My beauty New Year Resolutions:

New year Resolutions aren't ever something I really give much thought to, I think it's too general and it's better to have shorter term resolutions, they are easier to stick to. But nevertheless, I thought I'd give 'beauty' resolutions a go, because I've found it's all too easy to fall into bad habits.

This year I promise to:

• Take all my make-up off before bed, even if I'm a bit drunk/so tired/lazy.
• Try not to limit myself to the amount of lipsticks I buy a month, I've got a serious addiction.
• DON'T pick my nail polish off when it starts to chip as much fun as it is. 
• Wash my make-up brushes at least once a week (A proper wash, not just a spot clean!

Sorry for such a short post, attempting to get back into the swing of things. Might do a little update on where I've been/what I've been up to if anyone's interested. 

I'd love to hear your New Year's Resolutions - Beauty related or otherwise! And I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and New Year, I know I did.

Love, Daisy 

xxx

Santa Fir Christmas Tree Farm

ITSSSSS CHRIIIIIIISTMAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSS...nearly.

So this Saturday  just gone was the first I've had off work in ages, and it was lush. I got up late, got ready at a nice leisurely pace and then wrapped up in about 800 layers to brave the freezing outside frosty world. We ended up going on a spontaneous trip to the Santa Fir Christmas Tree Farm near Guildford.

Just to warn you, this is going to be a very photo heavy post...

I'd never even heard of Santa Fir before, but basically it's a christmas tree farm in the beautiful Surrey countryside with Christmas Trees growing from teeny tiny little saplings all the way to 12 ft enormous trees. And I was in my element. We didn't even go to buy our Christmas Tree, we don't put up our tree til about the 15th of December, especially not this year as my dad is in America until then. Bah humbug indeed.. We purely went to have a mooch around and see the REAL LIFE REINDEERS. Yes, you did read that correctly. Reindeers, in Surrey. Uh-mazing. They were so sweet, you were standing about 2 feet away from them on the other side of the fence, they were so beautiful. There was also the most gorgeous gift shop full of christmas decorations, and anything a christmas hoarder like myself could ever want. And wait for it, an entire wall of Yankee Candles. I was may have gone a little mad, and bought about 6 candles but at least my house smells like Christmas now.

Christmas trees!

N'aaawwh

The entrance to the gift shop

I want to live here.

I wanted to buy loads of these and fill them with candy canes

Red Apple Wreath burning away.

Q- What have you done to feel festive this season?

Lots of Love, Daisy xxx

My 'hair story'

This is an odd post for me, but I've been mentioned briefly in a couple of previous posts about my hair. (It's poor condition and general moaning about it.) But I thought I would essentially tell 'the story' of my hair. God  I know this sounds riveting but please, try not to get TOO excited. 

Me with my little 'fro and stylish outfit

Up until I was about 13 I had mid brown, shiny ringlet curled hair! Naturally! God knows why, but I started dyeing it dark brown when I was around 14ish and carried on until I was about 16 when I first got highlights just before prom. And they were HORRIFIC. White blonde stripes running through my dark brown hair *shudder* thankfully, I can't find an up close photo where you can see how bad they are, but I can assure you. They were terrible. 

After that, I gradually started to get more (and nicer) highlights, and go gradually lighter all over. I was also using John Frieda's Go blonder lightening spray religiously and ended up actually really liking the result.

Me with brown highlighted hair BEFORE using John Frieda's lightening spray
 with my beautiful  Panda who I miss terribly  :(

By the time I went to Glastonbury that summer I'd been using the lightening spray for a couple of months rather than getting highlights, which had made it a nice dark/honeyish blonde over all. Which I liked A LOT. Not only that, but it was obviously much cheaper and didn't seem to damage my hair too much. My hair was still actually in really nice condition at that point, because the small amount of bleach that I had on it pretty minimal.

Glastonbury hair AFTER using the John Frieda Lightening Spray, ft me in a big ol' puddle.

Now, after that it all just goes a bit downhill really. I don't know if I'm the only one but as someone who went from being Brunette to becoming a Blonde I found it weirdly addictive. The lighter my hair became the more obsessed I was whether or not I was blonde, I'd be constantly asking anyone (friends, family, passers by) if they thought I was more "overall blonde" or "blondey brown". When really, I should have been content with the lovely natural looking colour it was! But, to cut a long story short I ended up with bleach blonde hair. I don't know quite how it happened, but I just know it was a BAD decision on my part. 

My hair at it's longest just before it got bleached :(

My hair was nicest in my eyes when it was long, and still varying levels of blonde and brown mixed. But that is EXPENSIVE to keep up getting a full head of highlights and I succumbed to getting my sister's friend to use bleach all over to combat my pesky dark roots and have been fighting the effects ever since. As soon as I got it dyed that blonde it was falling out in clumps, it would no longer naturally curl, but fell lank and straight and the ends were so dead I had a good few inches chopped off the ends. Not nice!

