ULTIMATE Beauty Gift Guide

The Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance palette is the eye palette of the year, its hot property, sold out in most retailers, including Sephora. This would be my ultimate gift this year. The Kat Von D liquid lipstick set is such an amazing option, probably the best gift set on the market, it contains 9 mini versions of the liquid lipsticks, which is still quite a lot- a little goes a long way! The marble palette of the Hourglass ambient lighting palette is this years version of last years blush palette, it contains a setting powder, blushes, bronzer and a highlight, a full face in one palette. Smashbox have been having a moment with their lip products this year and this light up set, would be ideal for someone wanting to try out the collection. The palette I have had my eyes on for a good 3 months if from Too faced with their 'Semi- sweet' version it has such a beautiful orange tone. There are three other palettes in the range! The new fragrance range from Christian Louboutin has to be one of the most desirable beauty gifts on the market- and the most luxurious. The By Terry ombre backstar collection is such a beautiful beauty gift this year, so luxurious maybe one aimed at the older lady in your life.The nail polish brand of the moment 'Smith and Cult' have this trio of nail polishes, which would make the perfect gift for any gal. Lastly, Laura Mercier always out does themselves at christmas the mini range of soufflés and scrubs would not be able to disappoint anyone!

'The Ultimate Stocking Filler Guide'

Happy December my loves! How has it come around so quickly? December is going to be a jam packed month for me- from vlogmas, blogging, uni work and general working. I thought I would kick the 1st off with the first instalment of my gift guides! This one is stocking fillers, my favourite to put together. I will be doing a version of vlogmas this month- you will either get a Vlog or general video and a blog post each day- so make sure you're following my blog and subscribed to my YouTube channel!

I have condensed a mini list of the top ten things all the best gift-guides online have to offer...

The first gift which I think any coffee table book lover and general person that has a desire to see our beautiful world will love this Lonely Planet book which covers the most desired places to visit in your life time.  This additional phone cover with an in built selfie light will be perfect for those slightly vain friends of yours. I can think of a few friends that would love this gift- its apparently what lighting Kim K uses for her insta selfies! You can never go wrong with a good piece of luxury leather especially from Aspinal at this time of year. If you have been following me for a while you know I don't rate Aspinal's handbags, but their SLG's I adore and this small read card hold number is no exception. Hoop earrings have really made a comeback this year and this dainty but yet statement pair from Whistles would be the perfect little something to un-box on christmas morning, and for only £22 they're a steal! The perfect piece of small luxury. A classic grey wool scarf is such a timeless gift that would be appreciated by anyone and one I hope may be under the tree for me this one from And Other Stories is a great price point and is lovely quality- if you're feeling extra spend you could always upgrade it for an Acne one! The little marble and rose gild alphabet coasters from 

Oliver Bonas are so personal and luxurious at the same time any girl that went through that rose gold phase would love one of these *hint hint mom*. I'm not sure what drew me to this dot wash bag from Liberty but it would make sure a special gift under the tree, especially with Liberty's luxury and festive gift wrapping which is provided for free online, as well as in-store. This mini-set of Breakfast at Tiffany's mini OPI set is so adorable with the Tiffany blue nail polish. Perfect for any girl-girl out there. Lastly, this cup/mug from Paperchase Via ASOS is so beautiful, to the point i don't think I could drink out of it- it would make a beautiful brush holder.

Have an amazing day,

Melissa Xoxo

Take Me To Church

15 Things I've learnt During My First Weeks of Univeirsity

I have settled in to my new home in the North, its taken me a while to get my bearings and get into a completely different routine. Hopefully I am back and you will be seeing a lot more of me present on my social media platforms.

1. You can make fancy-dress from anything- literally! Fresher's week and Uni nights out in general will be filled of themes and if your like me, you won't be a fan of fancy dress. I think the easiest and most effective way is always through make-up. Pinterest is the place to go to when you need some inspiration. On my first night I dressed up as a jaguar, and copied the make-up I found on Pinterest.

2. You would not think you could miss you family so little and so much.

3. You will never find a reason to own any white pieces of clothing. The majority of peoples wardrobe is coloured and bringing that one really nice white t-shirt with you is a pain up the back side. You either have to hand wash it or do a separate wash- and washing is the worst thing in the world.

4. If your from the South, everyone from the North will consider you Posh!

5. You will wonder how your mother managed to do house chores, a full time job and stay sane!

6. Weekends become rather dull and boring; no one goes on nights out as the clubs tend to be filled with hen parties and middle-aged women. Or worse middle-aged women on a hen-do!

7. Everything is expensive!

8. You can really can make best friends in freshers. A good convo starter is 'what's your favourite Urban Decay palette'. That's how me and Natalie bonded and we are now bf's.

9. You will try some really weird things- like gravy and chips.

10. Pumpkin spice latte's are life

11. There is such a things as too much partying.

12. A letter in the post from home can be one of the most comforting things.

13. You will not completely love your course.

14. Ramen is your best friend.

15. Great British Bake off can really bring people together.

Melissa 

The ULTIMATE Handbag Wishlist

Im pretty sure you all know I am a handbag girl, I could buy handbags all day everyday and here a few that I have currently got my eye on...

The mother of all bags, the Givenchy Antigona, which has been on my lust list for quite a few years. I always thought the shape was too strong and masculine for me, but I feel my style has chagned over the past 5 months and I am seriously lusting after this beauty. Whatever, colour or size comes my way *hint hint mother reading this* I would love it.

The Chanel WOC, I tried to find this beauty in NYC in the red lambskin, but I was hopeless. I still have my eye on this beauty. It is a dream of mine to own this bag, it has a hefty price tag as one would expect at £1,300!         

The Saint Laurent Sac De Jour, is a magical master piece, with subtle a logo and a younger, slightly more fresh and modern take on the classic Hérmes Birkin. 

Even though I already have a city bag, I really would love another. Preferably, in the larger size as I own the mini. They grey and black croc print is gorgeous. However, I wish the Balenciaga bags still had their old and original chunkier hardware.

Rebecca Minkoff has become a new favourite bad designer of me since I picked up one of her bags in June. The Reagan satchel has recently caught my eye, its a little larger and would be perfect for carrying around University.

The Longchamp Le Pliage bag is by far my favourite bag, its pratical, good quality and easily wipeable. I love it so much I own two! The new rucksack has a more premium and maybe a more practical.