Sleek Sparkle 2 i-divine palette

Sleek Sparkle2 limited edition palette* - £7.99
launching on 5th December in Superdrug and online

What better excuse to sparkle this Christmas than with this gorgeous glitter palette from Sleek Makeup. Made up of a mixture of shimmer and high glitter shadows in the most captivating of colours, it is the perfect accessory for your Christmas party. This is the sister palette to the Sparkle i-divine palette released a few years ago, and I have noted that it does contain a few of the same shades, so quell your excitement if you already own the original palette. I love the mixture of textures and shades you get in this palette, from burgundy and midnight blue hues to gunmetal silvers and teal green. The eyeshadows are silky and apply nicely, blending out easily with a strong pigmentation. My favourite combination (as above) is using Festive all over the eyelids with a sprinkling of Tinsel placed in the centre to give your look some extra sparkle and a greater dimension. The glitter isn't chunky or heavy at all, and is actually a lot finer and more subtle than I anticipated, making it such an easy palette to work with. I have a feeling this palette will be making many many appearances over the festive period!

Will you be sparkling with Sleek this season?

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Girls Night In with Lacoste Touch of Pink

Lacoste Girls Night In Pack £60
currently better than half price from Superdrug

Slippers, check. Nail file, check.  Body lotion, check. Add a cheesy rom com and and a glass of something chilled and you've got the perfect girls night in. Lacoste have created the ultimate girlie pamper pack to give you the perfect excuse to scrape your hair back, slap a face mask on and reach for that onesie! Lacoste Touch of Pink from Superdrug contains their Eau de Toilette (50ml), a body lotion, shower gel, toe dividers, a makeup bag, slippers, headband and nail files, everything you need to pamper and preen the night away. The Touch of Pink Eau de Toilette is a young, feminine scent created by perfumer Domitille Michalon. It is described as fresh, fruity and floral with top notes of cardamon, blood orange and strangely...coriander. But oddly it works. The base notes of vanilla and musk gives the fragrance a warm, heady sensuality and stops it being too sweet and sickly. And needless to say, the shower gel and body lotion smell equally lovely.

If you move quick, you can currently get this gift set for less than half price which is pretty good considering you would pay more for the Touch of Pink Eau de Toilette alone, and it might just be perfect last-minute Christmas present you are looking for!

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All I want for Christmas is...

1. Tom Ford Nude Vanille. 2. Pink Filofax. 3. Red All Star Hi Top converses. 4. Topshop Paisley skater dress.
5. Canon 50mm f/1.8 camera lens. 6. Lush bubble bars (A French Kiss). 7. Diptyque Baies candle. 8. NARS Orgasm Multiple

What's on your Christmas list?

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Organic Surge Million Dollar Anywhere balm

Organic Surge Million Dollar balm* - £22.50
Natural products, untouched by harsh chemicals

There is nothing I love more than a multi-tasking product. That little tub of wonderfulness that lends itself to a multitude of uses. And so enter Organic Surge's Million Dollar Anywhere Balm. Having already tried and loved Organic Surge's Daily Care Face Wash, beautiful if you like your rose-scented products, I had high hopes for this latest addition to their skincare range. Organic Surge (which you may have previously spotted in Boots) offers some great products at affordable prices, but has also recently released a luxury collection which boasts a range of premier products for those times when a little extra indulgence is called for.

Million Dollar balm is a wintertime essential for every handbag and bedside table. It is a rich blend of essential oils and cocoa butter which replenishes moisture and soothes dry and irritated skin. It can be applied on any area of the body that is suffering from the bite of Winter's wind; your lips, elbows, hands, nails or heels. The balm sinks in easily and doesn't leave a greasy film on top of the skin which makes it a great product for when you are on the go. It can be used day to day to keep lips smooth and skin moisturised, or can be kept aside for those special pamper nights. It makes a great cuticle softener and banishes dry skin like a dream over night. This balm is brilliant, not only because £1 from every sale goes towards transforming the lives of vulnerable children in Africa, but it smells like lemon sherbets. Yes, those powdery pale-yellow droplets of sweet lemon sugariness. So good!

Do you use any multi-tasking products like this?  Are you excited by this balm?

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Timothy Dunn Arabian Fig Candle

Timothy Dunn London Arabian Fig candle* - £45
available from Liberty, Fenwick and online

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, there is something very special about burning a scented candle on a dark Autumnal night, comforted by the flickering flame and its heady aroma. This limited edition Arabian Fig candle from Timothy Dunn ticks all the right boxes in regards to luxurious packaging and a rich, sumptuous scent, and it is just the perfect option to get you into the festive spirit. Arabian Fig is a complex blend of wild fig, basil and clove enhanced by frankincense, cassis, rose and jasmine intwined with sandalwood and musk. It isn't what I would describe as your typical Christmas scent but there is something very warming and addictive about this candle...spicy, musky and fruity in equal measures. The elegant, darkened plum glass comes with an engraved silver lid which makes this candle more than just a personal indulgence but an ideal Christmas gift this season. I am certainly eager to pay a visit to Liberty's whilst crafting my Christmas list and giving the rest of the Timothy Dunn collection my discerning sniff-test!

