Looking Forward in to 2017

Hasn't this year just flown by? I remember getting ready for the start of 2016, planning lessons for my first placement in school and now the years over and we're starting a fresh. For the past few years, I've talked blog resolutions and why stop this year? At the start of 2016, I set my self the following:

When Two Bloggers Do A Not So Secret Santa

Where do I even start? Firstly, Merry Christmas Everyone! Can we believe that the big day is just around the corner, if you're relaxed then I'm jealous - if you're stressed then I feel you. 

This time of year is such a busy one, its my brothers birthday today. He's a Christmas baby so life gets really hectic, then I have a list of people i need to meet up with before going back to university and still have food to cook tomorrow and presents to wrap. Someone pass me the non-alcoholic wine! But forgetting about all of that, this time of year really is lovely. Giving gifts is my favourite part, to see the reaction on peoples faces when they get given something they have always wanted. Wrapping is also my favourite past time, picking the paper, the ribbon and the bags!! Its all so special and festive. 

A few weeks back, I sent the lovely Nishi from NishiV a message asking if she'd like to do a secret Santa with me. But its not really a secret Santa because we knew who we were getting gifts from, however it was a surprise in terms of what we were going to get from one another. Then a few weeks passed and the parcels arrived - eeeep! I'd never been so excited in my life. Even though neither of us have never met (which has to happen in 2017) we are so similar and stalk one another like crazy. She's definitely a friend that I have made through blogging and its amazing that the Internet does these crazy things. She has absolutely spoilt me and I feel very, very lucky! 

If you'd like to see what she picked out for me then keep reading and if you'd like to see what I got her then head on over to her blog and have a read. If you have Nishi on snapchat, you may have already seen the gifts because she's a snapchat queen! 

The Prettiest Festive Nails

For me, its an essential to have cute and festive nails at this time of year. This year, I wanted to go down the feminine, pretty yet Christmas themed nails. Before going to the nail salon, I browse Pinterest for hours trying to find something. Forgetting, that it is impossible to recreate something exactly the same! By the time I get to the salon, everything changes and I see a colour or glitter that is stunning. 

For example this time, instead of a classic red and gold nail combination I went with lilac! My nail lady had this colour on her nails and it was love at first sight, its a shellac colour so unfortunately I couldn't tell you the name even if I had it in me but the glitter is separate. 

She applied the lilac first, followed by the thin silver glitter. To create a stunning combination! They're slightly longer than I usually go for and a little more on the pointy side, but they have been easy to manage and keep a hold of. Shellac on top of acrylics also lasts a lot longer and when they grow out it doesn't look as bad. It costs more to apply shellac, but it lasts longer, looks better and the shine - oh my! 

Then for the festive part, keeping it simple and subtle we opted for a few delicate snowflakes on the fourth finger. How people manage to keep a steady hand when drawing things on like this I have no idea, every single one on both hands is so neat and perfect. 

Reload Perfume

As I've grown up, my love for perfume has grown with me. From loving and wearing impluse body sprays to gorgeous, high end perfumes. You start to find your own scent, the more that you try and I am a big love of sweet and spicy scents. When I was asked recently to try out Reload*, a new fragrance company that has just hit the scene - I couldn't resist. 

Reload is all about the mini perfume, so small that you can refill and keep it with you wherever you go. There is also the option to add a skin to make a plain black bottle, pretty and unique! 

The £5 Drugstore Highlighter

My name is Parie and I am a highlighting addict. Every brand that brings out a highlighting product, gets added to my ever growing wish list. There are so many different formula's out there and so many I love, but this one from a 'drugstore' brand has fast become my favourite. The best part is that it only £5 and is worth every penny, if you are on the hunt for a new highlighter - then you've come to the right place.

Kylie Cosmetics Holiday Collection

If you've not heard about Kylie Cosmetics, then where have you been? Ever since the popular reality tv star, Kylie Jenner released her own brand of makeup products the world has exploded. With her products been so in demand, she's now got a bigger factory and more items available. 

Since the start I have wanted to get my hands on some of the products to test, try and see if they were worth the hype. After a long que, I managed to get hold of the Holiday Edition Kyshadow Palette and 4 piece full size Holiday Lipkit Set. Both were on my list and now I couldn't be happier.

Because I ordered over a certain amount, shipping to the UK was free (Winner!) and Royal Mail didn't charge me with a customs fee either so it was like Christmas had come earlier. I tracked the parcels all the way from the start and kept a good eye on them, hats of to Kylie for building an empire so amazing and successful. 

