The Autumn Tag

I know it has been said over and over by myself and so many others but just once more this year- Autumn is my favourite season! (Hehe had to sneak it in once more before we're hit by icy cold mornings and typical British winter weather). What better is there than sitting on the sofa on a chilly afternoon/evening with lots of cosy blankets and a hot chocolate, watching rubbish tv and having a very good excuse to be a little lazy! I feel like I didn't really make the most of Autumn and writing Autumn related blog posts as it will soon be full on winter and the Christmas themed posts will be beginning (exciting!!). I've read a couple of peoples Autumn tag posts and thought I would give it a go so that some of you can perhaps get to know me a little better :) I tag any of my readers that haven't already done it (i'm aware it's a tiny bit late as we're nearing the end of November!). 

What signifies the start of Autumn for you?

Definitely when the trees get their first few orange/red/yellow leaves on them. I love how pretty the trees look when they turn all different shades of red and orange. I've actually taken a bit more time to go for a few little walks recently and really taken in my surroundings and I found myself quite fascinated by how different all of the leaves looked and all the different colours and shades of colour there are- it's beautiful. 

What is your favourite Autumn scent?

There are so many different smells that remind me of Autumn! I think my favourite natural smell is the smell of damp leaves and ground (is that weird?!). I do also love the smell of home baking such as gingerbread and cinnamon flavoured things. My favourite Autumn/winter candle will always be Yankee Candle Paradise Spice (unfortunately discontinued but I managed to find it on Amazon). It's such a gorgeous homely smell! 

What is your favourite Autumn colour?

Burgundy/deep plum! I'm guessing pretty much everyone has said this but burgundy just screams Autumn! I think it's just such a lovely warm colour.

What is your favourite Autumn drink?

I don't drink caffeine which is pretty sad because all of the Christmas drinks in Costa sound so tasty! I really loved their white hot chocolate last year but that has been discontinued (I have still managed to get it in two different costas as they still had the syrups). I do also love a good old cuppa tea on a cold morning as well!

What TV show, new or old, are you looking forward to this Autumn?

I usually really look forward to I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here at this time of year, but i'm not too fussed about any of the celebs in it this year. I've been loving The Missing though in replacement!!

What is your favourite Autumn fashion trend?

I love a big, cosy high neck or roll neck jumper and a pair of jeans and chelsea boots or chunky heel boots at the moment! I also love the big blankety scarves that are on trend at the moment! 

What is your favourite frugal Autumn activity?

Going for a walk! I love those Autumn days where it's chilly in the air but sunny and all the leaves are crunchy under foot. I've been trying to get out for more short walks on my lunch break at work and I also love to go to my happy places for crisp Autumnal walks at the weekend. Everything seems so scenic when all the trees are covered in beautiful leaves and there's also a blanket of them on the floor to crunch through! 

What is your favourite makeup look come Autumnal weather?

I have blue eyes so I generally go for orangey/brown eye makeup looks anyway. I have been loving playing around with a few goldy shades and darker browns too recently. Oh, and of course I love a berry/dark red lip- I have been loving Mac Whirl. 

Tell me your favourite thing about Autumn in the comments below 

Abbie x

Bath and Body Works Candle Dupes

I recently read a post on DizzyBrunette's blog about some candles she'd bought which were supposedly Bath and Body Works dupes. I'm still waiting for the day the UK opens a Bath and Body Works as I will be travelling there no matter how far away it is!! I am always on the hunt for nice candles that are perhaps a little cheaper than Yankee candles etc so the minute I saw these on Instagram and DizzyBrunette's post, I got myself straight down to B&M to try and find some! They didn't have many scents in my local store but I managed to find these two and will hopefully find some more in the near future!

These candles are £2.99!!! (Yeah, I know!!). I love how they look, (just like the Bath and Body Works ones) and I also love that they have a leafy print on the lid which makes them look a little more Autumnal! I don't think 'Lakeside' is an Autumn one but the leaf design on the lid is still pretty!

I will admit, I didn't have massive expectations for these at the price of £2.99 but they do actually smell pretty good! I don't feel like they smell as much as other more expensive candle brands but what can you expect for how little they cost! They still fill the room with a gorgeous smell and although my Fiance usually complains about my candles, he said that 'Lakeside' smelt quite nice (bonus!). I, like many other bloggers, am pretty bad at describing smells (why is it so hard to describe what we sense with our own nose?! haha). I'll give it a good go anyway so.... I would describe Lakeside as a very fresh smell. Marshmallow fireside is definitely a very sweet smell, almost a bit like toffee but it definitely has that bonfire/marshmallow toasting smell to it.

What is your all time favourite candle?

Abbie x

Top 5 autumn hair care products

When the colder months greet us, I tend to change up my skincare and hair care a little. I do find that my hair becomes a lot dryer in the colder weather just like my skin. I think it's really important to use the appropriate products to keep your hair in the best condition possible as the cold weather can be just as damaging as anything else we put our hair through!

Here are my Top 5 products that I like to use to keep my hair in tip top condition throughout the Autumn/Winter. 