Do you get as excited as me over scented candles?

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galaxy leggings

Galaxy leggings* - Romwe

Tee - Topshop

Necklace - Lola Rose

Boots - Topshop

Bag* - Romwe

Lipstick - Aveda Rare Orchid

I said I would never dare wear galaxy leggings but after some late night shopping on Romwe and a newfound confidence, I finally took plunge and ordered myself a pair. And what a treat they are. I wore them out last night for dinner and drinks with my friend and I am now convinced I need several other pairs in my life wardrobe! Romwe have lots of different styles on offer so they are definitely worth a visit if you want to give your outfits an intergalactic injection!

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Colgate ProClinical A1500 electric toothbrush

Colgate ProClinical A1500 electric toothbrush* - £169.99
...but currently half price (£84.99) in Boots

Teeth. A subject that doesn’t get a lot of coverage here on Pearls & Poodles but one that I have a real invested interest in. Healthy, shiny teeth are a beauty asset that I would not sacrifice for anything – I would happily forego clear skin and shiny locks for my set of healthy pearly-whites, and I take pride in the fact that at the ripe age of 26 I am filling-free! My regime is not particularly fancy or extensive – just a thorough brush for at least two minutes every morning and night (although I do often throw in an extra session after I’ve eaten my evening meal), flossing every other day and lots of healthy eating. I don’t eat sweets, drink coffee or crave fizzy drinks…in fact my only real vice is chocolate. Oh and drink milk by the cow-load. Call my old-fashioned but I have always favoured a manual toothbrush, even after my boyfriend upgraded to a swanky electric one and tried to convince me they were the best thing since sliced bread. There is something very satisfying giving your teeth a good scrub and I never felt the need to deviate from my faithful, basic £10 jobby. However recently I have brought out the big guns and have been trialling the new Colgate ProClinical A1500 - an electric toothbrush which offer the latest in teeth-brushing technology. 

This all-singing-all-dancing has three speed settings which automatically adjust depending on the area you are brushing. The smart sensors engage different speeds and cleaning actions based on the position the toothbrush is held – resulting it a far more superior clean for teeth and gums. The slowest speed is specific for side to side strokes on the teeth surface, mid speed offers massaging strokes for the gumline and the fastest setting (my favourite) is up-down strokes for the molars. With up to 32,5000 strokes per minutes, it effectively reduces five times more plague along the gumline than my bogstandard toothbrush which is pretty impressive. Since welcoming the Colgate A1500 into my bathroom, teeth brushing has certainly become a lot more fun…and noisy. It has a two minute timer so you know you are brushing your teeth for the recommended length of time and has a 30 second pacer as well so you know when to move on to another quadrant in your mouth. So it seems the Colgate ProClinical really does do everything. Everything bar squirting the toothpaste onto the brush for you! 

The Colgate ProClinical A1500 electric toothbrush retails at £169.99 but is currently half price in Boots for £85 which definitely makes it a lot more reasonable. I don't necessary believe you need a fancy electric toothbrush to have healthy teeth (I think I am proof) but I can't deny that my teeth feel incredibly clean after using it and I love the reassurance that your teeth are getting the best brush possible. Needless to say that my manual toothbrush has been well and truly replaced! 

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Topshop Nails in Brazil

Topshop Nails in Brazil £6

If you like you chunky glitter polishes then I urge you to pick up this little beauty from Topshop. Brazil is a carnival of green, blue, orange, pink and golden chunks suspended in a clear varnish. It reminds me a little of American Apparel's Galaxy Glitter, but conveniently a few pounds cheaper. It is one of those glitter polishes that looks amazing applied over a brighter base but I simply used it on my Nailene falsies to show you its true beauty when worn alone. It does require quite a few coats to pack the nails full of colourful glitter but sometimes less is more, and it looks equally pretty when lightly scattered over your favourite polish! My love for Topshop nail varnishes continues...

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Take me to the Emerald City

Dress* - Traffic People

Boots - eBay

Bag* - Brand Village

Lipstick - MAC Cherry lip pencil

Two outfit posts in as many days - oh you lucky people! I had hoped to be wearing this gorgeous green dress with my freshly dyed copper-red hair but due to a few unforeseen circumstances last week, my hair is still very much blonde. We all know that reds and emeralds go together like bread and butter so I compensated with a pop of MAC's Cherry lip pencil. This dots and flowers silk dress from Traffic People is absolutely stunning. I love the ruched waist and contrasting dandelion and spot patterns, not forgetting the billowing sleeves and beautiful colour. It comes with a cotton slip to wear underneath to save your modesty and is also available in a pretty cream colour if this one doesn't make you green with envy.

