Battle of the Christmas Nails

Christmas Day involves many decisions including the likes of, how many puddings is too many puddings? Is it acceptable to sport a cracker hat over a Santa number and maybe more importantly, what festive polish should I don?

Here's the shades that made the final cut...

as in top picture 

Maybelline color show brocades in 'knitted gold'

Essie 'mind your mittens'

Collection 60 second hot looks in 'big hair'

nails inc. in 'luminous metallic red'

Kate spade for nails inc. in 'uptown glamour'

The picture doesn't do knitted gold justice but it is the most amazing glitter ensemble of gold and dusky pink flecks, ultimately transforming any polish colour into a dazzling look. I'm currently torn between the simple metallic red or layering glitter over gold for maximum festive overload! (if you can't do it at Christmas, when can ya eh?)

Decisions, decisions...

It's Christmas Time

Here's an insight into my little flat all ready for Christmas, with festive decor galore and, of course, candles!

Merry Christmas To You All!

In Pictures: Clothes Show Live 2013

When do next years tickets go on sale?

Bargain Alert: Eye Brushes

Today I bring you the bargain of the century month. If you are looking for a new set of eye tools then take those peepers no further. Coming to just under £3 this synthetic kabuki brush quartet is an absolute steal (thanks eBay)!

from left to right

flat topped stippling brush

pointed brush

tapered blending brush

rounded blending brush

They can be found here and do take a little while to come from overseas - but if like me, you forget that you have ordered them, it's a little surprise sitting in your postbox!

Now excuse me while I go and find my inner MUA...

Clothes Show Live 2013 - Purchases

So last weekend I went along to Clothes Show Live 2013 at the Birmingham NEC with my best friend and fellow blogger. With it being my first time, it was a whole new experience! I took a few snaps so will do a whole blog post on the entire day, but for now here's what I picked up...

Classic Kate Spade iPhone 4 case

Two AHH-mazing candles from Bomb Cosmetics - if you've not tried this brand, you haven't lived!

3 stunning shades of Models Own plus the Clothes Show Live glitter edition

The sweetest ring from Emma Warren

Anyone else pop along this year?

Essie - Mind Your Mittens

Here is a shade I just can't get enough of - as one sixth of Essie's Shearling Darling collection, this deep and creamy teal really caught my eye.

Almost black in some lights this cool toned blue is perfect for the colder months and give your fingers that sophisticated edge. I can't wait to add some Christmas sparkle to this look!

 Essie, you never disappoint!

Lip Lowdown #01 - REDS

Welcome to my little but large collection of red lipsticks. A small, but diverse array of shades that I like to smother (worst lippie applier award goes to...) my lips with from time to time.

from left to right

Natural Collection in 'Crimson' - This classic red is such a staple in anyone collection, this £1.99 bargain is a great party piece for the festive season. 

Rimmel Kate Moss in '107' - Yes, THE Rimmel lipstick everyone and their dog owns. But that is precisely the point, this deep matte red can be worn day and night and works fab on pretty much everyone! go on, join the clan...

17 Lasting Fix Lipstick in 'Hot Chilli' - This is actually one of my favourite lipsticks to wear, a garish orange toned red but surprisingly easy to wear! A great summer colour, but also a awesome duo with gold Christmassy eyes.

Jemma Kidd Lip Duo in 'Boudicea' - Another T K Maxx find here, very similar to 107 but slightly deeper and less purple. With a balm on the opposite end, what more could you ask for in winter? Plus I would highly recommend this lipstick purely on its unbelievably  smooth texture!

Sleek Matte Me  in 'Rioja Red' - The matte lip everyone lusting over.... (full review here)

Bright or deep, what's your call?

The Instagram Report #01

blog central // glamour's freebie // fairy lights // cutest notepad // poundland buys // stockings // sleek matte me // autumn make up // bonfire night // christmas organisation // new bag // winter pastels

instagram: alisonruthxo

Haircare Routine

I love my make up, I do! ...but when it comes to haircare I am a little less enthusiastic. I hardly ever get it cut (slap's wrist) and I find washing my thick bonce such a chore! That in mind, I can safely say my haircare routine is slightly limited and most certainly 'low-end' - however, it works for me and my lazy attitude.

This whole routine totals up to around £20, and can be completed in approx 15 minutes! A lazy girls dream.

My routine consists of 5 stages:

1. Get into the shower as quickly as possible to avoid frost bite and lather up my scalp with The Body Shop's Ginger anti-dandruff Shampoo (sorry tmi). I find really fruity sweet shampoos just play havoc with my scalp so a plain 'does the job' shampoo like this is ideal.

2. Apply a dollop of Herbal Essences Beautiful Ends Mask to the ends of my hair, well I never you may say, and continue with the rest of my shower business while the mask works its magic. Rinse and we're done.

3. Once I have gathered a bit of warmth and courage to continue, I spray the Dove Nourishing Oil Care Leave-in Spray all over my hair, no methodology here just spray and enjoy the beautiful scent! I tend to not condition my hair so this is my simple alternative that keeps my locks smooth and healthy.

