Winter favourites

For me, winter is my least favourite season. I hate the way that the cold weather seeps into your bones and makes getting up in the morning that bit harder. I hate the fact that it's now impossible for my hair to dry naturally and requires me standing with my head upside down, blow drying my hair until my back forces me to stop. I also hate the fact that my skin is so dry which makes applying makeup that bit more hellish. But enough of all this negativity (that was one of my resolutions, right?). That feeling when you can finally slink into bed after a hot bath with a book to read is one of the most amazing feelings on earth in my opinion which has been something I've found myself doing most nights. Here are some of the things I've loved most this month.

Candles

The reason I love candles so much is simple: they make a room so much more cozy and warm. I'm not sure if this is actually true or whether it's some sort of placebo effect but when I light a candle, I instantly feel more relaxed and calm.  I've always loved Yankee Candles but lately I've stepped out of my Yankee comfort zone (that's definitely not already a thing, but I've made it one) and have been using all sorts of different brands we received for Christmas. A few I  have been using recently are Viking Candle (definitely a knock off but actually really strong smelling), Flamingo Candle and Jamei  Candle (I'd never heard of this one either).

It's Potent eye cream

Like I said earlier, my skin starts to get really dry at this time of year which is why I find using an eye cream necessary. The one I've been using most recently is It's Potent! eye cream by Benefit. As well as giving my skin more radiance and less dryness, it's also managed to tone down the dark circles under my eyes. 

Burt's Been lip salve

I'm not going to lie, there's not really much special about this lip balm other than the fact that I'm not allergic to it. Burt's Bees also donate loads of money towards protecting honeybees and do not test on animals.

LUSH Hot toddy shower jel

My bathroom is full of shower gels and bubble bath at the moment but this one clearly stood out among the crowd. It leaves your skin feeling so soft and smelling great. It's one of those smells that fills the whole bathroom with a cinnamony spice scent whenever you use it.

Lipsticks

I've never really been much of a lipstick person before as I found them too drying and never really found one that suited me. When I received a Revlon lipstick from Rosie in the post, I absolutely fell in love with the colour and texture and decided to try more from the range. This month I've been loving the shades Pink in the Afternoon, Pink Cognito and Peach Parfait. 

Just to let you know, our giveaway is still open until 12/02/16. Good luck!

Valentines giveaway

I can't believe it's been a whole year since one rainy day in January, I was sat with my laptop (probably eating Smarties) and decided to write a blog. It just seems so obscure to me. I remember my first comment was from Hannah  and I couldn't actually believe that anyone read my blog let alone wanted to comment on it.

Since then, I have met so many people from all over the world who share the same passion as me and even inspired others to write! Creating this blog was one of the best decisions I've ever made and I can't believe how much of a difference it has made in my life. To say thank you to all my readers and followers, whether you started reading my blog yesterday or the day I started, I've decided to team up with one of my friends and fellow blogger StormySkypie to host a giveaway. If I could, I'd love to give you all a prize because you all deserve it but I thought this was the next best thing.

Information on the giveaway

1. The giveaway includes Lush's new, limited edition soap: Roses all the Way and a Fat Face gift set which includes a body lotion, body spray and phone case.
2. The Giveaway is International
3.  You must be over 18 or have consent from parent/carer to enter this giveaway as we will need to ask for your address to send the prize 
4. Entries close on 12/02/15 at 6 pm UK time and an announcement date will be confirmed later and picked from a hat.
5. To enter all you have to do is comment on this post why you read my blog as well as making sure you're following us both on either  Instagram @pink_smarties_ @stormy_skypie or Google+ +Abbie Mclaughlin +Marti Stelling. 

Good luck!