), Beige with Black Bow Front Top, Tie Dye Dipped Hem Studded Tunic (in 'rust'), Stone and Black Bodycon Dress, Blue Diamond Print Dress, Harlequin Diamond Sequin Dress, Black Skull Print Grey Vest, Charcoal Disco Pants, Navy and Orange Tie Dye Midi Dress, Anne Dress in Wine Tribal Print with Gold Belt, Studded Collar Black Sleeveless Blouse or the Studded Cut Out Shoulder Charcoal Sweater! a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway ends on Halloween (aka Wednesday 31st October), so get your entries in now! 
Please remember, this giveaway is to win an item from the list above, not any chosen item from the entire Glamorous collection.

My Daily Make Up 2

Base: Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation in True Ivory, Applied with: Real Techniques Buffing Brush, Collection 2000 Cover Up Stick in Light Translucent, Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Powder in Light, MUA Pressed Powder in Shade 1.
Contour: MUA Bronzer in Shade 2, Applied with: Real Techniques Contour Brush.
Blush: MUA Blusher in Shade 2, Applied with: The Body Shop Blusher Brush.
Eyebrows: 17 Sculpting Pencil in Natural Brown.
Eyes: Collection 2000 Extreme Felt Tip Eye Liner in Black, Collection 2000 Kohl Eyeliner in Black, The Body Shop Big and Curvy Mascara, Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara. Lips: Rimmel Lasting Finish Matte by Kate Moss in 101.

So, this is my updated daily make up routine. You may or may not have seen my last one (here), but not too much has changed since then. Now that I'm working full time I like to keep my eye make up simple, but still noticeable. Not one for that 'barely there' look, Collection 2000's Felt Tip eyeliner is a real lifesaver in the mornings, with its thick nib making for extremely easy application.

I want to make a special shout out in this post to my new favorite day to day lippy - Rimmel's Lasting Finish Matte by Kate Moss in the shade 101. It a wonderfully sweetly scented, soft matte lipstick in a warm pink/nude shade with plum undertones. I'm really impressed with how non-drying it is for a matte lipstick and would definitely recommend to even girls who suffer with dry lips like myself (just make sure you put plenty of lip balm on first).

How I Fill In My Eyebrows

17 Brow Sculpting Pencil: Boots

I put this video together earlier in the week on how I fill in my brows. Its literally the simplest thing so I thought I'd give you guys a little step by step. I absolutely love filling in my brows, I love the look it creates - I suppose it just gives my make up look more of a finished feel.

Anyway, hope the video is easy to follow and it helps those of you out that have been umming and erring over your brows!

Clinique Superpowder Double Face Powder

Clinique Superpowder Double Face Powder in Matte Ivory

I don't buy high end make up usually, but when I do I make sure it's something I'm going to get a lot of use out of. As most girls can probably relate to, I love my skin to look mattified and flawless for as long as it possibly can, so when I discovered Clinique's Superpowder I had to invest.

It's a full coverage powder, that works well over foundation and stays in place for a considerable amount of time. I use it primarily for nights out when I know there's going to be lots of photos and want my make up to last without constant reapplication - and this is exactly what it does. The colour blends beautifully with my foundation and doesn't take a lot to work into your skin. The mattified finish is exactly the look that I long for, leaving me believing that sometimes it's worth paying more for a quality product that is going to do exactly what you ask of it.

It holds my make up in place beautifully, leaving me still looking completely intact even by the end of the night! Would 100% recommend for girls who have ongoing problems with an oily completion. Has anyone else tried Clinique's Superpowder Double Face? Or do you recommend any other brands for a decent mattifying effect?

Enrapture Totem: How I Styled My Hair For LFWnd

Enrapture Encode Totem Curler: Amazon

I received lots of lovely comments on my hair and questions on how I styled it after I posted about my London Fashion Weekend experience. I was so grateful for all your lovely words so thought I would put a video together to show you just how easy it is to do!

I got the Enrapture Totem Curlers from my boyfriend for my birthday and they are a seriously impressive styling tool. I really recommend for easy curling with satisfying effects. However, word of warning! My first pair actually made a loud bang, tripped the electrics in my house and stopped working, so I would definitely recommend plugging these babys directly into a mains socket, rather than an extension plug (as I did on my first use). 

I hope you enjoy the tutorial, apologies for not updating my YouTube channel for so many months! Stay tuned for some more videos to follow within the next couple of weeks!!

