Have A Holly Jolly Christmas!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

I feel like I don't need to justify this post much so I'll keep it short and sweet and I'm sure you're all in a rush today. As it's Christmas day I decided to surrender to the power of the Christmas jumper. I picked up this little beauty from ASOS a few days ago and luckily it came in time for today! I am actually in love with this jumper, it combines my loves for pugs and my favourite colour green! I haven't felt festive at all this year but gradually through the day I'm getting more into the Christmas spirit. It's a shame that Christmas doesn't feel the same when you're older, makes me excited to have a family of my own one day so I've got enthusiastic little people to make Christmas special again.

I hope you're all having an amazing Christmas and have gotten loads of lovely presents. I'm looking forward to spending the rest of my day seeing family, eating a delicious roast dinner and visiting my boyfriend and his family.

My Christmas Wishlist

I really seem to love making these little lists don't I? For some reason it's nice to put together a collage of things you want and then try and justify why you really need them but probably don't, strangely satisfying. Anyway, with Christmas in 6 days I thought I'd share with you what I would like to see under the tree on Christmas day. We can all hope eh?

Marc by Marc Jacobs Amy Watch: I have been in love with this watch for weeks. With everyone on the Michael Kors hype I wanted something different but not different in the style. This Marc Jacobs offering is a real beaut, I wanted something silver but the silver option looked really plain so this hint of rose gold makes it a bit more special but not too over the top. It also helps it becoming a lot more versatile to wear with other jewellery with two different metals.

Benefit High Beam: Yes, I'm still needing (wanting) High Beam in my life. My make-up collection will not be completed until it hosts a highlighter but near the £20 mark, it isn't the kind of item I can afford without it being a necessity.

Urban Decay Naked 3: This is one I'm hoping will definitely be there Christmas day. After purchasing the Naked 2 last year and using it pretty much everyday since, this new rose gold take on the original needs to be in my life. Having previously not been an eye shadow wearer, the Naked palettes are absolutely perfect for everyday wear as well as creating dramatic evening looks.

GHD IV Mint Styler: I'm a massive fan of GHDs and I had my very first pair a whole 5 Christmases ago! They still work to this day and have been the best styling tool I have ever investing in, even if they are on the pricey side. These days they don't heat up quite as they used to and they're looking slightly shabby so it's time I invested in a new pair. I prefer limited editions to the regular plain ones so this glossy mint pair are right up my alley and with £10 at Very, I don't know how I can say no.

Viktor & Rolf Flowebomb EDT: This is one of those perfumes that you've always wanted but near the 3 digit mark for a 100ml bottle, it's always stayed a 'want'. Absolute gorgeous scent though and if you're looking to splash out on something a bit more fancy in the fragrance department, I'd definitely recommend this!

Clinque Great Skin Home and Away: I tried Clinque's Anti Blemish Solutions about 5 years ago and wasn't impressed, it was quite harsh on my sensitive skin. However, now my skin is a lot more calm on the acne front and I've been recommended the regular line which is more gentle. This kit contains all the 3 step system in both full size and travel size minis in a limited edition zipper bag. Absolute bargain if you're already a user of the products as you get them a lot cheaper than you would buying them separately!

La Roche-Posay Rosaliac Micellar Make-Up Remover Gel

Phew, what a name! Anyway I thought I'd give you a little review on my latest form of make-up remover because I think I've tried just about everything. I like to use some form of make-up remover before washing my face as I like to make sure it's super clean and make-up free to avoid any excessive breakouts. I've used creamy cleansers to face wipes but someone new has recently taken my eye and I just had to jump on the hype and give it a try.

Micellar waters have been popping up everywhere this year with several brands bringing out their versions. Micellar waters are essentially tiny oil molecules suspended in water. When applied to the face, the the gentle formula that doesn't require the assistance of water then grabs onto unwanted particles and dissolves them. Many people have raved about how good they are at removing make-up without being harsh and hosting several skin benefits. I haven't really bothered much until I noticed my favourite skincare brand had one too.  I'm a massive fan of La-Roche Posay products, my skin just thrives on them; my face never looks red, it keeps my break outs to a minimum and it doesn't burn or irritate my skin.

