After spending my Boxing Day afternoon scrolling through hundreds of pages of sales - pyjama clad and Terry's Chocolate Orange in hand of course, I've come up with a list of my favourite tried and tested beauty bargains just for you.

Feel Unique know how to do a sale and you'll find a host of well know, well loved brands with great discounts. Cult favourites such as the Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm and the Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask - my personal favourite for sore Winter skin, both come in at a much lower price than you're ever likely to find them. There are also full brand discounts on premium houses such as Guerlain and YSL - my picks including the Terracotta Light Sheer Bronzing Powder and the Rouge Pur Couture Vernis À Lèvres Glossy Stains which although may only have a few pounds off are still very hard to say no to.

If you're looking to invest a little more and 2014 has been earmarked as the year you're getting into skincare the Clarisonic Mia 2 has a whopping 20% off - a considerable amount for a higher priced product and a system I would whole heartedly recommend to those wanting something that little bit special for their skin.

Space NK is always the place to go for harder to find luxury brands and they've made considerable reductions on a handful of Diptyque fragrances including my favourite, Philisykos. There's also a beautiful selection of Laura Mercier Votive Candles bundled together in one pretty package for half the usual price. All four are gourmande scents from Fresh Fig to Crème Brûlée - good enough to eat!

Most of the sales I've come across have featured Aromatherapy Associates - definitely a brand worth checking out for their Bath and Shower Oils alone, but it's Beauty Bay I've found to be offering up the best price with their Relax Deep coming in at nearly £10 less than it's original price.

Beauty Expert have a host of well discounted haircare finds including my new favourite styling product of the moment, the Kérastase Boucles d'Art Mousse and the majority of the Redken Shampoo and Conditioner Duos, led by the unparalleled All Soft range - perfect for post-holiday season hydration.

Asos have a much smaller selection of sale items in the beauty category but there are quite a few gems to be found, including O.P.I's Christmas 2013 Collection which boasts possibly the chunkiest silver glitter I've ever laid my eyes on in the form of I Snow You Love Me that should keep you and your nails in a festive mood for weeks to come.

Have you bagged yourself any sale bargains today?

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01. The amazing window display in Choccywoccydoodah, Brighton.. | 02. .. and a slice of their Chocolate Truffle cake that was bigger than my head | 03. First viewing of the Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette. B-E-A-Utiful. | 04. Snuggling up with the ultimate Christmas film | 05. A new shorter 'do | 06. Pret's Superfood Salad aka, Christmas shopping fuel | 07. Beautiful shopping centre decorations | 08. A spontaneous midnight baking session that proved rather successful.

Product of the Week: It was only at the beginning of the week I sifted through my stash of red lipsticks for the ultimate edit but now there's a new kid on the block in the form of the NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Red Square; a rich orange toned hue (see me sporting it here) and definitely my kind of colour. Not only do these pencils have incredible staying power, NARS really couldn't have chosen a better name as the word 'velvet' sums up the texture to a tee. I need more.

Should Have Gone Back to Purchase: The By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Brown Perfection. After a good swatch session in Space NK this creamy textured eye crayon which a rich chocolate brown hue proved not only hard to get off my hand but out of my head as well.

Watch of the Week: Once again I'll be shamelessly plugging this weeks edition of Vlogmas (see Part Three here or below) but there have been a host of festive themed videos popping up in my subscription box that I can't get enough of, including Lily's Cosy Winter Bedtime Routine, Sammi's Mince Pie Recipe and Suzie's Christmas Edition Flat Tour. Note: these go excellently with a cup of tea and a warm blanket.

Ladies and Genteman, I've gone for the chop. My initial foray into short hair has been gradually growing out over the last few months and after seeing Lily utterly transform herself with what's being dubbed the 'blogger haircut of the year', I got an itching for the scissors again.

I went for a collarbone-skimming blunt cut with a few longer layers to take out some bulk at the bottom and couldn't be happier with it. Sadly the fringe has failed to make a return as I found the constant battle to flatten it's unruliness down using heat tools was not only too much of a hassle in the mornings, but also causing unnecessary damage.

I've still been styling it in the same way as my recent hair routine video but I did pick up a few new products from the salon, including a Shampoo and Conditioner from Redken's Body Full range which adds weightless volume with no extra residue and the Kérastase Boucles d'Art Mousse from the Couture hair line fronted by Kate Moss herself - who could say no to that mane? It's more of a foam texture than a thick mousse and gives some extra hold and stylabilitly along with a boost of heat protectant. I've been applying it liberally all over my hair before blow-drying and the effects are amazing.

