The Bright side!

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Hello Lovelies, So I know I've been slacking this week and my head has been filled with tons of ideas but I just haven't had the creativity or the time to plan any of them. This post isn't going to be filled with any of the ideas, it's something a little different.

It's officially November, which of course everyone knows unless you have no calender, phone, Internet, and haven't been counting the days since you last seen fireworks and the words happy new year somewhere. I don't know about any of you reading this, but I seem like I haven't gotten anywhere since September. Lots of you guys have probably started college or a new job, moving on to bigger and better things, like myself I've started my second and last year in college, started this blog and although they are great things, I feel like I'm in a rut. 

A friend of mine said they felt the exact same, he started a job a few months back and loved it when he started but it's such a routine now and he feels like he's stuck doing the whole 'daily grind' thing. 

My blogs only one month old and my head is still buzzing with idea's till this point, but life overall just seems a bit, how do you say in text talk? oh yes, Meh!

Though I do have lots to be thankful for, my family, friends, the people who have read this blog and the milestones and things I have gotten out of it, so don't get me wrong, I'm not ungrateful about any of this, for having this blog for one month and getting the opportunity's I have so far, I'm forever thankful! *cheesy smile to self*

The fact I even get to attend college as well is a privilege because many people don't even have the ability or resources to better their mind and learn new things, those people are really stuck in the 'daily routine'. 

I think what I'm trying to say or justify to myself is that even though we may all feel a little down, or like life is just repeating itself every day, that we don't have it bad. I'm a bit of a positive thinker and I know many people don't have that mindset, but even if things are a little rough at home, college or even school just know that there's always something to outweigh the bad!

When something bad happens in my life I try not to stay sad for too long, I don't like staying in bed all day and feeling sorry for myself and crying for hours on end, so what do I do? Find something new to focus on and when the joy from finding this new thing wears away I sit back and think of all the good things. 

Sometimes I write a list of all the good things like friends, family, the fact I can attend college and all the little opportunity's or even concerts I can attend and then write that one bad thing that has happened (or the series of bad things) down beside them and 98% of the time it turns out all those bad things aren't as bad, and they couldn't be helped. 

So yes this post isn't the fashion, beauty, typical lifestyle thing I usually post but I've been feeling stuck in a rut lately and since I feel like I'm finally getting out of that rut with some positive thinking and focusing on all the good things in my life I thought I might as well share this and hope that if someone feels the same they might get the little kick up the bum to find something new or just realise they aren't alone! 

So thank you for reading this and every other post and sharing and viewing my blog because seriously, the reaction I got and the great things that have come out of it have been amazing and I'll never take any of them, big or small, for granted! We all start from the bottom so we shouldn't think we're greater then anyone else either. 

Okay I'll stop rambling and if anyone needs a chat or cheering up, I have tons of really silly (and terrible) jokes so just DM or message me. 

Don't forget to smile! 

Stay Fab!

Melody x

And The Winner Is.......

Congratulations to Sandra! You've won my Top 6 Beauty Products Giveaway!
Just DM or Email me your details and they'll be on the way to you in no time!

Thank you to everyone who entered! I will have another giveaway soon as I have lots of new things coming my way and I've hit another milestone! Thank you once again everyone! Look out for another giveaway in the coming weeks.

Lots of love.
Melody x

My October Favourites!

Last month I had been loving so many things that I thought I should share my top four picks with you all. It wasn't a thought really, I just really wanted to gush over my favourite products of the month. I hope you might read about something and give it a try and hopefully fall in love with it just like I did.

Cocoa Brown 1 Hour Tan.

Okay, I know I'm a little late on the Cocoa Brown train, but I'm not a big tanner any more. A few years ago I would have been tanning every day, using wash on-wash off products, but Cocoa Brown wasn't around in them days, so I didn't get the chance to find my ultimate tanning product until now!

So on a whim and with my friends wise words I purchased the one hour tan. Little did I know this is where my addiction would swirl out of control. 

Since I bought my first bottle of 1 hour tan, I've re-purchased and stocked up for the coming months, so maybe I have ten bottles stashed away, maybe I don't...

This tan suits me perfectly because I'm not a big tanner. The fact that this tan only takes a few hours to develop (which means you can go about your business in the house and then simply wash off), it also lasts for up to 5 days, slowly fading and evenly too! It's a mousse which I love because it's not sticky, there's no residue and the smell isn't half bad either!