Me at my blondest (excuse my drunken pout, I don't know either!)

As you can tell, I was very happy about returning to being a brunette!

Eventually, after months of bleaching my poor hairs I dyed it a home packet dye dark brown in April 2012 in a vain attempt to claim back some of the condition that was lost and put an end to the roots. Alas, my hair woes were not over here. The photo was on the night that I dyed it, and probably 3 washes after that it had already faded to a more coppery tone. 

And since then, 8 months have passed and I haven't dyed my hair. I have been getting more regular trims and  deep conditioning like my life depends on it and I'm gradually getting the condition back to it. It's even curly again! As for the colour, you would not believe that I ever even dyed it brown! The bleach obviously was still in my hair so after going on holiday twice this summer it went naturally really light in the sun again, and it's pretty much an ombré, dip dyed look now haha! You would not believe the amount of people that don't believe I haven't dip dyed it. I know it doesn't look great, but it's starting to feel lovely and soft again and it's growing so quick I'm just going to carry on letting it do it's thing! 

Most recent picture I could find that  you can see my hair properly in

Products that have helped:

• Aussie 3 minute miracle reconstructor. On my second big bottle of this now, and I cannot explain how much I love it, it works wonders on my hair and smells incredible! Available to buy here
• VO5 miracle concentrate, a hair oil that smooths and nourishes my hair, and again smells lush. Available to buy here
• Tangle Teezers. The only hairbrush I've found where my split ends have improved! And make my hair feel much softer and more manageable. Available to buy here. 

Sorry for such a long rambly post, if you've made it this far you deserve a medal! 

Q- What's your 'hair story'? 

What are your holy grail hair products?

Lots of Love, Daisy xxx

Tangle Teezers - Review.

As I have mentioned in a previous blog post in a desperate plea for help, I have damaged, brittle, unruly hair which I am desperately attempting to regain good condition again, and I'm about halfway there. I might do a post entirely about my hair if that wouldn't be too insufferably boring.

I was actually lucky enough to be sent 3 tangle teezers to try out by the lovely Jacqui of Tangle Teezer, and thought I would give my 2 cents. I was sent the Aqua Splash  Teezer, the Salon Elite  and an adorable little Compact Styler. 

The Aqua Splash Teezer:

What Tangle Teezer say:

"Splish. Splash. Splosh. Aqua Splash is the latest innovation from Tangle Teezer, and the first upright, non-slip, water-loving detangling hairbrush. It just loves to dive in and save stranded hair! The hollow design makes for easy, lightweight handling, and the rounded edges allows for smooth, free-flowing detangling."

What I say:

This was the first of the Teezers that I used, when I received the package I was just about to get in the shower anyway so I thought I'd give it a go. I initially thought that there was no way that it was going to get through the mane that is my hair after just waking up as the pins didn't look particularly long and as if they would get all the tangles out. But. I was impressed! I am currently using Aussie haircare and have been loving the results that I've been getting from using them but oh baby, these two together and like a dream team. I've never got out the shower with such silky hair before. My hair didn't feel weighed down from using the 3 minute miracle like it normally does as it was much more evenly distributed. BIG thumbs up on this one!

The Salon Elite Teezer:

What Tangle Teezer say:

"Salon Elite gives professional results in the palm of your hand. Detangling wet and dry hair without any tugs or pulls, it has an innovative centralised concave design that delivers firm, salon style brushstrokes from roots to ends. Perfect to pick-up-your-preening pace!"

What I say:

This is fantastic. No way around it, I never thought I'd feel this way about a hair brush. The pins are longer than the Aqua Splash and just literally glide through my hair, I am really really impressed with how easy and quick it is to get rid of my tangles and it doesn't hurt. GENIUS. Bloody Genius. I use this every single day now. If you haven't tried this, try it. Please!

The Compact Styler:

What Tangle Teezer say:

"An innovative hairbrush that is just too busy being fabulous! Cute in size and big on style, it can be popped into your bag and pulled out in a New York minute to reboot hair in seconds. Has a removable cover to protect the patented and innovative teeth from fluff and dirt."

What I say:

How. Freakin'. Cute. Is this?! I am a leopard print lover, as any of my friends/family/people who see me on a regular basis will know. I have similar fashion taste to Kat from Eastenders (google her if you're not from the UK) so I thought it was so sweet they sent me the leopard print version of this Teezer. This is perfect handbag size, fits into the palm of my hand, and it comes with a cover which for me is essential. Try as I might to keep it tidy the inside of my handbag is a mess, and It would just collect all manner of crap in the pins otherwise. 

All in all, I am absolutely chuffed to bits with the Tangle Teezers I was sent. And I would like to thank Jacqui again for sending me them. If you haven't tried one/bought one already, stick it on your christmas list because they are truly brilliant. Tangle Teezers are available to purchase here.