Hands up - who else has been itching for a shorter 'do?

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I'm certainly not one to shy away from a red all year round, whether it be a deep burgandy or a florescent orange but December is the time when the pure red-reds really come into own and there's nothing more festive than a matching crimson lip and nail combo.

The Long Lasting Red: I've already shouted from the rooftops about liquid lipstick formulas being the absolute longest lasting thing you can put on your lips and when party season comes being able to eat, drink and cringe worthingly dance the night away minus the worry about touch-ups is definitely the main thing I look for. The Sleek Matte Me in Rioja Red (the shade I'm wearing in the image above) is the perfect combination of indestructable lasting power and a pretty darn reasonable price tag.

The Glossy Red: Lip crayons might just be the handiest thing around - especially when it comes to a red pout that requires the ultimate precision. The Bourjois Colour Boost in Red Island* offers up a rich glossy finish that still packs in plenty of pigment teamed with a boost of hydration. It's also one of the easiest to pop in your handbag and re-apply, layering up without caking no extra need for a lip brush - space saver!

The Velvet Red: The Rimmel by Kate range still continues to be a firm favourite of mine for Autumn/Winter - 107 is just about the perfect berry. It's the shade 111 Kiss of Life however that has my pick for the perfect December red. Everything about this colour screams Christmas to me and the formula, although matte enough to stay put has a velvety look to it that adds an extra plump factor.

The Hydrating Red: Red lipsticks are known to be on the drying side but one I've found that heaps on the moisture is the Maybelline Colour Sensational in Fatal Red. This classic colour boasts a velvety smooth looking formula injected with a rich balmy texture yet no glossiness to be seen.

The Cult Red: Of course, this wouldn't be a post about red lipstcik without MAC's Lady Danger. The red of the century, universally flattering and stand out like theres no tomorrow, I have to pin this one down as my all time favourite by a mile.

Wear With: When it comes to nails my three picks for a perfect pairing are Essie's Fifth Avenue; if Lady Danger came in a nail varnish this would be it - the perfect bright red, Ciate's Misstress*; a nice rich opaque formula that will have your talons ready to party in an instant and another mention from the Kate Moss for Rimmmel range in the form of the Salon Pro shade Hip Hop; an ever brighter affair, this time on the more orange side of things and boasting my favourite 'one sweep and you're done' brush of the three.


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01. Can't go wrong with some Primark Christmas lounge wear | 02. Using Sunday Shampoo on a Monday .. rule breaker. | 03. Singing in the streets of Winchester | 04. The prettiest place to be at Christmas | 05. Red beauty product preparation | 06. Sitting on a hill admiring the view | 07. Christmas bedding is officially on | 08. Nothing more festive than a Starbucks red cup.

Must Watch of the Week: Mind if I shamelessly plug my own video? Alright then! I haven't spoken about it on this blog but I've been jumping head first into vlogging this month and trying my hand at Vlogmas. Slightly different to how the pros are doing it (and many an awkward public camera moment might I add) I'll be breaking it up into four easy to view parts going up at the end of each week. Part One can be seen here and I've left Part Two below for your viewing pleasure! For those who aren't so inclined to watching ten minutes of my own face my favourite Vlogmas so far this year has come from Essie Button. The often hilarious and always watchable snippets of her day are becoming slightly addictive and of course, how adorable is Reggie?!

Wishing For: I announced it in yesterday's post and I'll say it agin right now. I really really want to get my hands on the Naked 3 Palette. It may be the biggest beauty blogger chiché of all time but after being a little underwhelmed with their second offering it looks like third times a charm for this beautiful collection of rose tinted neutrals. Fingers crossed I can get one before they're all sold out!

01. Zara Check Scarf: My penchant for tartan prints is getting slightly out of hand (today I wore not only a tartan scarf but corresponding trousers too) and this near-blanket sized offering from Zara seems the perfect warm weather staple to see me through January.

02. Diptyque Classic Coffret: Diptyque candles truly have my heart and this set of three would be the perfect way to discover more from he brand. Made up of Figuier; a firm favourite, Baies; a staple of theirs and Roses; sweeter than my usual taste but one I could see burning away nicely on a Spring evening.

03. Parisian Chic: Forever longing to be roaming the streets of Paris in a stripe shirt and flats, this style guide penned by model Ines de La Fressange should help me on my way to that effortless French Girl cool.

04. Zara Office City Bag: After my last 'What's In My Bag' offering you should be well aware that I like to carry around a lot on a daily basis and this Zara number full of it's various zippers, compartments and pockets - that can even fit in a Macbook I hear, may just be the next Mary Poppins-esque bag I'm looking for. Plus, isn't it just beautiful?