Cocoa Brown Tough Stuff

You're sensing a theme here aren't you?.. So I won't rave on for lines on lines like I did just above, but can I just say WOW!. 

As I said I'm all about my skincare at the moment and I love nothing but having a nice hot shower and ex-foliating my skin. My old exfoliator wasn't doing the job any more.
When I bought the 1 Hour Tan I decided to pick up a bottle of tough stuff, it's meant to help rid the heavy tan off your body as well and making your skin super soft and clean, and once again I'm in love!!

The smell, the colour, the way my skin feels afterwards, and the fact it helps rid those tough spots of tan, there's nothing bad I have to say about it. I've been using it for weeks now and its just become a habit to lash on some tough stuff before my shower. Its Amazing!

L'Oréal Paris Nude Magique Eau De Teint (Foundation)
I'm a self proclaimed True Match foundation lover. I have used it since it came out and have never changed. About two weeks ago I ran out of foundation and found this little gem lying in one of my make up drawers so I decided to try it out. Safe to say it's really good. At first I was sceptical, for one the bottle doesn't have a bump so you have to pour it onto the back of your hand or a make up tray. As for the product itself, I really really like it as a filler. I wouldn't use it full time as I love my true match but definitely for those light skin days or when I don't feel like wearing heavier make up. It's a light formula, feels beautiful on your skin and blends very well. The colour I have is Porcelain, I'm usually an Ivory in true match but this colour blends so well and matches my skin. You wouldn't even need a setting powder or bronzer, I generally use this and some mascara when I'm in a rush. It's also really good price. The only thing bad I have to say is the bottle isn't big enough. I'll definitely be stocking up for my lighter make up days.

Mini Moschino perfumes
My mam came back from her girly holiday in September with a set of Moschino perfumes. I love Moschino!. I didn't open them straight away as I had two bottles of perfume half full. Once I got into the middle of October I finished the two bottles and had nothing left, I was about to go out and buy a few more perfumes when I realised I had this unopened set. I go through perfume like a glass of water. Once it's opened it'll last about two weeks. It's now November and I've got four little perfumes left, there was a set of five. I finished one bottle and have dabbed with the rest. Each perfume smells amazing, the bottles are tiny though so I don't use them too often, focusing on body sprays more at the moment because I'm so low on perfume. I'm just in love with the set, it's more a travel set to me but the bottles are also perfect for your handbag. If I was using them like regular perfume I'd probably use one bottle in a day though. I recommend everyone at least try Moschino perfumes if you haven't yet! This set is a bit dear but it's a great stocking filler! Yes I am already thinking about Christmas!


I decided to keep it to just my top four picks of the month! Their all along the beauty lines this month, Next month I'll do the same and keep it to my top four picks! Can't wait to try all the new stuff coming my way this month, might have a few more goodies for you guys as well! *winks*

Stay Fab!
Melody x

Autumn/Winter On A Budget!

Hello once again my dears. I had the wonderful privilege of collaborating with fellow blogger Christopher Glabb. We spoke at the beginning of the week and came up with this quick idea that we thought would benefit our readerships. Since we're both interested in the same things we split up our designated areas, Christopher focusing on Fashion, since that's his niche, and I focused on the beauty departments, all things hair, face, skin and fabulous. So we hope you enjoy this collab, it was wonderful working with Chris. Here's to future collab's and friendship. Don't forget to check out Christopher at his blog here and his twitter here and give him a follow. He's lovely!

So without any further delay lovelies, here's Autumn/Winter On A Budget.


FASHION

A cute Fall wardrobe is essential! 

You cannot wear an amateur fall outfit during ANY of the days of fall! 

I know what you're thinking, "How can I possibly rock an outfit every day for a whole season?" 

First thing on a the list, a sick jacket to keep you warm and avoid looking like a loser freezing your buns off in the cold. This Jacket is 30$ and available here. Just change the currency to Euro/Sterling and you're ready to go.

A pair of sweet boots (with fur or wool inside) to keep your toes and feet warm, and to avoid woolly socks that make you look like a 6 year old. Also, these boots have an aged leather look, which is so in right now, you can't go wrong! Find them here at 42$! Once again just switch currency and you'll see the savings in front of your eyes.