Q- Have you tried any of the Tangle Teezers? What are your go-to hair care saviours?

Lots of Love, Daisy xxx

Get to know me tag.

I have been suffering from hideous blogging block over the past few days and I asked during the #bbloggers chat what people would like to say and Alex who I talk about in EVERY blog post said she wanted to 'see things about me' ...creeper. But I thought that the 'Get to know me' Tag would be the best way to combat my blogging block and satisfy Alex's creepy obsession. ;)

Instagram vanity before work so you feel like we're getting to know each other. Intimate stuff.

Are you named after anyone?

Not really, I was going to either be called Phoebe or Daisy. Both of which are names my parents knicked off mutual friends haha.

When was the last time you cried?

On sunday night at Downton Abbey, *spoiler alert* LADY SYBILL! ;(

Do you have children?

Nope.

If you were another person, would you be a friend of yourself?

I'd like to think so, I try my hardest to be all the qualities I look for in my friends, like loyalty and kindness and all that crap. I dunno, I hope so!

Do you use sarcasm a lot?

Noooooo... (yes)

What's your favourite cereal?

Ummm, it's a tie between golden nuggets, cookie crisp and nesquik. I'm sorry, you simply can't make me choose. But I like cereal best at night time, not in the morning. 

What's the first thing you notice about people?

Probably hair I suppose. 

What's your eye colour?

Greeny blue, it changes depending on the light. 

Scary movies or happy endings?

Happy endings, without a shadow of a doubt. Fun fact: I am 18 years old and I haven't actually really watched a horror film, all the way through. I just don't get the appeal! I hate being scared! 

Favourite smells?

Bonfires, cinnamon, Marc Jacob's Daisy Eau So Fresh, My boyfriend's aftershave - I think it's ralph lauren, The smell of rain, Dinner cooking and freshly washed hair. 

Summer or winter?

Winter, definitely. But ask me that in February when Christmas is out the way and it's so cold your eyes feel like they are going to fall out and I might reconsider.

Computer or television?

Computer, don't watch TV much really.

What's the furthest you've been from home?

Probably Malia in the summer actually. 

Do you have any special talents?

No, I wish! I'm exceptionally average at most things. 

Where were you born?

Whipps Cross Hospital in Leytonstone, London. But when I was 2 weeks old I moved to Gloustershire, so I couldn't really call myself a Londoner I don't think ;)

What are your hobbies?

I like reading,walking my dogs, cooking for people, make-up both applying on myself any others, getting drunk and 'mummy dancing' if you aren't familiar, just watch this.

What are your favourite movies?

Umm, weird mix but. Shawshank Redemption, 50 first dates, All of the harry potter films, All the Batman films. 

So that was my get to know me tag, I tag anyone reading and I would love to hear your responses if you do it.

Lots of Love, Daisy xxx

My autumn beauty essentials

Autumn is my favourite time of year, without a doubt. I love the cold brisk mornings and the evenings drawing in and curling up on the sofa. *Sidenote - how good is October TV at the moment?! Downton Abbey and The Great British Bake Off are my personal favourites atm.* But as with every change in season I notice my beauty regime, and the products I use alter slightly. So I thought I'd share it with you!

A good make-up primer

Something all to many people overlook in my opinion is a good primer for your make-up especially in winter where although you might not be sweating as much your skin is taking a lot more of a beating, as is your make-up! I've tried quite a few but my stand out favourite is still The Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Reviver, it's perfect for drenching the skin in moisture without leaving it greasy or oily and makes my make-up last all day, but I have a whole post raving about it here so go and check that out if it sounds like something you'd be interested in.

Intensive lip balm
One of the first things I notice when the weather changes is my lips starting to get dry and cracked. That in conjunction with the central heating being cranked up every night it quickly turns me into an incredibly unattractive peeling lipped woman, so I'll be smothering myself in cocoa butter vaseline to keep them nice and soft. If anyone has any other good lipbalm recommendations I would love to hear them.

Foot care 
Not the most glamourous subject I'll admit but having cracked heels and troll toes is not an option for me, so I will be using a foot file to get rid of all the nasty dead skin and moisturising my feet before wearing cotton socks to bed to keep them in tip top condition.

Tonal makeup
This a/w I will be wearing lots of berry lips as seen in my Berry Lips - FOTD here. (I just picked up a Revlon Lip Butter in Raspberry Pie, and it is such a perfect Berry shade and really moisturising so perfect for the winter months!) Along with lots of gold and brown eyeshadows and TONS of highlighter as per usual, who said it has to be a summer thing?!


And a non beauty must have for the autumn - Pumpkin Spice Lattes from Starbucks, a recent discovery for me seeing as I have only really started to like coffee in the past few months, so strange how our taste buds change as we get older! But, there is literally nothing more autumnal and warms you up to core. SO TASTY!




