Monday 30 December 2013

Santa's Been - What I Got For Christmas


Well It's all over for another year, I hope you all had a fabulous Christmas! I've not had much time for blogging lately, this is partly due to work and also down to thoroughly enjoying the festive season and all that comes with it, family, friends, food, drink and it turns out that Santa thought I have been a super good girl this year and delivered me some fabulous goodies for me to open on Christmas morning. 

Friday 6 December 2013

Christmas Jumpers.... You know you want one!

Woohoooo December is here which means the Christmas build up excitement can officially begin! I love Christmas and all that comes with it and you cant beat a Festive jumper to get you into the spirit of the season. Here is my pick of the bunch from full on Christmas to subtly festive there's a Christmas jumper for everyone.



Christmas Jumpers




Long sleeve sweater
$21 - thehut.com



Christmas sweater
amazon.com



Christmas sweater
$46 - newlook.com





Quiz black shirt
$46 - debenhams.com



Christmas sweater
amazon.com



V neck sweater
$25 - newlook.com



Christmas sweater
$46 - newlook.com



Black shirt
$29 - newlook.com



There are some fab jumpers out there this year, now which one to choose for myself? decisions decisions! Have you embraced the Christmas jumper trend? Which is your favourite? 



Kayla xx

Wednesday 4 December 2013

Time For Tea?

I always have time for a nice cup of tea, typically British I know but there is nothing better than getting home and putting the kettle on.When I opened my November Birchbox and discovered tea samples I was very happy.

I don't think you will ever beat a good ol' PG Tips but I'm always open to trying new flavours. I received 3 different flavours of organic herbal tea in my Birchbox, all by Pukka.


The first one I tried was Elderberry & Echinacea with Elderflower, I really did not know what to expect when I took my first sip especially as on the packet it was described as "super fruity tea" but to me it didn't smell particularly fruity. When I tried this it was an interesting flavour, I could taste a slight berry taste but what I could taste the most was licorice, which I thought was strange until I checked the ingredients and one of them was licorice root. I don't particularly like licorice, this maybe why I noticed it so much, but if you do this is definitely a tea for you to try but I don't think I'll be purchasing this one for myself.


I was really excited to try the next flavour which was Three Cinnamon. I love spicy, cinnamon flavoured drinks and this one I really did enjoy. It wasn't as spiced as I thought it would be but it was very pleasant to drink even though when I checked the ingredients this one also contains licorice but I couldn't taste it. If your not a cinnamon fan you will want to back away from this one but I love it so I think I'm going to purchase some more. 


This one had me expecting something closer to a standard cup of tea but maybe not as strong, I wasn't wrong. Earl Grey is such a light a delicate tea that can be made with or without milk (I preferred it with) but there is a very distinct lavender scent and taste, I found this to be rather delightful and enjoyed my cuppa more than I thought I would.

Well there you have it a preview of some of my huge Disney mugs (tea doesn't taste right in anything other than a big Disney mug) and my first impression of Pukka tea. Do you like tea? Do you prefer herbal/fruity teas or a good old fashioned PG Tips? Maybe you have a favourite mug too? Let me no in the comments :)

Kayla x

It's Beginning To Smell A Lot Like Christmas

Christmas is probably my favourite time of year and I like to approach it with a full on festive spirit. A Christmas tree, Decorations, an advent calendar are all essentials from the beginning of December and being a Candle lover it just wouldn't be complete without a Festive scent burning away and filling my house with Christmas spirit.






This year I have turned to Yankee to help inject Christmas into my house. I picked up a large jar called Christmas Eve, on the website this candle is described as "Traditional Christmas scents of a warm hearth, sugared plums, and candies fruits" It is such a lovely smell and it fills my Living room with such a delicious scent that last long after the candle has been blown out.

Which candles do you like to burn at Christmas time? This one is perfect for the festive season as it creates such a cosy, warm, Christmasey feeling. I'll probably still be burning this after Christmas assuming I don't use it all up by then.

Kayla x

Daily Face

I am a girl who loves sleep and early morning starts are far from appealing to me, a morning person I am definitely not. Unfortunately my shifts at work do not take this factor into consideration so I like my daily make up routine to be easy, fuss free and achievable in the shortest amount of time possible thus allowing for more time in bed!

I tend not to wear masses of make up for work and I find my self reaching for these products on a daily basis to achieve a look that I am happy to leave the house in and will survive a day at the office. 


Apologies for the state of my brushes but having enough natural daylight to take photos at this time of year is a mission in it's self so the photo opportunity took priority over washing my brushes.

Rimmel, Lasting Finish Foundation in the shade 200 Soft Beige, This gives a nice natural finish and blends into my skin beautifully.

Real Techniques, Stippling Brush, I use this brush to apply my foundation and I find it buffs it into my skin perfectly with minimal effort.