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Last but not least A warm sweater! This thing rocks itself, and there's NO need to try and jazz it up in any way! Just choose any sweater in your wardrobe and you're set! 
The Jumper shown about is only 26 dollars here and under 30 Euro/Sterling.

Now how to put the whole look together. Black... All black

A black shirt for under the sweater and black skinny jeans. Remember, Fall's all about the layers! 

See, dressing to kill in Fall is EASY create sick outfits like this all season for a laid back easy few months!

Thank you to the Wonderful Chris for his Fashion Input, we we're discussing and I had to say, these key staples go perfectly with anything you have in your wardrobe now, jeans, leggings, cute skirt, you can mix and match these staples throughout the entire year. 

SKINCARE

Skincare is important during this time of year. It’s not just all about taking your make up off and moisturising, you need to help create a barrier from the harsh weather! So here’s the perfect products and guide to helping your skin stay party picture perfect! It is party season after all! It’s also all under 40 Euro/Dollars/Pounds and should last through to the New Year! 

MAKE UP

Once you have sorted your skincare out, it’s all about the face. I've found three easy, fresh-faced and on a budget make up looks with a variety of autumn colours!

Source 1, Source 2: Saskia de Brauw for Giorgio Armani Fall Makeup Collection 2013  , Source 3

Eyes & Brows

Each of these looks can be achieved using the one shadow pallet I found on Maybelline!

All three looks are a common mix of Smokey eyes, there’s numerous tutorials on youtube if you need a little lesson on how to perfect a light, medium or dark Smokey eye. All featured in the looks above.

To finish the eye’s off you need the perfect Brow Kit and Mascara. I live by Wet’N’Wild’s Ultimate brow kit. It’s just 3.99 in euro and under five Sterling/dollars. They also ship worldwide! 

Also Wet’N’Wild’s impact Mascara also under five dollars/Euro/Sterling.

Contour and Highlight

This time of year you don’t need heavy contour, the third look features a slightly heavier contour than the first two. The third look is aimed for evening wear but if you want to stand out and go a bit bold during the day, its also perfect. Contouring on a budget is made easier with Sleek’s face form contour kit, includes blusher and perfect shades for this time of year. Just build up your brown for a heavier contour. It’s under ten dollars/euro/sterling and they ship worldwide.

Lips

No make-up look is complete without the perfect lip colour! At this time of year you want something stay-worthy, hydrating and pigmented. I find Maybelline’s ColourExlir’s perfect for Autumn/Winter as they stay put and keep your lips hydrated all day long. They’re also under ten euro/sterling/dollars. *Bargain*

In total your make-up products come to under 50 dollars/Sterling/Euro! There are also countless discount sites if ordering online and discount codes sent through mailing lists so keep a look out and do your research!

HAIR!

To finish off your perfect Autumn/Winter inspired look you’ll need the perfect hairstyle, I know students and hard workers are constantly rushing around and have no time for complicated hairstyles so I chose three easy, simple and effective hairstyles to suit not only this time of year, but a hectic lifestyle and a budget. All these styles can be achieved using the same products for under 20 dollars/euro/sterling.

The Ultimate Waves

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This hairstyle can be achieved in multiple ways. You can use sleep in rollers overnight. I have old school heated rollers that my mother has had since she was 16. You can bobbin/hair-tie your hair while wet, semi-dry the tight bun and sleep on it, this is my number one option as I have a natural kink in my hair and it helps tightly curl, when you take it out of the bobbin or hair-tie just run your fingers through your hair. The last option is a curler or straightner, simply do as the styling item instructs, most curlers come with a light heat/wave option these days. To finish off this look spray with hairspray. I use Elnett Satin Extra Hold Hairspray which is a little pricey, depending on where you buy, but you only need a small spray and I find the bottle lasts for months.  

For a heatless waves tutorial, click here!

The Messy Bun!

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Some days we just can’t be bothered to take out our hair products or curling wands and make an effort. Sometimes we just want an easy-peasy updo, and what’s better than a messy bun?! Now messy bun’s are hard to perfect, their either too messy, not messy enough or just a bit all over the place, either way it’s quick, simple and you don’t need anything but a bobbin/hair-tie. If you wish you can spray a bit of hairspray to keep the stray’s in place but it’s not a style that needs much product. 

