Hey guys!

So it dawned on me: I haven't done a monthly favourites since October. OCTOBER.

I mean it isn't exactly the biggest deal seeing as I haven't changed make-up products for months and months (gosh i'm a sad excuse for a beauty blogger) BUT I have recently mixed it up quite a bit. So therefore I think it's only reasonable to give you the 4-1-1 on what I am loving.
1. Urban Decay - Naked 3 Palette
I'm sure no one is gasping in surprise at this having a lil feature in my favourites. I like this palette in particular as i'm able to get a bunch of different looks out of it (soft pink eye? check. bronzey eye? check. smokey eye? check). With these eyeshadows being high quality it's no surprise why everyone and their dog has heard about these.
2. Bourjois - 'Jasper Rose' blush
Anyone else not really a blush girl? I've never been into blushes as my cheeks go pink at anything (the cold, the hot, when i'm embarrassed etc). This is pretty much the only blush I wear. It's just a subtle pink which adds a healthy colour to my cheeks.
3. Priori Mineral Powder Foundation
Trust me I never thought i'd be a mineral power person but this stuff is amazing. Looks natural, has great coverage, quick to apply, and so longlasting. I've had this for years and everytime I go back to it i'm like "how did I forget how good this is?!".
4. Soap & Glory - Archery 2-in-1 brow
This handy product has been my go-to brow product ever since i've purchased it. I use both the pencil and setting gel everyday and my brows have never looked better. 
5. Too Faced - Better than sex mascara
Not shocked that this mascara is so highly talked about, it's probably the best volumising one i've ever used. I use this in conjunction with a curling mascara as on it's own it doesn't really give a curl to my lashes. Really liking it though.
6. Maybelline - Eyestudio gel liner
Ever since I have started using a gel liner my winged liner game has leveled up. I put it down to using this product though - it's so easy to apply. Most times I use sticky tape to help get that crisp line - it works a treat.
7. My 21st ring
A bit random, but eh, why not add this in. I got this for my 21st birthday and am so fond of it. My fingers are on the stubbier side so this is the perfect size that doesn't draw attention to them.
8. Cactus iPhone case
Best $1.50 i've ever spent on ebay! I got it from this place. I just think it's cute.

"OH WOW THANK-YOU" was the first thing I said after being gifted a voucher a Champagne Afternoon Tea at the Ritz. Then it dawned on me: what the hell am I going to wear?!

I went straight to google.
Always go straight to google. 

After looking through multiple blogs I kinda got an idea of what would be appropriate and what wouldn't be. While I was in Paris I picked up this cute little number from Zara.
Seeing as it was Winter I kinda had to wear tights and a big ole coat but I think it all tied in together nicely.

ALSO want me to let you in on a secret?......my heels are from Primark! I bet if staff got word that I was wearing Primark heels I wouldn't have been allowed in. I mean, it is The Ritz after all. 
After hopping off the tube at Green Park we made our way to The Ritz. Upon entrance we had lovely
concierge that guided us to the main hall where the afternoon tea would take place. We put our coats in the coat room and then were lead to our seats in the dining area.

My eyes were like the heart eyed emoji. I was trying to keep my cool but everything was so grand and pretty. There was also a woman playing the piano beautifully. On top of that the waiters were mostly Italian and had gorgeous accents that made me swoon. Don't worry guys, I kept my cool.

They promptly brought over the high tea stand which was littered with sandwiches, scones, and my favourite: desserts. They also brought over silver tea pots filled with our tea of choice (Earl Grey, mmm). In the photo above I am seen pouring my own tea but in reality 9 times out of 10 they would come over and top it up for me. OH and not to forget they also gave us our champagne which was ace.
After eating multiple sandwiches, scones and desserts I was done.
........well, that's what I thought. 
A waiter came around with a trolley filled with various cakes. He recommended we try the chocolate hazelnut cake. Um..yeah..a girl can't say no to that. It was delicious and I sighed relief at the fact that I wasn't wearing a pair of tight jeans.

After we finished up our slices of cake we got up, thanked our waiters, collected our coats and were on our way. It was a beautiful experience but I probably wouldn't do again, but was glad to have done it to say "I have had afternoon tea at The Ritz".