The Extraordinary Skincare

In case you haven’t heard of The Ordinary skincare yet, let me give you some background information. It’s an umbrella from the Deciem brand, and that just shouts quality and magic. 

The Ordinary uses advanced technology and quality ingredients to market products at low prices. And low prices, means low prices their lowest price product is £3.90 and the highest is £14.90. For skincare that is incredible and quite magical. I've been playing around with two of their serums that target my biggest skincare concerns; dry skin and scarring. 

Get the Look: Party

Tis the season to be jolly, merry and sparkly! Christmas is just around the corner, new years isn't that long away either and that only means one thing - PARTYYY SEASON. 

You've got your outfit, shoes and hair booked in but what about makeup? For me, the most important part, your face is in every picture no doubt so you need to be looking your absolute best. 

I've teamed up with The Body Shop (can you hear me scream!) to show you a classic, party look for no money at all. Its part of their online beauty calender, 24 days, 24 different bloggers and 24 posts that include everything from makeup to stocking fillers. I'm day number 20, so get ready to see my little face...

Going Loco for Koko

It's party season and it's time to get your wardrobe into gear and get party ready. I'm the kind of person that keeps to a colour scheme, its usually all black as you will see below because its a classic colour. I also go for comfort so that I don't need to feel odd all day/night. 

This outfit is in collaboration with Koko Couture, a Manchester based company that stocks the latest bags, clothes and shoes that are in trend. They have so many swoon worthy products, it maybe a good place to buy Christmas presents for either yourself or others. All photos credit to Charly! 

One for the Non-Alcoholic's

Happy Tuesday! Hope you're all having a fantastic week so far, can you believe we are less than 20 days away from Christmas, time is flying by. Today I am bringing you a review of a few drinks that I have been testing out from Karma Cola*, there are three in their range in total -- gingerella, karma cola and lemony! 

Things That Make You Smile

If there is one thing that I stand by, then its been positive. I always look for the 'brighter side' of things in life, I'm one of those people that can't help but smile. No matter how much sleep, what's going on in my head I am always smiling. To the point where I even show my teeth, can't smile without showing them! At this time of year especially, there are always times to smile and things that make you.

Christmas Countdown: Santa is Coming

Let it just sink in - its the 1st of December! Can't believe how quick this year has gone and the countdown to christmas is on! Whether you're 5 or 50, you can't beat meeting Santa! 

He’s a very busy person as we can all imagine, so Stagecoach has managed to make sense of it. Here’s a run-down of where you can visit Santa’s grotto in 2016.

Is Champagne Pop Worth The Hype?

Champagne Pop has been in my possession for a few months now, since it launched last year I have never wanted anything more. Now that I have it, do I love it or hate it? With the rise of strobing and highlighting, more products to achieve that glowy look have appeared on the market. This one in particular has caught the eye of everyone and hails to be the best highlighter to achieve that statement look. 

Nails of the Moment #7

Getting my nails done every so often is the best feeling in the world and any fellow nail addict will understand. Now that autumn is well and truly in full swing the nails are reflecting that. Annoyingly, the nail salons always have more summer and bright colours then they do dark colours - whats this about?? Still managed to find one though didn't I but the name baffles me - its by OPI called Got the Blues for Red. 

Time Will Tell

I'm back with another outfit post - finally the weather played good and we managed to take some amazing shots of a few outfits, which you'll be seeing over the next few weeks. This time its an exciting collaboration with the only and only GUESS. I couldn't be more excited to work with such an amazing brand, gorgeous watch and show you how I've styled it.

Making the Most of a Small Space

Living away from home to study at university is really difficult, you try your best at making it all homely and friendly but can't quite adjust - something doesn't feel right. At the moment I'm sharing a house with four girls, the house we have is tiny. You walk into a small hallway with the freezer place in the corner and then the lounge and kitchen with a breakfast bar is all squashed into one room. We have a small bathroom to share and then our bedrooms - they are a decent enough size but sometimes you wish there was a little bit more wiggle room.

Makeup of the Moment #6

Its safe to say that the autumn look is well and truly back, I'm talking gold eyes, berry lips and everything sparkly too. I've switched most things around in my go to makeup look to keep up with the trends and the seasons. Its targeting my more drier skin, lips and tired eyes! Can we also beleive that its nearly the end of November - where is this year going? 

Skincare SOS

Sometimes your skin needs a quick fix, whether its a spot or shine you may be in desperate need of something. Grace Your Face, have some super cute products that help with skin issues when you need a quick fix. Its the perfect range aimed at teenagers and anyone who is on the go quite a lot and needs something in an emergency. 