The Pretty Perfect Pony! 

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Nothing looks better and more put together then a perfect pony. This Retro-styled ponytail is pretty simple to put together, it may take a few tries and a lot longer than the previous two looks but for something a little stylish and cute, what’s a few extra minutes in the morning?! It’s perfect for that important work meeting, chilling in the office and for the students like myself. All you need is a few bobby pins, which you’ll find at your local store, a bobbin/hair-tie and some hairspray if you want. Click here for a video guide on how to create this look.

There you have it guys! Autumn/Winter Key items on a Budget. No matter what you take from this, I hope you take some inspiration, find a product or item you may like, or even find a new blogger to keep up to date with like Christopher. I hope everyone has a wonderful week and to all the wonderful people celebrating Halloween this week.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN! 

Stay Safe, Fab, and Freaky!

Lots of love

Melody x

My Number One Haircare Miracle!

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I've been using this product for awhile now, nearly coming up on two years actually. I've mentioned it to friends but that's about it. I'm a bit of a hair dye junkie, if that's what you'd call it. I love colouring my hair and I have been since I was 14. I've been plum, brown, blonde, copper, black, luminous pink, fire red, dark brown, blonde and brown, ombré, dip dye red and then back to full red and now I'm purple again. I've bleached my hair numerous times and also used extensions for three years. 

In September 2012 I had to cut my hair into a pixie cut because of the damage.The pixie cut wasn't my favourite thing in the world but I wanted my hair back to a healthy state. I stayed brown for awhile and then gradually went into blonde, even when trying to get my hair back to normal I couldn't stay one colour.

When you're trying to let your hair grow and strengthen you're advised not to dye your hair, but of course, me being, well, me.. I can't do that. So I asked my hairdresser for any tips or products that would help. She gave me a designer product that's sold in the salon, one that the salon actually formulated and owned itself, but it was the higher end of the hair care market. It worked fine, it helped with my blonde hair, but when I was done with the blonde (Which I lasted nearly half a year with, shocker!), I went back to brown, and for some reason, the product just didn't do the same job. It also wasn't aimed at blonde hair, so I had no idea why it wasn't working.

Long story short, I decided to go on the hunt for something cheap and cheerful. I was done with spending €20 plus on a bottle that only lasted me two weeks, even more so, I was done with buying a product that had stopped working for my hair as soon as I changed colour!

I needed something that would work even if I changed hair colour, because that's my thing, I change hair colour like I change breakfast cereals. (What a cliche!)

Eventually, while doing my weekly food shop, my local supermarket had just finished re-stocking a shelving unit in the beauty department, it was full of Aussie Products!

I purchased Aussie, 3 Minute Miracle Reconstruction Conditioner. It was the best decision of my life!

I use it 2-3 times a week and you can vary how long you can leave it in for, depending on how bad of a treatment your hair needs.

I'm currently a non-natural hair colour which meant I had to bleach my hair and then dye it. (I know it's a terrible thing to do) The amazing thing about my hair is you'd never think I bleached it, it's soft, the split ends aren't that bad, even though I am due a trim and chop soon, but quality wise, my hairs great!

I vary the length of time I use it because I don't want to over-treat my hair. Trust me, that is possible, you don't want limp and lifeless hair from overusing a treatment product. I have experienced this in my hair lifetime.

Overall this product is probably my favourite thing to use not only in the shower, but overall for my hair. I recommend it to anyone, whether you dye your hair or not! It helps maintain fullness, gives your hair a nice shine, leaves your hair super soft and helps with those drab days and split ends! Also it's super cheap and last weeks! Even using it once a week will increase your hair game by 70% (I'm just guesstimating) It's also under €10! *savings alert*
I give it a 10/10. okay maybe a 9/10, I don't want to seem too over enthusiastic.

Remember it's up to you how much you want to use this product and I know it probably won't suit everyone but it's worth a try! I also need to find some way to thank Aussie for saving my damaged hair from falling out and feeling like it's old self again!

You can purchase All Aussie hair care products online or in your local boots store or on the boots website.

Autumn/Winter Party Look! Simple Step-By-Step.