I decided to swap bags for the day and take my new animal print satchel out for a spin. If you are after a fun satchel to use this AW, then definitely pay a visit to Brand Village who are literally brimming full of bags in all shapes and sizes. I am never one to shy away from a spot of animal print and its punchy purple colour makes it a must-have for this season. The satchel also comes with a detachable strap for those studious types who want to sling it on their shoulder and pedal off! Ideal.

Oh and look...those boots are making an appearance, yet again! :)

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Operation: camouflage

Top - Primark

Leggings - Topshop

Camouflage detailed studded jacket* - Glamorous

Collar - H&M

Lipstick* - Revlon ColorBurst lip butter in Raspberry Pie
Boots - eBay

Fashion is a fickle thing isn't it. I thought I had ditched the army print back in the '90s but fast forward a decade or so and we are clad in camouflage yet again. And I have to say this studded military jacket from Glamorous is the perfect item to give a kick of khaki to any look. I love it. And yes, you may have noticed that I am still surgically attached to my new buckle strap boots from eBay. They continue to be my saving grace for any outfit and I am seriously contemplating stocking up on the red version as well!

I hope you are all well and have had lovely weekends. Let me know if you have converted to the camouflage this season!

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MAC Cherry Lip Pencil

MAC lip liner in Cherry £11.50
available online

This was probably one of this first lip pencils I bought and regard it now as one of my absolute favourite products to reach for when I want to achieve the perfect red lip. The MAC lip pencils are soft and creamy so are ideal for lining the lips in preparation for another lipstick or simply filling them in completely, which is what I like to do. The texture is smooth and easy to apply and dries to a semi-matte finish without being too drying. Cherry lip pencil is a splendid bluish-red toned liner with an unfaltering intensity that stays put for hours. It is just perfect in every way and makes me want to indulge in some more MAC lip pencils before too long!

Have you tried Cherry lip pencil from MAC?

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Aveda AW12 Passion Flower Collection - smoothing lip colors

Aveda Passion Flower Makeup Collection, nourish-mint smoothing lip colors* - £12.50
available in Aveda salons, spas and online

a limited edition collection of petal inspired tones for eyes and lips

Aveda has always been a brand I have adored ever since my hairdresser introduced me to their haircare range about six years ago. Sometimes I get so absorbed with their beautiful treatments and styling products that I completely neglect the fact that they also specialise in skincare and makeup, not forgetting fragrances and something for the man in your life. The Passion Flower makeup collection is Aveda's AW12 launch and is inspired by ultra-feminine beauty with a modern twist. The lip colors, liners, glazes and eyeshadows boast a rich, juicy palette grounded by distinctly neutral shades, making it a very versatile collection for a number of looks.

The lip colors come in three show-stopping, limited edition shades; wild fuchsia, snap dragon and rare orchid. Fickle I know but I love the names of these lipsticks and the typically planet-friendly packaging you would expect from Aveda. The lipsticks may look dinky but they actually offer a smidgeon more product than your average MAC lipstick say, so you shouldn't be put off by their inferior size.



The lip colors are infused with plant and fruit waxes which means they smooth out fine lines whilst hydrating and plumping your lips. The are highly-pigmented, creamy and sport a love-it-or-hate-it minty fresh scent. Once applied, the organic mint and vanilla flavour tingles and tantalises your lips causing a slight plumping effect. For my first dabble with Aveda's beauty range, I am seriously impressed. These lip colors are great products with a long-lasting coverage and a beautifully rich colour and smooth application. I would be hard pushed to choose my favourite but I think Rare Orchid may just outshine the others - but only just! What about you? Which is your favourite shade?

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Illamasqua powder blusher duo//Lover and Hussy

Illamasqua Powder Blusher Duo // Lover and Hussy* - £26
available online

This festive time, Illamasqua aren't wishing for a white Christmas. Oh no, they are wishing for much more beautiful, and possibly more achievable things. Their Christmas gifts are brimming full of glitter-studded polishes and luxe palettes, and this particular powder blush duo is certainly the thing that (Christmas) dreams are made up. Comprising of two beautiful matte shades, Lover and Hussy (ooh er), this palette is the perfect antidote to soothe those peach and pink blusher cravings. Lover is described as a 'soft apricot' and is a peachy dream. Both blushers are highly pigmented so approach with the softly-softly approach first and then layer from there. Hussy is a lot less risque than it sounds and is a gorgeous 'candy pink' that really gives your cheeks a rosy, wind-bitten flush.The blusher palette is not only limited edition but also Illamasqua's first blush duo ever, so maybe one for the keen collector/makeup hoarder!

I really love this blush duo and it refreshing to see a holiday collection palette that isn't packed full of glitter and shimmer. I mean, I love my glitter but I like the fact that Illamasqua have kept these shades matte, allowing you the freedom to dazzle your eyes with sparkles or slick on a bright lip without overpowering your look.

Will you be adding this to your Christmas list?

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