The Hair Tool You Need

Finding ways to make my morning routine that little simpler is what I aim for in life, from making my lunch the night before to not spending 15 minutes trying to take the knots out of my hair. Its a blessing from above that I have been given thick, straight hair and trying to get knots out after sleeping, walking in the wind or having it up for 5 minutes is a nightmare. 

But since discovering the Tangle Teezer* my life has turned around (sounds dramatic, but if you have thick hair then you'll understand. Its a brush that detangles hair without damaging, pulling and pain - leaving you with tangle free, soft hair. 

The £2.99 Candles You NEED

B&M is dangerous, let me just put that out there. You go in for one thing and come out having spent way more than you expected - on things you didn't even need. There's a huge store in my local town at university, I can't not go and have a nose every now and then. Essence candles have recently been doing their rounds on the web as they are duped to be like the infamous bath and body works candles. Falling for the hype I only went and bought 4 didn't I! Excessive but they were the last on the shelf and who knows if they'll have any in stock again. 

The £12 Valentino Dupes from Asda

If there are a pair of shoes that I want to own one day its the Valentino Rock star Studded shoes, heeled or not they will be mine one day. Something about them are so elegant, luxurious and of course stylish. Unfortunately, the student inside of me cannot afford to spend a ridiculous amount of money on shoes because she has to pay bills and rent. Let's all cry together. A few months back my mum bought me these shoes, which are the closest dupes I could find to my dream pair. But I was wrong, Asda, yes the supermarket have something even closer, cheaper and beautiful. 

The Brow Revolution

Eyebrows, what a love/hate relationship we have with them. They can either make us look incredible or god damn awful.

 Its hard to pinpoint when brows became just a big thing, I guess they were always important but never a necessary thing to keep on top of. As an Indian girl, I have been blessed with thick eyebrows naturally. They have been an absolute god send as they require very minimal effort. For years I went through a stage of only plucking the stray hairs, until recently when I started to focus on them a little more and pay attention to them. Every few weeks I have them threaded to keep the shape and thickness and use very light products to make them look fancy. 

The Emmerdale Studio Experience

Last week I had the opportunity to go to the Emmerdale Studio Experience in Leeds. I've seen the show a few times and love that its set in my home county of Yorkshire, you don't need to watch the show religiously to go and visit the studio tour as its an amazing thing to experience in general. We were shown around by the lovely Leanne, who talked us through everything, made us feel welcome and was an all round amazing host. The tour started in the production offices, than moved into the makeup, costume, editing and several sets of the soap. It concluded in the Woolpack (the pub) where we had drinks, food and a photograph behind the bar. I had such a lovely evening and went with my best friend Nicole who is a huge Emmerdale fan and she thoroughly enjoyed the tour. I've kept this as a picture only post because that's the best way to show you what the tour is like, without giving away too much! 

New from Makeup Revolution

Makeup Revolution is a brand that I will always love, their products are inexpensive and great quality too. I'm signed up to their mailing list and every so often get intrigued by the new products that they release, last week one email got me very excited and I ended up making a very small order. Since they arrived, its all I've been using and reaching for. 

Sometimes You Need A Night Off

And relaxxxx... with the stresses of everyday life as humans we sometimes forget that we need to stop. Let go of all our worries and problems, enter the world of zen and have some time to ourselves - ME TIME as I like to call it. Everyone relaxes in different ways, whether it be watching TV, cooking, reading or going to a spa like resort. Whatever it might be, do it more often. Take more time for you and start to realise that you need a night off. One of the my favourite ways to do this is having a cosy night in, pampering myself and going to sleep being on cloud nine. 

4 Shows to Watch this Halloween

I've talked about TV a great deal lately on here but its because I'm obsessed! Halloween is just around the corner and this whole 'halloween weekend' is the perfect time to watch something scarier than your usual tv program. Warner Bros have a wide selection of films and tv shows that you can choose from that will make this whole weekend spectaular just that little bit more terrifying. 

These are my 4 recommendations to watch this halloween. Let's start with the most well known, The Vampire Diaries. Its a show you can watch all year round but binge watch it at this time of year to get you in mood - its about vampires, what more do you want. The show is a mixture between family affairs, saving the town and a love triangle. It is coming to an end soon as the actors decide to move on from their roles, which is such a shame because its brilliant. 