Q- What is something you can't live without in Autumn beauty or otherwise?


Lots of Love Daisy xxx

Leibster Award!

I've been nominated by the gorgeous Alex of Bambella for the Leibster Blog Award, which I had utterly no idea what it was until I read her post on it. I was half expecting it to be some glittering awards ceremony, but sadly it isn't. ;) She explains that it's a way for bloggers with under 200 followers to get promoted and promote others. The nominees must write 11 random facts about themselves, answer 11 questions asked by the person who nominated them and ask other bloggers under 200 followers 11 questions. It all sounds very complex but I promise it isn't, I'm just rubbish at explanations and it is a very good idea.

11 facts about me:

1. Generally speaking I like animals more than people

2. Bit weirdly obsessed with Harry Potter 

3. I watch far too many cooking programmes for someone my age

4. My mum constantly takes the piss out of me for putting a positive spin on everything 

5. I work at the Body Shop 

6. I want to work as a makeup artist when I grow up :) 

7. I'm trying to type quietly because my boyfriend is napping

8. I started beauty blogging because I wanted to talk to people that got as excited about makeup/haircare/skincare as I do!

9.I once went to glastonbury festival and went backstage without the proper wrist bands, and held hands with my best friend 4 rows from the front of U2 in the pouring rain on peoples shoulders and looked back and saw the amount of people/lights/flags that seemed to be infinite and felt like I was in another world. 

10. When I'm old I want to look like Mary Berry. 

11. I think there is a small possibility I have a tea addiction, just like every other blogger in the world it seems.

Here is a picture of me, enjoying life outside Dumbledore's office to spice up this post.

11 Questions asked:

1.  You can only live in one item of clothing for the rest of your life, what is it?

Pyjamas. Without a shadow of a doubt. I'm in them 90% of the time anyway, preferably my ones with snowflakes on. But i'm not fussy. 

2. If you have one, what's your middle name?

Charlotte

3. What is the best/weirdest/funniest name of one of your pets (if you have one!)?

Oh my god, I have had too many weirdly named pets. We had two guinea pigs we thought we were girls when I was little, went on holiday and came back to lots of little baby guinea pigs! We got bored and slowly less imaginative naming the babies after a little while and one ended up being called Brown Bum, and it stuck hahaha! I also have a big chubby black Labrador called Plum. She is a beaut.  

Plum being the babe she is.

4. Snog, marry, avoid. Justin Beiber, Johnny Depp, your postman. Go!

Snog: Biebs, because he is beautiful. Marry: Johnny Depp because we've had a long running love affair and it's about time we made it official, and Avoid: my postman because she's infact a very butch woman. (Apologies if she's reading this)

5. What key things make you love and therefore follow a blog?

Pretty pictures, nice writing style, and someone who is clearly enjoying themselves and has a sense of humour, no need to take it too seriously!

6. Name one person or thing that can make you instantly happy?

My dogs, this is turning into such a weird dog-lady post. 

7. Llamas or monkeys?

Aaaah such a difficult question! Monkeys. Probably. Especially orangutans that cuddle you. Yes, definitely monkeys.

8. You've won the lottery, what's the first thing you buy?

A harry potter theme park, in scotland. (where it should be) with a life sized hogwarts castle and actors pretending to be real wizards so I can feel like it's real! Hahahaha (not joking)

9. Would you rather it was forever cold/snowing, or forever boiling hot?

Cold, definitely! I am an autumn/winter girl.

10. Who's your favourite artists? (Doesn't have to be just a painter for example, it can be an illustrator, musician, dancer, fashion designer, etc).

Phyllis Cohen. Seriously. That woman. If you haven't seen her work/heard of her. http://www.phylliscohen.co.uk/index.html She is incredible.

11. What one achievement in your life are you most proud of?

Designing and applying dramatic stage makeup for a dance competition on 60 dancers and winning an award for make-up design.

Questions for others:

...and the nominees are! 

Sarah from Modern Damsel

Lauren from Smokey Blush

and Natalia from Natalia Barbara

1. Why did you originally start blogging?

2. If you could steal any feature from any celebrity alive or dead what would you take and why?

3. If you had to eat one food for the rest of you life what would it be?

4. What's your favourite animal?

5. What in your opinion is your best feature? (Don't be humble!)

6. If your makeup bag was stolen what would be the first 3 things you repurchased?

7. Who is your biggest inspiration?

8. Favourite TV programme?

9. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

10. Most embarrassing makeup related story?

11. What would your patronus be? (This question is mainly directed at Sarah, because I know she'll love it but I look forward to seeing your other answers!)

Can't wait to see your posts, I also tag anyone reading this that wants to join in on the fun. Feel free to answer my questions and then tweet me the post @Daisykeeling 

Lots of Love, Daisy xxx