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor

This has been a favourtie of mine for years! I have tried many different hair masks and deep treatments and still always reach for this one over any others. Firstly, it smells delicious just like all Aussie products! I also love that this hair mask only needs to be left on for 3 minutes to reach it's full potential (obviously there's nothing wrong with leaving it on for longer but 3 minutes is enough to see benefits). I'm often in a rush when it comes to doing my hair so 3 minutes is the perfect amount of time. When you wash this out of your hair, it feels like silk! Some hair masks and deep treatments can be a bit too heavy for my hair but I find this one just right! It is so moisturising without weighing my hair down too much which is perfect!

Moroccan Oil

Again, I have been using this product for many years and still use it religiously. It doesn't weigh my hair down but gives it the most beautiful shine. I usually apply this to my damp hair before blow-drying and it leaves my hair so soft and healthy feeling and looking! This is also a great product for using on dry hair to style. It is great for after you have curled your hair and the ends are looking a bit dry because it just adds a healthy shine and makes your curls look glossy and well kept!

Tresemme Expert Botanique Nourish and Replenish Hydrating Mist

Wow that was a mouthful! This product smells absolutely beautiful! If you love a coconut scent, you will love this! It is to be used on damp or dry hair as a hydration spray. I was worried this would leave my hair feeling greasy but it doesn't. I use it on damp hair before blow-drying if I haven't used my Moroccan oil and it does leave my hair very soft and of course, smelling gorgeous!! The only annoying thing about this is the way the nozzle sprays! It doesn't spray out in a mist as the name suggests and does not give very even coverage but I just comb my hair through as I go to ensure even distribution. 

Superdrug Coconut Oil

This product is great! It's the most affordable coconut oil for use on hair and skin I have found! A lot of people just use normal coconut oil you can use for cooking etc but I found these pretty pricey in my local Supermarkets. Ok, this Superdrug one may not be the purest form of coconut oil, but it does the trick for me! It is a couple of pounds and so worth it! I use this once every couple of weeks as a hair mask. I apply it to my dry hair from top to bottom, give my scalp a little massage and tie my hair up in a bun. I leave it on for  good few hours and then hop into the shower to wash it out. I will admit, it takes a bit of work to get out and usually a double shampoo (which I do every hair wash anyway as my hair is so thick), but the end result is so worth it! My hair is always so soft and shiny and feels fuller and generally healthier. I feel like it really strengthens each strand of hair. 

Batiste Dry Shampoo- Tropical

Firstly, the scent of this is again, a big plus for me as it smells like coconuts! I've added this into my top 5 as I know that when it comes to the colder, darker mornings, I struggle to get out of bed and ready and really lack motivation!! Sometimes it's easier to just snooze the alarm a few times, roll out of bed, dry shampoo your hair and tie it up in a messy bun rather than battling with yourself to get your bum out of bed when it's cold and miserable!

What are your staple hair products for the colder months?

Abbie x

Top 5 Autumn Nail Colours

I know everyone is probably so fed up of hearing it, but Autumn is my favourite season ever!! (hehe sorry, I just had to drop that statement in there one more time!!). I have been especially enjoying swapping and changing up my makeup and nail colour choices for Autumn. I recently did a post on my Top 5 Autumn Lip Colours so thought it was only right to share with you my Top 5 Autumn Nail colours.

No7 Stay Perfect Nail Colour- Temptress
Now, this is an old favourtie of mine (don't worry, I did check that you can still get this and it is still available at Boots!). I first discovered this colour a few years back as I got a mini version in a freebie gift set. I loved it and used it so much through that Autumn/Winter, that I bought the full size version. This is a real vampy, deep red/burgundy/almost black colour! I like the consistency of these No7 polishes and they seem good quality and last a good few days chip free. This is probably the darkest nail polish I own but I love it!

Barry M Gelly Nail Paint- Blood Orange
This is a new favourite and I only purchased this a few weeks ago but have loved it! I wanted a new red nail polish for the Christmas season as you can never go wrong with red- (I think red lips and nails are so classy and sophisticated looking!) I have been a big lover of the Barry M Gelly range for a good few years and they never fail to disappoint. The wear is really good, lasting about 4-5 days (if I haven't done any house work haha!). As it is a gel effect polish, the colour pay off is great and even some of my lighter colours still only need the average two coats and you're ready to go!

Barry M Nail Paint- Grey
This is another really old favourite and I don't think you can still get this exact one. However, Barry M do have various grey colours in different ranges such as the Gelly range. I love a Grey nail polish as I think it can again, look really classy yet quite understated. I thought this was a good one to add into my favourites as a lot of people just think of burgundy and reds when it comes to Autumn. This colour is often very fitting with the weather here in the UK in Autumn/winter as we tend to have lots of dull days. Grey goes with the majority of my wardrobe which is filled with grey and black clothes and accessories!

Mavala- 244 Ruby
This is a gorgeous Autumn colour as it's a lovely pinky shade but not too summery. It is quite a dark pinky red and goes on the nails beautifully. Mavala polishes are a little on the pricier side but they are definitely worth it for the quality.