The Originals is a spin off from the Vampire Diaries and its hard to explain without giving away the entire plot. But Klaus is the original vampire/werewolf hybrid and sets out to protect his family and his home town whilst battling with his several enemies. This show is a lot darker than the TVD and a bit more vampire based than real life but nontheless still an amazing show. I must point out, that you can't watch this without having watched TVD first because it all links together. 

Moving away from the vampires and into the zombie terrority we have iZombie. This show takes some getting used to and a while to get into but worth the wait as it all starts to make sense slowly. Liv is the main charecter who turns into a zombie after attending a party, she can't hide the fact that shes turned so she ends up hiding it as long as possible until something happens to her memories and she starts to help solve murders. This isn't a scary show at all, more comedy! 

Finally, we have Lucifer. Ahh Lucifer the one I'm currently getting through with my flat mates. Its safe to say that you can't just watch one of these and then switch the tv off, you have to carry on watching them. Lucifer is an angel from hell and is on earth as part of his vacation but he's ended up helping the LAPD catching criminals and solving cases. There's also something about Tom Ellis (Lucifer) that is just amazing and makes you want to watch it more, he's sarcastic, beautiful and funny! 

If you'd like to win a Halloween TV Bundle for yourself to enjoy then head on over to my twitter as quick as you can, there's a competition running until midnight on halloween! Enter here. 

Hope you all have an spooktacular halloween....

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Winter Skincare Wishlist

Stress, cold weather and litres of coke is not helping my skin at all at the moment. Its my own fault because everything that I am doing/eating is reflecting on my face but slowly it will get there. November starts on Tuesday (how crazy!) and its the perfect time to swap your skincare round and make it more winter friendly. I've become obsessed with skincare recently and this a wish list of all the things that I am lusting over on the 'high end' scale. 

Everyday Makeup for Autumn

I love doing my makeup but the dark, cold mornings are the worst because there's no light to see what you are doing. For all you know, you could end up walking out having put on everything backwards! Some days during the week, I have time to apply everything - choose a lip stick ect. Other days I have 10 minutes, to apply everything and GO! These are the products that have been my current go to and ones that I know will last, look good and give me a natural everyday look. 

BriAA Natural Skincare Review

Skincare was never something that I took seriously and put it to the back of my priorities. However, over the years I have learnt that for your makeup to look good and for you to feel confident within your own skin - the products that you use as part of a routine and vital. These past few months, the products that I have been applying to my face have been ones that I know the ingriedents of and if they don't work - I stop using them. There's been lots of skincare posts these past few weeks and its because I'm enjoying skincare. Today I'm talking about BriAA - a brand that centers themselves around natural skincare. 

Do You Tell People About Your Blog?

A very different style of post from me today, not sure how it will go down but here goes. Let me set the scene for you. Next month I will be celebrating 4 years of blogging!! Not as many as other people out there but for me the longest I've actually stuck to something. When I started all those years ago, I was in year 11 stressing about GCSE's now I'm in my 2nd Year at uni stressing about my degree. Oh how life has changed. 

Autumn TV Picks

Apart from the crisp leaves, warm drinks and cosy jumpers one thing about this time of year is the TV that's on. Its gone from having nothing to watch to everything coming back and its crazy. I watch a lot of TV for a girl my age and it goes from crime dramas to the girliest of programs, the scale is all over the place. I've mentioned some of my favourite shows before but now there's even more. 

Getting Ready For Black Friday

This year Black Friday falls on Friday 26th November, in the US its a much bigger thing than other countries. Until recently, the UK didn't really do much about it but then out of nowhere its blown up and retailers are all offering deals and discounts.This year it is so close to the start of December its the perfect excuse to get your shopping done on the cheap side. 

Getting Autumn Ready

Autumn is here, autumn is here!! I love this time of year, perfect for hot chocolates, slippers, movie nights and of course cosy fashion. What better way to kick off the the season then investing in a a new handbag and a new jumper to keep you warm day and night. This post is in collaboration with the one and only Boutique of Molly, who I have worked with several times and this time is even better because...they've just launched a range of bags!

The new bags include everything from small for a night out to the larger shoppers to help you through everyday. 

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ Unifiant Review

A cult favourite in my nighttime skincare is the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+, its powerful ingredients have changed my skin for the better and controlled the breakouts. If I could only take one skincare item with me to the moon that would be it - its my ride or die. However, these past few weeks its taken a back seat and the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ Unifiant has become the star of the show. 

Luxury Vintage Jewellery Wishlist

Jewellery is something that every woman needs in here life, whether it be a small dainty ring or heavy, statement necklace. Its always needed and looks good no matter what you are wearing and when you are wearing it. 