La Roche-Posay's version is in a gel form as opposed to other brands 'water' form. It's targeted towards those of us with sensitive, reactive skin that is prone to redness. The bottle instructs you to apply using a cotton pad or with your fingers and then wipe off carefully. You don't have to rinse the gel off but if you want to make sure your face is thoroughly cleaned I'd advise using a general face wash afterwards too.

I haven't been using the product for long but I'm so glad I picked it up and ditched my face wipes! The solution is incredibly refreshing and thoroughly cleansing which is unexpected for such a good remover. My skin wasn't left red and irritated from the scrubbing I'd have to do with face wipes and I feel that if I was in a rush to get to bed, this alone would do a decent job at removing make-up without waking up with a breakout. The only problem I had is that I had to use A LOT of cotton pads and a decent amount of product but I do wear pretty high coverage, heavy foundation so I'm not too fussed.

I really do recommend this to those of you with skin like mine who find it hard to get products targeted to 'sensitive' skin that hold that claim without doing a rubbish job. Not the cheapest micellar formula on the market, retailing at £12 but it's currently on offer at Boots for £9 so it's worth a shot!

Christmas Party Perfect with Miss Selfridge

If you're anything like me, you'll have left your Christmas party outfit until the last minute! Fear not, I have the perfect solutions for you at bargain prices! I had an email yesterday informing me that they have an exclusive event online - 36% off everything for 36 hours! If you need to sort out an outfit or just fancy stocking up for future events, I've put together 3 different outfits to suit most tastes. Or if something doesn't tickle your fancy, there's plenty of other awesome items over on the website for you to drool over!

Dress | Bag | Shoes - Miss Selfridge

The most expensive outfit of the 3 but just look at it! Being a petite girl myself I wanted to throw in a petite option. This is for the sassy, statement girl who isn't afraid of a sequin or two. The dress is stunning, nothing beats a sequin dress for the festive period. The shoes pair perfectly, still reflecting the theme of the dress but toning down everywhere else with a hint of gold to match the very simple clutch to finish it off. The great thing about this outfit is that it speaks for itself and therefore you don't need to add jewellery at all which will save you some money! I think this dress would look stunning with a messy up do and bold red lips with winged liner and false lashes.

Top | Shorts | Bag | Shoes - Miss Selfridge

This outfit is for the not so dressy girl. A dress and sequins isn't everyone's cup of tea but you can still look uber stylish and chic never the less. I've teamed this very simple but edgy cobalt blue tee with leather detail with this very on trend skort. Shorts are a great dressy alternative if you're not a dress or skirt kinda girl. I've gone for dressier accessories but still nothing super blingy. These shoes are the die for, I picked them up myself a couple of weeks ago and have not stopped wearing them, the heel detail is stunning. The bag is really simple but has elements of the rest of the outfit and brings it all together. Team with a super sleek ponytail, lots of blue eye liner and cobalt glitter polish.

Dress | Bag | Shoes - Miss Selfridge

Dare to wear white with this beautiful ensemble. This simple but stunning dress is not for the faint hearted as it's super fitted. A bodycon is a perfect dress for any Christmas occasion whether it's a meal or drinks or a whole night out. The clutch and shoes are absolutely beautiful and definitely make the outfit far more dressy, they can also be swapped to use with multiple other styles and colours of dresses. This outfit requires a killer tan, so if you're not blessed with naturally sun kissed skin, get your mitts on a good fake tan. Team with big glamorous curls and dramatic white and silver eye make-up, think lots of glitter! Keeping the lips nude and the nails white and glittery too!

Head over to the website before midnight and grab yourself a killer Christmas outfit or some last minute Christmas presents. You can't go wrong with 36% off everything!

Trois Années Anniversaire

On Friday me and my boyfriend Lee celebrated our 3rd anniversary of being a couple. We landed lucky this year that it fell on a Friday so even though it was a couple of hours left of the day, we still got to see each other. I don't tend to talk much about my relationship on my blog but milestones like this are very special to me. Me and Lee have done the long distance thing from day one and it hasn't been the easiest of relationships but it's always been a pleasure to do just to spend time together. He spoilt me rotten with dinner at Marco Pierre White for steak and champers and then Coco Tang for after dinner cocktails.