Hello lovelies!! So today is just a quick informative post, nothing too technical. You're probably wondering what those interesting seflies are to the left of this little paragraph. Well my dears, at the weekend I had the privilege of having my make up done by one of my wonderful friend's Lauren (Student MUA). 

I got so many compliments throughout the night, through social networking sites and asked so many questions that I thought, 'hey, lets just do a quick blog post'. 

I'm a sucker for dark eyes and if anyone knows me I'm very particular about my brows and contouring so when Lauren mentioned doing a complete Kim K liquid contour and bold natural brows I was very excited! (And a little nervous as I don't let anyone near my brows without great caution)

I am still completely in love with this look and I plan on recreating it for many occasions over the A/W months, definitely for the family Christmas party! The dark sombre colours are perfect for the season. I also never go for a bold lippy, so it was a big change but something that I loved very much and plan on doing in the future. 

So here you are guys, a quick step by step tutorial to re-create this look and to play around with. *Don't forget you can go for a darker eye if that's what you like, you don't have to stick to the rules*

FACE
· Starting with the base, use Maybelline's BabySkin primer. This drugstore item is the perfect dupe for benefits professional, as you get the same soft even skin result. 
· After the primer has set, you can start with the foundation. The foundation used for this look was Rimmel's wake me up foundation in the colour ivory but also mixed in with soft beige as the model had a subtle tan. The foundation was applied using a real techniques buffer brush as that helps the foundation spread and set evenly.
· The concealer used was Rimmel's match perfection 2-in-1 concealer in the colour ivory. Put the concealer at the corner of your eye to half way down the nose and across the cheekbone making the shape of a "V". This concealer also acts as a highlighter. 
· This look suited a dark contour that looked as natural and dewy as possible, the contour used was crown brushes liquid contour pallet. Take the darkest shade and place it on the hollows of the cheeks and temples and blend until you get the intensity you want.
*Try sucking in your cheeks to find the dip for your cheekbones and to get the perfect contoured bone structure*

EYES & EYEBROWS
· For the base of the eyelids, take a mac flat eye shadow brush (or whatever flat eye shadow brush you have) and apply Smash box eye shadow in the colour “vanilla” (Under the trio Filter) all over.
· Then taking your eye shadow blending brush (Italian badger blending brush was the one used for this look), apply mac "copper" (search shade orange copper in link) for a defined crease.
· Once you like the intensity of the copper. Take a clean eye shadow blending brush and apply Smashbox colour sable, which is a soft matte brown, onto the lid of the eye and blend into the copper and around the lid. 
· To finish off the eyes apply another layer of "vanilla" into the corner of the eye and work (blend) your way into the other colours to give the gradual build. Then getting a small angled brush and bringing the matte brown across the waterline to create a Smokey effect.
· For this look you want a defined black liquid eyeliner, essence's liquid ink was used to finish this eye. On the waterline use bare minerals waterproof eyeliner pencil in the colour "midnight". 
· To finish off the eyes apply benefit's "they're Real" mascara to your lashes.
·  To get the bold eyebrow that was created, take a small angled brush and use Smashbox powder in the colour "sumatra" and draw free hand. *Use small strokes to create a natural effect*

LIPS
· For this Autumn/Winter make up look you want a nice warm colour for the lips. The colour used is a burgundy/ wine colour, which was Rimmel's lasting finishlipstick in "084 Amethyst shimmer".

There you have it guys, a step by step guide to the look shown above. Don't forget you can use what you got, the smashbox trio has all colour's needed for the eye look bar the mac copper and they are basic matte creams and browns which you can find cheaper alternatives for. Also you can mess around with different colours and find an eye shade that will suit your eye colour and face shape, this look won't suit everyone but mess around and you'll find an intensity that will suit your face and style. 
Most of all HAVE FUN!!

Also massive thank you to Lauren for her step's on a simple application and tips. Plus give her a follow on twitter @laurenCroke or Instagram for future make up looks @lauren_croke. 

Stay Fab Lovelies!
Melody x

A simple guide to surviving Autumn/Winter!- Brrr!

Orange and red leaves, blankets of snow, visible breath, hot drinks and cosy jumpers, What's not to love about Autumn/Winter?! I know for people who prefer the summer months it can be hard to adjust, especially sorting out your wardrobe and with the weather, you can never tell if it's cold enough for a full ensemble of wool. So I've compiled a list of my top ten essentials for my perfect Autumn/Winter, I hope you can relate to at least one and realise you might have forgotten something in preparation for the coming months.