Soap and Glory, One Heck Of A Blot, This translucent powder is perfect for setting my foundation and helps to keep the shine at bay.

Real Techniques, Duo-Fibre Face Brush, This is the brush I use to apply One Heck Of A Blot, its perfect for the job as it is designed for a light weight application, this ensures enough product is applied to do the job but my skin does not look cakey.

Maybelline,, Expert Wear Blush in the shade 79 Flash Plum, I have been loving this blush for Autumn/Winter as it gives my cheeks a nice flush of colour and the subtle gold sheen gives me a healthy glow.

Real Techniques, Blush Brush, This is great for applying this blush as it picks up a small amount of product which helps me to control how much colour I apply and it also blends the blush beautifully into my skin.

L'Oreal Paris, Volume Million Lashes Waterproof Black, This makes my lashes look full and glossy, it doesn't smudge or flake and so its perfect for getting me through a day at work.

Dr Lipp, Nipple Balm For Lips, a slick of balm is all I choose to wear for work as I feel there's nothing worse than having a crazy busy day and wandering around the office with half worn off lipstick, I'd rather not wear any. Instead I opt for Dr Lipps balm as it keeps my lips soft and hydrated and also has a nice glossy shine to it.

Thats it for my daily work make up as you can see it is very simple and probably takes me about 20 mins (If that) to do in the morning. Sometimes I like to amp it up a bit, this is generally if I'm meeting my friends for a coffee or going shopping etc. So I complete the above look (minus the mascara) and add the following


 Mac, Woodwinked,  I am totally in love with this eyeshadow, it gives a nice wash of colour to the lid with out being too much but still looks like you have put some effort in. I use the above Mac brush to apply this all over the lid but it is well loved and the number has worn off so I'm not sure which one it is.

Rimmel, Soft Kohl eyeliner in shade 06 Jet Black, I use this on my water line and tight-line to give my eye definition.

Chanel, Inimitable Intense Mascara in the shade 10 Noir, When I'm not at work I like the treat my lashes to a little luxury, what better way to do that than with Chanel! This mascara adds volume, length and really helps my alshes to hold a curl.


There you have it my Daily Face and a few little extras I like to use when I'm not at work. Do you have an every day make up look? do you stick to the same routine or do you like to mix it up each day? Does the make look you create depend on what your doing that day?
get in touch and let me know :)

Kayla x

November Favourites

Well folks another month is done and dusted, November sure did fly by but I'm not complaining because that means only one thing..... Christmas is coming!!!! I love Christmas and the run up to the festive season but for now lets get on with what I've been loving in November!


Wednesday 20 November 2013

Hair Saviours

My hair ambition is to have luscious long locks that would even make Rapunzel green with envy! OK so that may not be an achievable goal and I cant even begin to imagine how you would manage hair that long, but long healthy hair is what I love and strive for and even though mine is fairly long (down my back to the bottom of my shoulder blades-ish) I cant help but want it longer still. I think the key to longer hair is to ensure you look after the length you already have.


Monday 18 November 2013

Birchbox: November

Its that time again when the little brown box of goodies, better known as the Birchbox, has been delivered to my door. Last months box made me very happy and contained some great samples, definitely a great first impression, so I was hoping that this box would be the same and I wasn't disappointed.

November Birchbox

Sunday 17 November 2013

Glossy Box: November

Novembers Glossy Box has arrived, I anxiously opened the box hoping and praying that it would be better than the last box and that I would actually use the goodies it contained...



Glossy Box - November

Saturday 16 November 2013

Tag - This or That



I spied the This or That tag on Dungarees and Donuts blog and thought I would give it ago as I really enjoy my first tag post (I Love Autumn Tag). It doesn't feel right doing posts with out photos but I had no idea what kind of image to use so I engaged my creative brain cells, rummaged around my make up stash and came up with the above, not too bad for a spur of the moment Tag photo. 

Sunday 10 November 2013

October Favourites

Woah, stop the bus! where did October go? This year is flying by at a rapid rate, its already favourites time so here you have my most loved beauty products from October.
October Favourites

Tuesday 5 November 2013

NOTW - Bonfire Night Blazer

At the weekend I went to a local Bonfire Night event, it was lots of fun and I thought for this weeks NOTW post I would share with you my nail colour of choice. I'm pretty sure my brand of choice will come as no surprises to you...

Sunday 3 November 2013

NOTW - Nail Of The Week

I often like to peruse the #NOTW posts on Instagram and you see some amazing designs and colours on thete that sometimes you haven't seen before. I do like to look after my nails and once a week I like to give them some attention and maintain a nice shape by giving myself a bit of a manicure. As this is something I do each week I thought I would photograph my nails

Beauty Haul - October

Its miserable outside, you have a day off and no plans, what better way to fill the day than to go shopping! and that's exactly what I did. Here is the collection of beauty and make up products that I picked up on  recent shopping trips.