05. Jo Malone Blackberry & Bay Cologne: I can hand on heart say I am now obsessed with Jo Malone. Trust me ladies, one tip to their beautiful counter is all it takes. I recently came away with their Peony and Blush Suede Cologne which has instantly stolen the title of my favourite fragrance this year, but another scent that really caught my attention was Blackberry and Bay. Every one of the perfumes are designed to be layered and the combination of these two was out of this world.

06. Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette: The one I didn't think I wanted but now can't stop thinking about - The Naked 3 Palette. At it's surprise announcement the Beauty World got a little wobbly at the knees for the rose toned collection of neutrals. I dread to think of the scramble for this once it hits counters on Monday!

07. Charlotte Tilbury Powder & Sculpt Brush: It's about time a tapered brush came into my life and this beauty from Charlotte Tilbury, a brand I'm just dying to try, seems to be the perfect multitasking shape for precision powdering, highlighting and sculpting all in one.

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Every so often a well viewed video will pop up in the recommended section of my YouTube feed and I'll get a guilty reminder that I'm not giving my skin proper care I should. Said video is the simply titled 'How to Clean Your Face' - a two part look at the right way it should be done, filmed by Into The Gloss (my beauty bible) with Isabelle Bellis, facialist extraordinaire who as well as being an expert on all things skin, oozes effortless French Girl chic that I'm forever longing for.

I highly recommend a good couple of views, pen in paper in hand ready to take notes, but to sum up her basic rules are no matter which products you use, application is key and taking time to have a moment and gain a strong understanding and connection with your skin is essential. One thing that I often skimp out on in favour of being swaddled in pyjamas and siting down to whatever's caught my attention on Netflix as quickly as possible is the facial massage. Spending time with your skin clearly couldn't be more important so from now on I've made a vow to work in those products with a little more thought and attention.

The most basic version of a skin massage and something I feel comfortable doing daily is made up of three simple movements. Fancy terms aside - Effleurage and Pianotage if you're into all that, start with firm moves up the neck to tone and lift, sweep from the centre of the face outward to drain the lymphatic system of toxins and finish with a light patting of the skin with the fingertips to improve circulation.

I've been incorporating this step when applying my evening moisturiser, currently Origins Make A Difference Plus+ Rejuvenating Moisturiser, with a drop of Aromatherapy Associates Soothing Face Oil* mixed in for that extra slip necessary for movement across the face. Even from the first attempt you'll see a difference. Skin feels alive, invigorated and of course boasting a just-massaged glow. When was the last time you really took a moment with your skin?


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Today I'm talking hair. Big hair, in fact, and the steps I take to get there from first rinse to last spray. The undisputed stars of today's video have to the be Enrapture Extremity Heated Rollers. After trying and failing at mastering that perfect bouncy blow dry - my hand eye coordination just doesn't extend as far as twirling a brush while operating a heavy machinery, I found these on recommendation from Corrie (who has absolutely the best hair by the way).

I've always associated rollers of any sort with overly curly hair and being far too much of a faff, but after heating these up and popping them in in five minutes, on my first attempt no less, I was pleasantly surprised at their foolproofeness and removed them to reveal the prefect volumised curl that I'd been seeking. Add in a few extra products, a quick make up application during cool down and I'm good to go in under half an hour!

L'Oréal Ever Pure Colour Care & Volume Shampoo | L'Oréal Ever Pure Colour Care & Volume Conditioner | L'Oréal Ever Riche Nourishing Intense Mask | Bumble & Bumble Prep | Tangle Teezer | Moroccanoil Treatment | Oribe Maximista Thickening Spray | John Frieda Hair Dryer | Babyliss Big Hair | Enrapture Heated Rollers | GHD Metallic Styler* | Schwarzkopf Got2B Sexy Big Volume Hairspray | Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray | Denman Dressing Out Brush


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I never consider myself particularly brand loyal when it comes to make up, in fact I find it hard to repurchase things on the rare occasion I actually use them up because in my mind, surely there must be something else out there to fall in love with? Confessions of a make up hoarder. Base in particular I usually source from an array of different brands as it can be the most tricky balance to get right, but a handful of offerings from NARS have been slowly creeping their way into my routine and now I'm finding it hard to go without them.