The Beanie!

Source: empireave.com

I know, I know, hat hair!, but at this time of year, everyone is bound to have it at least once or twice. I'd rather spend my time fixing my hair in the bathroom before college/work then dealing with the natural windswept look. I know hat's aren't everyone's cup of tea, and coming from me, the biggest beanie addict there is, I just love a good hat! You don't have to stick with the beanie though, you can go for something a little cuter and fun, like earmuffs, an animal hat, something that stands out from the crowd or even a fedora, if you're willing to risk running after it down the street after an unexpected gust of wind. Beanie's are also fashion forward, but don't worry, there is a hat out there for everyone!

Don't forget the matching scarves and gloves!

The perfect hot drink

Source: YahooImg

There's nothing like a good cup of hot chocolate as you snuggle into bed, or a nice cup of tea after work, but whatever your fancy there's something for everyone. I personally prefer hot chocolate on these cold nights but I struggled to make it just like those small café's do, until I found this recipe. It's a gem. Of course there's some changes (brand wise) but it still works perfectly fine and is super Tasty!

Jumpers Galore!

Source: Googleimg

My favourite thing about this time of year is the jumpers (right after the beanie's of course). 

There is nothing better then the feeling of getting into a baggy jumper, pairing it with a pair of jeans and boots and feeling casual chic all day long. A jumper can add to an outfit straight away, so you best pick the right one. I tend to shop from Boohoo and New Look for jumper season. 

Coats, Coats and more Coats!

Source: imgfave.com

Okay so everyone needs a coat, FACT! Even if it's running from your car to the office, but you don't need any coat, this time of year you need The Coat. You don't have to go all out and spend hundreds of euro, but splurging even a little bit will give you decent material and keep you dry and warm! It's all about the quality, you want something that can go with everything, dress up, dress down and especially snow ready, just in case. I'm keeping my eye on boohoo and Missguided at the moment, I just need to find the courage to dedicate myself to just one coat this year. Also don't forget, putting in a bit of money in now, means your coat could last you a couple of years too. *Savings Alert*

A good book.

Source: reading-quotes.tumblr.com

Even if you aren't the reading type you can still dedicate a few months to even one good book, it could be the shortest book in the world, but reading on a cold day, on the bus or at home, there's nothing like it. I feel like I'm accomplishing something when I'm out in the cold, sitting waiting for the bus and I have a book that's not only romantic (yes I'm one of them), but also funny. Why not try one of these!

The Playlist

source: lovethispic.com

For the non-book readers and everyone basically, everyone listens to music at some point right?

So you need, yes NEED, the perfect playlist, Switch from those beach pop songs to something more relaxing and sombre for the colder months. I'm addicted to this song and it's perfect for the winter months. 

TV Empire!

Source: Sodehead.com

The A/W months are known as the comeback months, because nearly every TV series starts back. No complaints here though, I'm a complete TV junkie, from drama to reality to horror, I love anything and everything! Netflix is basically my number one search all year round. But if you're looking for some shows that will keep you occupied for weeks on end then maybe give some of these a go! You could so catch up in time for the newest season.

Boots!

Source: inntrending.com

There is no other way to explain my love for boots than a simple squeal!. Okay, lets get serious for a minute. A good pair of solid boots for winter is essential, you need something that can withstand rain, snow and stay fashionable over the weeks. If you haven't already got a trusty pair or you need some spicing up have a look here, here, and here, and maybe you'll find something that'll last years!

Friends!

Source: Shopghost.com

Yes, nothing materialistic this time. Friends! There is nothing like lying on the couch in your one piece with blankets, hot chocolate, a takeaway, the TV on and being surrounded by your friends. If there's one thing you need, this may be the number one, and what completes a good friends get together? A good film. If you haven't seen these already (or even if you have), they are perfect for this time of year. 

Fresh Faced and Ready!

Source: whyofffashion.com

During this time of year your skin is going to get attacked, that's inevitable, but with the right TLC, it can be pore-perfect and ready for all the Halloween and Christmas parties over the next two seasons!

For tips on how to keep your face looking fresh and blemish free click here.