I thought I'd put together a few pictures over the past year.

1, 2 New Years Eve, the first picture was at pre drinks in Spoons and the second was midnight hugs. 3 Random picture in the car before going to Frankie & Bennys with the family 4 At Lee's friend's wedding in Stoke-on-Trent. 5 In Macclesfield for a night out for Mike's birthday. 6 Spending time in the garden making the most of the lovely summer weather. 7 Lee's graduation at Trentham Gardens. 8 Lee's birthday night out in Stone. 9 After our day out at Trentham Monkey Forest. 10 At Twycross Zoo for a day out with my family. 11 After a lovely weekend of Lee visiting me in Nottingham. 12 After our anniversary meal at Marco Pierre White and drinks at Coco Tang.

December Wishlist #01

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

(1) I've had my eye on this little Ted Baker beauty for a while now and I'm waiting to see if it hits the sales at a decent price soon as I'm in love. I know there are similar designs knocking around for a lot cheaper but this one looks so classy and tasteful compared to others I've seen. (2) I recently brought a beautiful pair of going out heels from Miss Selfridge (as I don't trust having my Kurt Geigers' at uni with me) and I was seriously impressed. I actually wanted this pair at first but the store didn't have my size in stock, gutted. (3) Ah my favourite perfume of all time although I've been Vera Wangless the past few months, with Christmas coming up I can always rely on momma bear to replenish the stock so I can have my signature scent back! (4) I recently took a skirt back to Topshop as it didn't quite look right on and I wasn't all that keen anyway (my boyfriend described it as vile) but this one seems a much better version of the other and the colours are beautiful so I may have to pick this one up instead. (5) I haven't brought any new MAC brushes for a while as I tend to opt for Real Techniques. However, I may have to invest in this lovely 187 as I've heard great things about it and you can't beat MAC for fluffy brushes!

Twenty Five Facts About Me

I'm not very personal on my blog at all and felt it was time for you to all get to know me a bit better. I looked through some other blogs to find a quick yet informative tag I could do and came across this one. What better way for you to get to know me better than by posting a cheeky 25 facts about me for you all.

One: My full name is Abbie Rose Deen, my name was planned to be Robyn or Lily Rose but my dad decided he didn't like them at the last minute and I got stuck with Abbie.

Two: I currently study Accounting and Finance at university and I'm in my first year.

Three: If I won award for anything it would be 'Queen of Procrastination' as I am the laziest person ever.

Four: My parents didn't have to worry about me losing dummies as a kid as I sucked my thumb for 14 years. In fact, on one of my baby scans it looks like I'm already sucking my thumb from the womb.

Five: I really hate eating in front of people who I'm not really close to or in public, I'm a really fast eater which means messy dishes usually end up all round my face and on the surface I'm eating from, attractive thought for you there.

Six: I used to be a dancer from the age of 4 until I was 16. In my final few years I belonged to two dance schools and one dance company and would train for anything up to 16 hours a week.

Seven: When I was younger I was convinced my toys all came to life when I wasn't looking like in Toy Story, I'm still yet to be convinced this isn't true.

Eight: If I could be anyone in the world, it would be Beyoncé.

Nine: Most people assume my heritage is full English, however, I'm a quarter Pakistani and and eighth Irish.

Ten: My favourite colour is green.

Eleven: I have the stomach of a sparrow, however, I can absolutely demolish a full rack of ribs in 5 minutes flat.

Twelve: I get cold really easily and I absolutely hate winter, snow and cold winds make me want to cry. But this is made up for by the addition of white hot chocolate to the coffee shops seasonal menu.

Thirteen: My eyes are dark brown but they change colour like Vampires do in Twilight. Some days they're near hazel and others they appear black.

Fourteen: I'm very much a dog person, in fact the thought of cats make me shiver a little. I am super obsessed with pugs and will own one day (will someone convince boyfie please?).