On good skin days it's the lighter option of the Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser that takes the ticket, which although having the most weightless, breathable and more importantly - non sticky oil-free formula I've ever come across with a make up/moisturiser hybrid, the coverage is somewhat surprising. A pea sized amount worked in with fingers (sheer coverage and brushless application - who am I!?) evens out uneven patches and redness imparting just the right amount of glow and when teamed with a few dabs of the Radiant Creamy Concealer - one incredibly pigmented product that doesn't know the meaning of the word 'cakey', on areas that require just a little extra, people will be wondering how on earth you have such perfect skin without make up on - wink wink.

For times when my complexion just isn't cooperating and that extra boost of cover is needed I opt for Sheer Glow - the foundation that comes with Cult status for a reason. Higher in the coverage stakes but no harder to blend in and with double the lasting power, this is the one for impeccably flawless skin. The terms 'sheer' and 'glow' are slightly misplaced here but although it has a satin like finish, theres definitely a hint of inner radiance about it - and isn't that the best kind anyway?

Since the Guy Bourdin One Night Stand Palette dropped a bomb on the beauty scene there's been a complete lack of other cheek products in my life. Why open two different Muji draws when everything's ready waiting in this neat little package? Deep Throat has been my everyday colour of choice for a natural pink flush, but Goulue has also taken my fancy with it's seasonal deeper tones. I've even been embracing Laguna - the bronzer I've had a well documented struggle with on my fair skin. The right brush is key in sculpting out a good cheekbone with this and the fluffy yet precise Zoeva Sheer Luxe Cheek Brush has this step covered. Unfortunately with the palette being limited edition it's near impossible to find online, but I hear rumours that they still may be lurking around the odd NARS counter. If you see one I seriously suggest you grab it!

The rest of my routine has yet to succumb to the lure of NARS - although I had a close call with their Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella recently. Super easy application, incredibly pigmented, great staying power and the most beautiful rich dark red that would have been perfect for Winter. The problem you ask? I wore it once and lost it. Yes, I know, I'm still kicking myself, feel free to join in. The wound is still too painful to go back for a second attempt but I certainly encourage you to!

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Another favourites video has crept up again and the thought of there being just one left until we hit next year is slightly scary. November has seen favourites coming from two skin meltdown saviours, a seriously volumising hair duo and a few drugstore make up picks that I just can't seem to get enough of. See the scoop below!

Pai Camellia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser* | Pai Chamomile & Rosehip Sensitive Skin Cream* | Clinique Take The Day Off Balm | Oribe Maximista Thickening Spray | Oribe Dry Texturising Spray | Nars One Night Stand Palette | Zoeva 127 Luxe Sheer Cheek Brush | Nars Radiant Tinted Moisturiser | Rimmel Glam Eyes HD Eyeshadows in Brixton Brown | Topshop Velvet Lips in Velveteen Ribbon


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01. A bedroom rearrange resulting in a new cosy little corner | 02. I'm by no means a coffee drinker, but sometimes Monday morning just calls for some caffeine | 03. Christmas party time! | 04. An outfit snippet featuring my toasty new jumper from Asos | 05. The Christmas lights are officially on! | 06. Ready to get cracking on The Body Shop Advent Calendar, resisting the urge to rip this open is very hard. | 07. Burning my first official Christmas Candle of the year - Yankee Snowflake Cookie.

Product of the Week: You may have thought I couldn't possibly mention it one more time, but the Topshop Velvet Lips in Velveteen Ribbon has been quite literally glued to my lips since it's purchase. I'm always partial to some red lip action but this slightly vampy burgundy hue has become a permanent fixture in my make up look. Super long lasting, smudge free an intensely pigmented, it's a travesty these don't come in more colours.

YouTube Series of the Week: This week my subscription feed has been saturated with Christmas Gift Guides and I've been greedy making my way through them all, shopping list and pen in hand. Think of it as having you're own team of personal shoppers picking out the best of Christmas gifting which I guarantee you'll end up wanting for yourself. A few favourites come from Anna - keep an eye out for her genius Muji idea, Lisa Eldridge - the ultimate guide for those seriously into the beauty world and Fleur & Mike - an always handy guide for the man in your life!

'I Need You In My Life' of the Week: Black Friday hit this week and my inbox was flooded with a host of incredible deals from my favourite beauty brands. One that particularly caught my eye was the 30% off sale at Omorovicza, boasting cult products from the Queen of Hungary Mist to the Thermal Cleansing Balm. I've been struggling not to buy it all but it's the Introductory Kit that's caught my eye, containing five travel sizes of Omorovicza's most loved products including the two just mentioned. This deal actually lasts until Monday so I'm giving myself one more day to weight up the pros and cons, although I'm sure we can all guess what's going to happen..

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