Thursday 31 October 2013

All Hallows Eve

It's that time of year again where Vampires, Witches, Skeletons, Ghosts and various other spooks rear their ghastly heads to celebrate Halloween in many different ways! 

This year I have taken part in some fun festivities that I thought I would share with you.

Wednesday 30 October 2013

My First Birchbox: October

With my recent disappointment I decided I'd see what else is out there in the world of beauty box subscriptions and before I knew it I was entering my details, making a payment and waiting for the arrival of my first Birchbox.

Sunday 27 October 2013

Glossy Box: October

It is with deep sadness that I have come to realise in last months post I my have jinxed my Glossy Box experience. I was filled with the usual excitement when I got home and saw this months Glossy Box sat patiently waiting on my dining table to be ferociously torn open and the beauty goodness inside released......

Tuesday 22 October 2013

It's Candle Season.... Yey!

I'm a little unorthodox when it comes to candles as I like to burn them all year round, but burning candles in autumn is acceptable in any body's book!

Autumn is my favourite season for many reasons, one of those reasons is the cosyness (made up but necessary word, oops) of the season.

Wednesday 16 October 2013

NOTW - Essie never fails to impress!

It was time for a new look for my nails, so off I went in search of a new autumnal shade to coat my nail beds!

Browsing rows and rows of little glass bottles filled with various shades of nail polish I was wondering how I would ever decide which one I wanted to try. 

Monday 14 October 2013

Tag - I Love Autumn


© Grafphotogpaher | Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free I

Favourite thing about Autumn?
My absolute favourite season, I have a lot of love for autumn! I love the autumn trend of layering and accessorising and the earthy tones and you cant beat curling up on the sofa in front of the TV with a candle burning in the background. Not forgetting autumn food! stews, soups, pies and roast dinners are all perfect for warming you up after being out and about in

Sunday 13 October 2013

September Favourites - Better late than never... right?

OK so life got in the way and I've been a bit rubbish on the blogging front lately, but here I am putting an end to that! Bring on Septembers favourites......

 So First up we have the Barry M Gelly nail varnish in this delightful deep purple shade called Plum, you can read my full review here. I love wearing deeper tones on my nails when we get to autumn and Plum is a fab autumn colour and a great way to add a splash of colour to any outfit. I have been wearing this non stop

Tuesday 24 September 2013

NOTW

Ok so I've just discovered the blogger mobile app and I thought what better way to try it out than with a quick Nail Of The Week post, here goes ....

Wednesday 11 September 2013

Glossy Box: September

It's always exciting to come home from work and find that my Glossy Box has been delivered! I have recently been reading a lot of bad comments about the service but I personally haven't had any problems and I get uber excited each month to open my box and discover what is inside, this month I thought I'd post about it.

Monday 2 September 2013

Mini Haul

Recently I have picked up a few new beauty bits so I though I would share my purchases with you and maybe you would like to share you opinions on the products I bought and maybe even recommend new products for me to try.

Tuesday 27 August 2013

August favourites

August is nearly over... where is this year going? The end of the month always makes me look forward to watching/reading "Monthly Favourites" videos and blogs. I enjoy viewing other peoples and I thought it would be good to do my own "Monthly Favourite" blog post, so here goes my first one.......

Sunday 18 August 2013

Spray & Go anyone?

On a recent trip to Boots, whilst casually checking my points balance, I came across a vast display of Vaseline's latest product! When I think of Vaseline I think of the small tins of Vaseline lip therapy which I have in just about every bag I own as they are moisturising and convenient, Vaseline's newest product boasts both of those qualities too. Welcome to my life

Thursday 8 August 2013

A Quick Fix for Thirsty Skin

I have recently been struggling with my skin, in the sense that it seems to be overly shiny and this is not a good look by anybody's standards.

This shiny matter came up in conversation when I was having my make up done in my local department store. The make up artist was asking me about my skin which is when I

Tuesday 6 August 2013

L'Oreal Paris Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution Review

Wow this product has one hell of a name! For a couple of months now I have been using the L'Oreal Paris Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution, this is such a gentle cleanser that really does the job well.

Sunday 4 August 2013

Happily Essie After...

You cant beat starting a new week with freshly painted nails and there is nothing worse than finishing a day at the office and noticing you perfect paintwork is chipped! 

As I'm no professional a lot of time and effort goes into my nails and ensuring they are painted to an acceptable standard is no easy task, so I look for nail varnishes that can stand

Monday 29 July 2013

My First Blog Post

Well, here goes....

Welcome to my first ever blog Curiously Kayla!

As you have probably already figured out I'm Kayla :) as for the first part of my blog title
well I'm curious about all things beauty. 

I have been wanting to set up a blog for a long time now, I have read and watched the work of successful beauty bloggers and YouTube beauty gurus time and time again and while the