Garnier Pure Anti-Blackhead Deep Pore Wash

Garnier Pure Anti-Blackhead Deep Pour Wash - Superdrug

I would never describe myself as having 'problem' skin so have never really had to go to a lot of effort to maintain my skin. I suppose I'm lucky in that respect, nevertheless I do have oily skin which needs to be tamed to avoid shiny situations! 

I get the odd spot and used to notice that my pores were quite clogged on my nose, but never came across a product that tackled either issue to a notable standard. I picked Garnier Pure Anti-Blackhead Deep Pour Wash pretty much on the off chance, seeing as it was on offer in Morrison's, but I haven't looked back since!

Roughly two months into using the face wash (either in the mornings or when showering) my nose is now completely clear and unclogged! And I can confidently say I haven't had a single outbreak (touch wood!). I would usually be guaranteed a spot around my time of the month (apologises to any possible male readers), which I thought was an inevitable fate. However, this hasn't been the case since using Garnier's face wash.

The product itself is a light exfoliator, gently scented with cucumber, giving you a fresh and zingy feel. I love how clean and bright it makes my skin feel and look, and generally I feel more confident about my bare skin since noticing the effects. I definitely recommend for anyone with a similar skin type to myself.

Has anyone else used Garnier Pure Anti-Blackhead Deep Pour Wash? I've stocked up on a few more bottles as they're reduced down to £1.15 in Superdrug!! What's your go-to skin care product?

London Fashion Weekend

Dress: River Island, Ring: New Look, Extensions: Head Kandy (post to follow)

So today I went on my travels over to London for Vodafone's London Fashion Weekend at Somerset House. My friend Kurt and I had been overly excited about this for the past month so the event had some pretty high expectations to live up to!

I wore my new leopard print shirt dress that I got for my birthday, as I'm still obsessed with all things animal print. I wrapped up in a long black blazer, fur stole and chelsea boots - a good thing as it bucketed down all day!

The event itself was quite disappointing. We'd opted for the Mulberry goodie bag, which consisted of such uninspiring goodies as a packet of tissues and a toothpaste sample! As well as this, the discount designer sale seemed to be full of clothing from several seasons ago. However, we did enjoy the designer catwalk from Twenty8Twelve, which consisted of some lovely pieces and was nicely arranged. Having said that, they did show us AW 2012/13 not SS 2013 which was a shame as it wasn't their latest collection as you would of seen during London Fashion Week.

Despite getting drenched from the rain and being quite sorely disappointed we still had a fun day out, but may just stick to Oxford Street next time...

Who else attended London Fashion Weekend this year? Did you have a similar experience?

Croc Nails

Barry M Nail Paint Croc Nail Effects: Boots

You may have seen me post this on my instagram (marieelton) yesterday, but I felt the need to also blog about it and share it with the rest of you lovelies! I grabbed this polish the other day when I noticed Barry M had a buy 2 save £1 on their nail varnish range. Being a sucker for all thing nail art, of course I grabbed it.

Now you may think its just a rebranded version of the crackle polishes that we all raved about this time two years ago, and I was admittedly dubious myself when I initially picked it up. However, this polish definitely gives you a much more slick, well defined and expensive look than your standard crackle polishes.

Application is simple, paint on a thin base coat of your choice (I went with Barry M's Bright Pink) and as soon as you've finished both hands whip out the Croc Effects straight away. Your nails much still be tacky when applying this effect, instead of bone dry.

When applying the Croc Nail Effects I found that applying slightly thicker coats created deeper, wider crocodile effects, whilst applying a thin coat (as instructed on the bottle) creates a finer, more detailed effect. I ended up with a mixture of the two, not really being sure how to gauge how much was appropriate for a thin coat. 

Redgardless of this, I was extremely impressed with how it came out, they look almost like I've applied nail stickers or foils. I absolutely adore it and am looking forward to trying it out with different colour base coats! Has anyone else tried the Croc Nail Effects yet?

Happy Birthday To Ya!

Dress: Love Struck, Boyfriend: Mine ;) (haha)

So, tomorrow is my 22nd birthday! Not so excited about this one to be honest! I keep thinking after my 21st last year, the next big birthday I'll have will be my 30th!! :s

That being said, the celebrations are a little more low key this year. Been out for a meal with a uni friend this weekend and our lovely boyfriends at La Tasca (so good btw), then off for another celebratory meal next weekend with all the besties! I wore this LBD from Love Struck on Saturday night. Absolutely love it, so comfy with beautiful gold, braided shoulder detailing (unfortunately hidden by my hair in this photo).