Barry M Gelly Nail Paint- Pomegranate
Are you sensing a theme here? Hahaha, what can I say? I do love me a bit of Barry M nail polish! I especially love the Gelly range as I love the shiny effect of Gel nails but don't always want to do proper UV cured Gels as they are quite damaging to my nails. This is a gorgeous pinky/red, not to dissimilar to the Mavala one. It is a great Autumn colour as its still girly and pink but a little deeper than barbie pinks.

There we go! Those are my Top 5 Autumn nail colours at the moment! I of course have many many more that could have made it into the top 5 and it was a pretty hard decision but I went with picking the ones I reach for the most :)

What is your favourite Autumn nail polish??

Abbie x

Current Top 5 Autumn Skincare Picks

When it comes to Autumn/Winter, I think it's really important to take a look at your current skincare routine and products and have a little change up if needs be. As it gets a little colder and the heating gets wacked on (don't tell me you haven't given in and put it on over the past few days!;)), our skin tends to get a little dryer. I am aware that this isn't the case for everyone and to be honest, there isn't ever a drastic change in my skin. I have quite oily skin to begin with so I don't really suffer with any dryness or patches although my skin does get a tiny bit more dehydrated feeling and a little tight. I have changed up a few things in my skincare routine for the colder months that are creeping up on us super fast!

I like to add my Liz Earle Gentle Face Exfoliator back into my routine along with my usual favourtie moisturiser which is the Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser for normal/combination skin. For any dry patches I might get, I like to use a little layer of Sudocrem and it is also a godsend for any breakouts I may have as I've found it really helps to bring down inflammation and redness. Sudocrem really is a great multitasker as it can be used for so many things and over the past few years has become a must in many peoples skincare favourites. I remember when it was just 'a nappy rash cream' but it really is amazing for soooo many other things. I sometimes get really rough, dry patches on my elbows and knees and I just pop a bit of Sudocrem on and it soothes it overnight. 

I have been loving the Dove Derma Spa moisturiser for keeping my skin in great condition and super soft! It also smells absolutely amazing which is always a bonus!

Finally, The Body Shop Oils of Life has been a favourtie of mine for about a year. I bought this last winter and loved it all throughout the colder months. I stopped using it through summer as I went through a phase of horrible breakouts and needed some more sensitive skin targeted products. I have just dug this back out of my drawer and have been using it over the past week or so and I have totally fallen back in love with it! It smells amazing (and like Christmas to me as I was using it around that time last year!), it's still quite lightweight on the skin yet provides the most beautiful moisture and gets dull 'winter skin' glowing again. 

What are your top Autumn/Winter skincare picks?

Abbie x

Autumn is here!

I love Autumn! I do find it really hard to choose a favourite season but I think if I really had to choose just one, it probably would be Autumn! Who doesn't love, cosy knitwear, hot chocolate, crunchy orange leaves and the excitement of the festive season just around the corner?! I know I do!

The thing I love most about this time of year, is the fashion. I have always preferred autumn/winter clothes and find it much easier to put outfits together. I find myself going months without buying any clothes or a few items that I dont love but they will have to do during the summer months! My bank balance has taken a real battering over the past few weeks since the Autumn collections have come out in all the shops! I just love cosy jumpers, ankle boots and wooly hats! I have been loving this Mango lightweight jumper over the past few weeks as it's a great transitional piece. It isn't too thick (more of a long sleeve t-shirt material) so has seen me through these past few weeks where there is a slight chill in the air but still warm when the sun decides to come back. 

I also love to have a good sort out of my makeup collection at this time of year and drag back out some old favourites such as plum/wine lip and nail colours! These two NYX ones are my favourites at the moment as they're both a lovely consistency, yet so affordable! They are both the perfect Autumn/wine colours and work well with most makeup looks as they're still reasonably tame and not too 'out there'!!

Lastly, I have been loving the chillier evenings and the fact it is slowly getting darker because I've dug back out all the winter candles including my absolute all time fave 'yankee candle- paradise spice'. Now, this is discontinued and I must admit, it was a devastating moment when I thought I'd never be able to purchase it again so I savoured every last sniff of my last large jar! However, my amazing Fiance found it on amazon and ordered it for me (you can only get it in the medium jar and smaller ones). I have just looked on there to check as I was writing this and they are trying to sell the medium jars for £66 :O. Just to confirm, we definitely didn't pay that much for it no matter how much I love it!! 

What are you looking forward to most about Autumn?

Abbie x

Top 5 Autumn Lip colours

I can never really decide what season is my favourite. I do love summer and all that comes with it like cute picnics and holidays but I think fashion and beauty wise, I much prefer Autumn and Winter. I always find it much easier to put together winter outfits because I'm a big lover of a bit of layering. Chunky knitwear, beautiful coats, cute boots and bobble hats are, and I think always will be my favourite things to wear!

With Autumn usually comes darker colours in fashion and beauty- warmer tones such as burgundy and plums are my all time faves!

I've decided to be a little braver this year with my lip colours as last year I only really plucked up the courage for darker colours towards the end of winter and it was a little too late!

I have picked a few of my favourite Autumn/ Winter lip colours ranging from some nudes to plums. 

Left to right- as pictured above

What is your favourite Autumn lip product?

Abbie x