The Beauty Tool You Need In Your Life

Eye makeup is not my territory, if I can avoid it I probably will! Its the hassle of looking into the mirror really close because I can't see without my glasses, combined with the mess it takes to create a gorgeous look. However, that has all changed in the last two weeks since the Shadow Switch* has come into my life.  

Make The Journey

First of all can we have a round of applause because there aren't any mirror pics anymore!! I've only gone and got myself someone to take the photos, that wonderful person is Charly from Charlotte-Jayne Photography. Her camera skills are insane and well you can see for yourself how good she is, stalk her instagram - show her some love. Thank you so much Charly! 

As autumn comes around, my shirt obsession has grown from 1 to 50. I can't stop buying them, wearing them and styling them. Women can wear shirts just as well as men can. They look great in the evening jazzed up with some jewellery, killer heels and trousers. During the day you can pair it with jeans, boots and leather jacket, just like I have to give you that smart-casual look. 

Current Beauty Setup

When you are beauty addict/have a shopping addiction/get easily influenced by everyone you need somewhere to keep it all. My little makeup storage was no longer working out and we had to take separate paths 💔. It was a hard time. A few weeks ago the lovely Sarah from Sarah Sparkles linked me to her new makeup storage post, she had just invested in some new storage and her post came at the same time as I was looking for some. It took me no more than 5 minutes after reading the post to buy the acrylic storage she had bought, it was perfect for everything and anything. 

Baie Botanique Skincare Review

Can you believe that we're in October?! Its crazy, how fast this year is going and the months are flying by. As the months go, the weather is becoming colder and my skin is feeling the effects, with it being more on the dry side rather than oily. Which means that its time to switch up my skincare and add some different products. The past few weeks, I've been using three products from the Baie Botanique* rose renew range and they've been working some great wonders on the skin. 

The regenerate line is primarily made up of rose and rosehip, both which have incredible benefits to the skin. They help to renew the skin and leave it looking glowing, young and feeling gentle.

Greece Sephora & Duty Free Haul

Currently in that depressed, take me back on holiday and get me in the sunshine mood. Normal right? Its been just over a week since I got back from holiday and since then I've started at uni again, moved into a house and finally had a chance to show you the goodies that I picked up. When we went toy Heraklion for the day, the capital of Crete - we hunted down the Sephora. It was a very exciting day indeed! They didn't have many brands and it was a tiny little shop but well worth the visit. 

Kiss & imPress Nails Review & Giveaway

One of my favourite things to do is paint my nails/getting them done. Nothing beats a gorgeous manicure and pedicure, really gives your look that finish. Today I bring you a very very exciting giveaway in collaboration with impress and kiss nails and lashes *squeals*.

The Highlighter Wardrobe

Crazy isn't the best word to describe how besotted I am with highlighter. Over the last few months, its all I've wanted to buy, wear and now share with you all! All through summer and now through winter, the only thing I will definitely be wearing everyday is highlighter, the look of it is just gorgeous! In this post I have narrowed it down to my top 8 favourites, in that 8 three are actually blushes and 1 of the 3 is purely a blush but I use it in a certain way. To make it easier to follow, they countdown from 1 -8 so you can skip to a certain one if that catches your eye.

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cremes

NYX is blowing up the beauty world at the moment. Its become so easy to get a hold of around the world and its slightly better quality than drugstore brands but not as expensive as high end. I've fallen in to the hype of the brand and you can see my first impressions here. Since then, every chance I get during my lunch hour I've been going for a browse around the stand and seeing what they have to offer. Of course as a beauty addict, I want everything. 

One day, I was browsing the reduced section - its an amazing place to visit. Hidden at the back were the NYX Soft Matte Lip Cremes, reduced to £3.50 from 35.50. Not a huge discount but it was something. They were all sealed and unopened, I couldn't be happier.

Makeup of the Moment #5

Its that time of the month again, nope not that one, the other one! Its time to share the makeup that I have been wearing recently and what better time to do it then at the start of a new month. Can you believe we are in August? Goodness, gracious me! Lately, I have only been going for these products and nothing else, even though I have so much to choose from. Also, realised that I didn't include my lip option in the first options because it was in my bag but I have added it in! 

YesStyle Korean Beauty Box

Korean Beauty has taken the world over by storm, with its cute packaging and fuss free products whats not to love? Lisa Eldridge is a huge fan and every time I watch one of her korean beauty inspired videos, I am desperate to try the products out. YesStyle kindly gifted me one of their Korean Beauty Boxes* and as soon as it arrived everything was applied, smelt and used!