I started my new job on Wednesday for anyone who read my post on my interview outfit! So glad to finally be making some money, but in the mean time I'll just have to be patient until pay day!

I should be getting a new camera for my birthday (fingers crossed) and am hoping to get back into the YouTube game! Any video requests? I was thinking a work clothes haul, as I've brought quite a few pieces recently! Let me know what you think. 

P.S. 1000 followers! I'm so happy I could cry! Give away at the end of the month ;)

I&K Dip Dye Clip-in Straight Hair Extensions

I&K Dip Dye Clip-in Straight Hair Extensions in Darkest Brown/Auburn: Hair Trade (c/o)

i've been eagerly waiting for a long while now to get my mitts on a set of ombre hair extensions! I bleached my own set at the beginning of the year, but I wasn't overly satisfied with them. So when i discovered Hair Trade had their own dip dyed extensions I was very, very excited!

i chose a full head, which is 120g of hair at 18inches long as i still wanted to add my usual length as well as the colour. i also went for auburn over light blonde because i wanted the Khloe Kardashian look :) The condition of the extensions are beautiful, very silky and healthy looking. The blonde ends do not look damaged which is brilliant, as those who ombre their hair can sometimes get very damaged, brittle ends. 

I love the colour, I think its gorgeous and really vibrant. I think these extensions are a great alternative if, like me, you don't want to bleach your actual hair. i've spent so long growing mine that I daren't apply bleach to my own hair. i've been desperate to change up my look however, and so this is right up my street, and then i can simply unclip them when I'm done with them for the day!

I would really recommend these extensions for people who have thin to medium hair as i feel it will blend in better. i have quick thick hair, so i feel i need to clip the sides up to help make the extensions more discreet. 

if you'd like help with how to apply your hair extensions, i put a video together a while ago you can watch here.

Booooom, Blast & Ruin

NYC New York Color Expert LastLong Wearing Nail Polish in Lavender Cupcake and Mint Macaroon (c/o)

I love my nail art I do! But I wanted to show you guys its not all about nail pens and having a steady hand! You don't need to splash out on a set of nail brushes or buy thin tip brush nail polishes. All you need, is two of your favourite colours and some sellotape!!

I suppose you can gather from the pictures where I placed the sellotape to create these patterns. When it comes to the diagonal stripes, cut the tape into thin, even sections to get an even thickness between the lines and angle carefully on the nails. 

Make sure your base colour is completely dry before you start applying the sellotape. To ensure the tape doesn't take off any of the original varnish, stick the piece to your skin and peel it off to lose some of its tackiness then apply to your nail. I'd advise position all the pieces of tape to every nail before you begin applying your second nail varnish. Then remove the tape whilst the nail varnish is still wet by slowly peeling off.

When completely dry you can add a top coat, but these NYC polishes are meant to be long wearing, so I'm putting them to the test and not applying a top coat! I love these colours, so wanted to make the most of them before autumn takes over and our polishes all get a little darker and vampier! Plus how cute are the names? Mint Macaroon!! Love it :)

NYC Big Bold Mascara

NYC Big Bold Mascara in Extra Black (c/o) 

I'm addicted to mascara, always looking for new ones to add to my collection and work into my mascara routine (I usually wear two or three different mascaras at once). Long eyelashes are one of my must have looks, and although I don't often wear false eyelashes, I adore piling on the mascara to achieve long, dark lashes on a day to day basis.

The Big Bold Mascara has a large applicator brush, not too dissimilar to that of Benefit's Bad Gal mascara. I usually prefer narrower brushes, but I know a lot prefer bigger ones like these. Nevertheless, I am impressed with this applicator. It reaches right across the lashes easily in one swipe meaning an even application and less clumping. 

I like to be generous with my mascaras, and so with a few coats I achieved a very natural, long length look (this mascara applied alone). I would definitely recommend it for girls who prefer a natural look but still want to achieve a voluminous look, however, I do think its very buildable and you could create a more dramatic look with it. Its a very handy little mascara and I'll definitely be working it into my mascara routine to finish off my look!