Fifteen: I stay up crazy late. I don't actually have things to do, I just find them instead. This isn't a student trait at all, 4am has been an acceptable bed time for me since about the age of 14.

Sixteen: I'm scared of things that fly; birds, butterflies, wasps etc are my worst fears.

Seventeen: I'm a really fussy eater and places like McDonalds are more hassle then they are worth. Having to order everything 'without salad' or plain makes waiting times devastating.

Eighteen: My biggest love in the world is cars. I've been obsessed with them ever since I was a little girl. I'm currently driving a beautiful little yellow BMW Mini Cooper called Coopz.

Nineteen: I have the worst collection of laughs known to man. They include the 'duck' and the 'pig snort'.

Twenty: I prefer cute looking guys to rough around the edge manly types, but I strangely find Ryan Gosling the most perfect specimen of a man ever created.

Twenty One: I always say five is my lucky number, but good things to happen to me in threes.

Twenty Two: I always prefered indulging in things that no body else wanted to do. This led me to studying 4 languages during my school years and doing 2 of them for GCSE. Sadly I can speak barely any of them these days.

Twenty Three: When I was younger, I secretly wanted to grow up and be a lingerie model. Unfortunately my legs and boobs never grew enough for me to fulfil this dream.

Twenty Four: I thrive in messy environments and despite my battle to be a neat freak, I will always be a naturally untidy person. Nothing bugs me more than other people tidying my stuff up.

Twenty Five: My favourite band has been the Arctic Monkeys since the age of 13.

Soap & Glory Lid Stuff™

Whilst in town the other day I popped in Boots so pick up some Mascara as I'd run out. I noticed they were doing a 3 for 2 across all their make-up and thought I might as well get my moneys worth being a student and all. I thought 3 mascaras may be a bit much and saw it as an opportunity to try something I'd wanted to for a while. I was instantly drawn to the Soap & Glory range of cosmetics which are something I have delved into yet despite being a great lover of their bath and body range.

I never used to use eye shadow before; but as I'm getting older and my nights become more sleepless, I notice I can suffer from discolouration on my lids. I find a nice neutral eye shadow always fixed this a treat. I've been using some shades from my Naked 2 palette for the past year but as they are hitting pan I thought I should invest in something that's more travel sized yet decent quality but not too pricey. I did consider the Naked Basics but thought it was quite expensive for my budget right now.

I came across this beauty, something I've seen raved about in the beauty circle for quite a while yet still in my eyes an under hyped product. The Lid Stuff quad comes in 3 different shades; What's Nude, Smokey Dokey and Off The Wallflowers. Obviously looking for a nude colours, What's Nude seemed like the perfect choice for me. The quad hosts 3 matte shades and one shimmer to create the perfect everyday look.

(Left to Right: Aubersheen, Mudhoney, Pink T, Vanilla)

I like to use 'Pink T' on my lids, 'Mudhoney' in my crease and 'Vanilla' for my inner corners and under the brow bone. If I'm travelling I also like to use Mudhoney for my brows too which is perfect! I haven't got much use from the only shimmer - 'Aubersheen' yet but I reckon it's a good switch up from Mudhoney for a night time look!

The packaging is super sturdy too which is essential for travelling with and can take quite a battering. The shadows are all well pigmented and last well on the eyes without much fallout if any. They're not quite Urban Decay standard, but for £10, I really can't complain; in fact I'm pretty impressed!

How To Clean Your Make-Up Brushes

Having acne prone skin and using a base on my face requires clean effective tools. My make-up brushes are a god send and without them my poor spotty face would be having my hands transferring all kinds of bacteria on it of a daily basis. Cleaning your brushes is an essential but gruelling task in order to keep your face blemish free and your make-up application as seamless as possible. There are a number of ways in how you can clean your brushes but I thought I'd write up a little post showing you my way of doing it in case you're curious.