4. Now before drying, what must we all do? PROTECT! - I use my trusty Tresemme Heat Defence Styling Spray which has lasted my way over a year now... again spraying this willy-nilly all over my hair and combing through with a large toothed comb.

5. At this point my routine can go one of two ways; a) scruffy hair, don't care ie. up in a bun and worry about more important things or b) a good straighten and style. If option a wins the day, then these bands are great as they don't damage or kink your hair and come in all fancy designs.

If unfortunately I have to look presentable and option b needs to commence, I like to smooth down my ends with the Sexy Hair Healthy Soy Renewal Nourishing Treatment. I got my mini version in a event goodie bag and I love it, it certainly leaves your hair feeling silky smooth and doesn't leave any residue once you have smoothed it into your hair.

Is anyone else as lazy as I am when it comes to hair?

Is there any dreamy products I am missing in my life which will ultimately change this view forever?

Winter Pastels

Who says you can't enjoy a good pastel mani in the colder months. I must admit I have raved about a seasonal deep red or classic nude for Autumn but it's also nice to have some alternatives up your sleeve (or on the end of one har-har)!

Today I present to you six shades I feel are the don whatever the weather...

Essie 'Fondola Gondola' - A dusky pink

Models Own 'Utopia' - A very pale lilac nude

Topshop 'Rainy Day' - A blue/grey

Barry M 'Blue Moon' - A simple baby blue

Barry M 'Lychee' - The perfect creamy nude

Rimmel 'Sage Green' - A pale khaki 

Anyone else dare to flaunt pastels this time of year?

ps. sorry for the awful lighting, its dark a lot these days...

Drugstore Lovin' - November

This post involves the products I have been reaching for throughout November, and of course they are all high street/drugstore brands that are cheap and easily available for everyone!

Seventeen Phwoarr Paint - 'heavy duty under eye concealer'

I bought this on a whim in a 3for2 splurge in boots, and I am so glad I did. This is a great release from seventeen, and a first of its kind! This drugstore 'concealer in a pot' is thick and creamy, and with the warmth of my fingers when blending, it works absolute wonders on dark circles. I apply this under my foundation under my eyes and wherever my skin is slightly red. (£5.49)

Laidbare Pack Your Bags - 'lighten and tighten eye cream'

This is a slight cheat as I bought this from T K Maxx, but it was under a fiver so I thought I would include it. I have never been one for eye creams so again it was a spontaneous purchase. I apply this before I go to sleep and also when I wake up. Wow it helps - I mean my mega bags will never cease (I can thank my dad for that!) but I feel this cream definitely tightens the area under my eyes. (£4.99)

Maybelline Color Tattoo 24 Hour in 'permanent taupe' - 'gel cream eye shadow' 

This is a rediscovery from my make up collection, I bought this shade when there was a hype around the colour tattoos. Unfortunately I did not fall in love with it and so got tossed to the back of my drawer... until now! Having spied it on another blog post I thought it would give it a second chance, and since then it's been my go to everyday shadow. The taupe really emphasizes brown eyes and the formula is so easy to work with (even at 7am on a Monday ZZzz), so I am now giving this product a thumbs up and an apology for neglect. (£4.99)

Herbal Essences Beautiful Ends - 'split end protection intensive mask'

Now, I am not one to condition my hair, don't ask why - I don't have a specific reason. So therefore I make the conscious effort to treat my hair at least once a week. I picked this mask up from Morrisons for a nifty £2! It does what it says on the tin and I am happy with that. No gimmicks, just a intensive treatment to keep those horrid split ends at bay. (RRP £3.99)

Stay tuned for a drugstore Lovin' next month!

Easy Peasy DIY Jar Candles

Lifestyle post for you today - THE easiest yet very effective chutney jar to candle conversion DIY you'll ever see...

You will need:

• A pair of scissors (please be careful)
• A reel of decorative string/ribbon/rope
• A lighter (again be careful)
• Empty jars
• Tealight candles

Using whatever shape or size jars you wish, wash them out and remove all labels. Now take your rope (or whatever you choose to use) and loosely measure around the top of the jar enough to wrap around and tie a bow. Cut the rope to the correct length and (carefully!) use the lighter to burn the edges of the rope to avoid fraying. Then simply tie a pretty bow around the top of the jar, drop in a lit tea light and voila!

very simple but very effective - 

a cheap & easy Christmas present too!

Who's feeling the Christmas spirit yet? I know I am!

Bad Orchid

The world has gone matte crazy, buffing away that shine is definitely the big thing of AW'13 (not to mention the leather mania we are currently experiencing).

When it comes to this polish, I have been spying it up for months, holding back because do I really need another burgundy/purple polish?

Topshop Nails in 'Bad Orchid'  £6

...Most probably not but when I noticed Topshop were now leaning towards the pastel mattes, leaving only one (lonely!) bottle of this colour on the shelves, I just knew I needed to take it home - if not for my sake, for the lonesome bad orchid's!

Of course it's the perfect Autumn/Christmas colour, you can't go wrong with purple in autumn - as you can tell from this post. Two coats are needed for a good solid opaque nail, but Topshop have come up trumps again with their polish quality. I can see myself adding some gold glitter for a be-dazzling effect... but that's for another day.