What I got for Christmas 2013 (slightly late!)

Happy New Year! I have thoroughly enjoyed reading some “What I got for Christmas” posts recently (especially as inspiration for my birthday in a couple of months!) so I thought that for my first post of 2014 I would join in and share with you what I was very lucky to get this year.

Having started reading beauty blogs and watching beauty YouTube videos at the end of 2012/beginning of 2013, my Christmas wish-list this year was rather full of many things I’d seen/read about throughout the year but could never justify spending the money on! So I’m sure you’ll recognise a lot of these things and they may even be old news to you, but I feel thoroughly spoiled and so grateful that my wonderful family have managed to get so much of my somewhat ambitious list (and more)! My sister, Louise, is a whizz at finding things cut-price. Incredible.

Please don’t find this post to be showing off in anyway; I’m just super excited about all of these things!

Nails

Seche Vite

Something I’ve been reading about and wanting for ages, but with an RRP of £10.95 could never afford! I now understand what all the hype is about as it really does dry your nails super-quick and leaves them feeling rock-hard.

Nails Inc Polishes

My collection of Nails Inc polishes has been growing and growing every Christmas for the past 5 years or so: I’ve never actually bought a polish myself and yet my collection now totals 32?! My sister is amazing. I like all the colours in my new lot.

Nailtiques Formula 2 Protein Nail-Treatment

I got this stuff off Beauty Bay back in July/August after seeing how amazing my best friend Lucia’s nails looked in the lead up to her wedding following the use of this treatment. I cannot thank her enough for her recommendation as it is wonderful and my nails feel strong and healthy and stay chip-free! I now only need to use it as a base coat as my nails are in such good condition I don’t need such intensive treatment anymore, and as I was almost finished my bottle, Santa was kind enough to supply me with another. ;)

Nail Tool Kit

As I said, I’ve been watching tonnes of beauty videos over the past 13/14 months and these included many nail art tutorials. I love doing my nails as it really relaxes me, no matter what frame of mind I’m in, so I asked for some tools to have a go at some of the designs I’d seen… I did not expect to get this fantastic set! I am yet to use any of these as I haven’t had time, but I thoroughly look forward to it! I should have some time this weekend. I may even post some of my attempts on my Instagram.

Bath and Beauty

Soap & Glory products

I can rarely afford to splash out on Soap & Glory things, even if they are in the 3for2 offer at Boots, so I love that my niece gave me some more Hand Food, Heel Genius foot cream, Pulp Fiction body scrub and Flake Away body polish. I’m yet to use the latter 2, but I already loved the Hand Food and have found the Heel Genius to be fantastic in my pedicures!

Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

I have wanted a Naked Palette for soooo long, but (as I’m sure you all know) they each come with a RRP of almost £40 which made them completely over my budget! You can’t imagine my excitement and astonishment to be given my favourite of the 3 palettes. I have used it and the shadows are just lovely, though I still store the palette in its box for fear of damaging it!

Real Techniques brushes

Another thing raved about on YouTube and the Blogosphere. I’ve never had my own proper brushes before; I always just used ones that my mum or Louise didn’t use (or did use but left lying about!), so I’m so happy to have these finally! I was lucky enough to be given both the Core Collection and the Starter Kit. They’re so soft and I can definitely see the difference that using good brushes can make!

Scholl Express Pedi

Before Christmas I played Cinderella in a panto with school which we toured around schools in Ealing. It was a great experience but as I was in rags and bear feet for most of the show, it meant my feet were quite a state by the end of it (dry skin, blisters, scabs, etc – yuck!) So I asked for something which may help with these problems, and I tell you, this thing is amazing!! It pretty much sands the dead skin off your feet, smoothing it out and leaving them feeling awesome. Finished off with the Soap & Glory Heel Genius and left in cotton socks overnight, my feet feel wonderful the next day!

Lee Stafford Argan Oil Miracle Heat Defence Spray

I I haven’t tried this yet but of course I have heard incredible things about Argan Oil for your hair and this is a product that Zoella recommended in her Hair Care Routine video, so thought I’d request it on the off-chance I’d get it!

Lee Stafford Breaking Hair Treatment

I didn’t ask for this, but Oh. My. Goodness. This stuff is incredible. After using this, my hair feels so strong, and once it’s dry, it literally feels like I’ve been for a cut and blow-dry. For anyone with problem hair or just can’t afford to go to the hairdresser often so have split-ends, I hiiighly recommend this. I can’t praise it enough.

Shoes

Clarks Boots

These "Orinoco Jazz" boots were in the sale, from £89.99 down to £69.99 (before Christmas) which – for quality, leather boots – I think is pretty reasonable. They are so sophisticated-looking and very comfortable. So happy with these.

Converse

Love these! I haven’t actually worn these out yet as it’s been raining everyday I’ve left the house (yay!), but I look forward to the momentous day when I finally can.

Nike Trainers

My old running shoes were pretty grotty, with a hole around the toe-area on each, and once white, they were a horrible grubby grey. Honestly, I probably wouldn't have chosen these myself because of the colours, but I've found that I actually love these bright, cheery trainers!

So those are the main things I got for Christmas! I hope you enjoyed reading and if you have any posts on what you got, let me know!

Wendy xxx