I don't own many brushes as you can see, I don't apply a huge variety of products and I wash my brushes every few days so it isn't too much of a problem. My brushes are all MAC and Real Techniques which are fantastic may I add so check them out if you're on the hunt for good brushes! My brushes can get really grubby quickly, mainly from my base make-up and clogged up brushes aren't too hot at applying non-streaky foundation. Every few days I take my pot of brushes to the bathroom for a good wash at the sink. For this I use a Dove hand wash as they clean well without stripping the brushes too much so it leaves them soft and fluffy once they're dry. I also take a hand towel and some toilet paper.

First, I run the tap so it's warm, too hot can damage the hairs on the brushes and too cold won't lather up the wash enough to thoroughly clean them.

I wet the hairs on the brush and also my left hand.

I then pump the wash onto the head of the brush. The amount will depend on the size of your brush, an eye shadow brush will require a lot less than say a powder brush.

I then swirl the head of the brush around my wet palm in circular motions for around a 30 seconds. If you have quite a thick dense brush I suggest also using your fingers to work the product into the hairs.

Then thoroughly rinse the wash out of the brush under warm water. Give them a little squeeze with your fingers to get the excess water out.

And finally, wrap them in tissue or toilet paper and leave them overnight to dry.

The result? Clean fluffy brushes that work a dream. I've also heard you can microwave brushes zap all the bacteria out of them but my MAC brushes have metal on them so I don't think I'd even try this. You can buy fancy brush cleaners but like my skincare, I don't think something is properly clean without using a product and clean water. Give this a go and let me know how you get on or if you have any other suggestions on how to clean brushes.

OOTD: She Likes Red Lipstick, Fish And Chips.

Shirt - Topshop | Jeans - Topshop | Shoes - Converse | Bag - Autograph by Marks & Spencer

Necklace - Tiffany & Co | Bracelet - Pandroa | Ring - Swarovski

Very brief OOTD from me, and my first one ever so apologies for the lack of photography! Today was a very casual day, I missed my lectures again as my body craved sleep so I threw whatever I had left clean on and let my make-up take centre stage. Now the weathers getting colder I feel it's hard to dress myself without reaching for jumpers and jeans so this shirt was a less warm but more stylish option. Teamed with my skinny, high waisted jeans and converse it was perfect for lazing around the flat in. I went for simple accessories; just my eternity ring, Pandora bracelet and Tiffany necklace. And as always when I opt for red clothing, a swipe of  MAC Ruby Woo on my lips. As I went into town to grab some food, I carried my everyday handbag which is my black leather bowler bag by Autograph.

My University Room!

This post has been a long time coming but I wanted to make sure it was as interesting as I could make it rather than snapping a bare dingy room for you. I moved into my halls of residence in Nottingham city centre a whole 6 weeks ago and its safe to say I'm loving student life! One thing that was most important to me was that my room reflected my personality as much as possible so it was a welcoming atmosphere after a day of long lectures. My room isn't completely finished and I'm constantly buying bits and bobs to prevent it from looking too bare and contemporary.

 I've posted a video over on my channel too if you're interested, enjoy!

November Wishlist #01

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

(1) I'm always obsessed with tall boots when the cold weather kicks in. Although my beautiful Autograph pair are still going strong, these beauties from Kurt Geiger have taken my eye. If they ever go in the sale, they will be mine. (2) I've become pretty addicted to bronzer later as I'm super pale due to my lack of sun exposure this summer. I've been lusting over a benefit box bronzer for ages and Hoola has so many good reviews! (3) My trusty GHDs have been going strong for about 4/5 years now and after a year of solid abuse from heated rollers I had to have it cut quite short and therefore went back to straightening and curling with an iron. My plate just don't heat up the same as they used to as expected after this many years but these limited edition Wonderland set need to fall onto my Christmas list! (4) Love, love, love dressed at the moment. Although I have no idea when I'd wear this one, this little number from Topshop is gorgeous. Dresses are perfect for winter when they're layered up properly so push yourself to try them more, you may be surprised. (5) I've wanted to try Nars Sheer Glow for years but knowing it doesn't have a full coverage always put me off as having bad acne required me to use heavier bases. However since my skin has improved loads I'm definitely debating getting colour matched soon!