 One late night in February I was lurking the depths of eBay and ended up buying three sets of different make-up brushes - one including these RT dupes. (Here's the little link for where I bought them from). Upon arrival they were all in shape and didn't have that nasty chemical smell that some eBay brushes have. They also had a luxurious feel, not only in the way they looked - but in the way they felt (they're super duper soft). They cost $11 for the set, each brush being $1.50, which is such a steal.
100 Arched Powder: Ultimate powder brush. Personally I prefer a light swooping of powder so this is ideal if you want it light. I find my powder never goes on cakey with this as it isn't a dense brush.

 101 Triangle Foundation: I actually own the real version of this - shout out to my brother for being awesome and buying me an A++ birthday present - and the real thing is very similar. I would say the legit one is of obvious higher quality. That being said I think this brush is a pretty damn good for a dupe. Foundation applies lovely with this.

300 Tapered Blush: Despite this being intended to be used as a blush brush I use this for highlighter. Could definitely be used for either though! One of my favourites from the set.

301 Flat Contour: I use this to both contour and bronze. The shape is excellent for getting under those cheekbones.
200 Oval Shadow: It's meant to be an all-rounder eyeshadow brush but personally I prefer it for highlighting smaller areas such as under the eyebrows and cupids bow.

201 Pointed Crease: As you can probably tell from the colour of this brush I use it for ze eyeshadow crease. It's quite dense but it makes it oddly easy to blend in everything together.

202 Angled Liner: Is intended to be used as eyeliner brush but I prefer using it to apply eyeshadow to my lower lash line. That may be just me though - but I think it works well for that.

Verdict: I will admit I have noticed that the largest brush of the set (powder brush) is prone to shedding slightly but aside from that I haven't noticed shedding from any others. I think that these are fantastic eBay brushes. Ebay can be hit and miss - but these are the ones that are worth the buy. They are of high quality, feel luxurious, and have a great range of brushes. *heart eyes emoji*

I briefly mentioned purchasing these beauties in my high end makeup haul and I thought it would be nice to have a more in depth post including mini reviews and swatches. I have worn them all a few times and of course, because they're M.A.C, they have been amazing. The shades I have here are Viva Glam 2, Creme Cup and Dance With Me.





 Viva Glam 2: Out of the three lipsticks this is my favourite. It's an easy nude shade which goes well with any makeup look. It's a Satin finish which is my most loved finish as it glides easily over the lips without going into the cracks. It's also a creamy formula so it isn't drying. After being on the hunt for a 'perfect' nude lipstick for months I am glad i've found this gem. Would totally recommend this shade for anyone who is looking for an everyday lipstick.
Creme Cup: After hearing about this lipstick on various blogs I decided it was time to give it a try (..also..it's just a beautiful colour). It's a baby pink colour which somehow makes me look slightly tanner whilst wearing it. Creme Cup is a cremesheen finish which is probably one of my least favourite finishes. The thing I don't like about a cremesheen finish is that your lips have to be utterly exfoliated otherwise the lipstick will show up any impurities. I do like this lipstick but it's something that isn't an easy-wear as you have to ensure your lips are completely bare of all impurities (such as dry-skin etc). In saying that I don't regret purchasing it because I love this colour and it will be great for Summer.
'Dance With Me' liquid lipstick: I was SO excited to try one of the M.A.C liquid lipsticks. I opted for this shade as it was the one most similar to my most loved lipstick (Russian Red). I am so very impressed with this liquid lipstick. It has a flat doe-foot applicator  with a fine point which makes application a breeze. It's quite pigmented so a few swipes is enough to coat the lips in a seamless colour. I'd say it dries down completely matte in about 20-30 seconds. Unlike other liqui lipsticks this is completely matte with zero tackiness. Personally I don't find it uncomfortable on the lips, I mean it does feel dry but it isn't anything unbearable. The staying power is amazing as it lasts for a good 5-6 hours without having to re-apply. It also doesn't crumble on the lips which is A+. Basically I am adoring this product and I would say it is my favourite liquid lipstick ever. I like it so much that i'm tempted to hit up M.A.C and buy a few more. If you are wanting to try out a liquid lipstick I would definitely say this is a great one to begin with.

When you're traveling with limited luggage space it's wise to avoid buying items that are either bulky or heavy. Shoes are both of these things. And I bought five pairs. Oops?

I just couldn't resist. Can you blame a girl?

The night before our departure my mother and I were in a frenzy because we realized that we totallyyy didn't have enough space to fit everything in. After multiple attempts of re-shuffling the bag we had to throw in the towel as we realized the only solution was the buy another suitcase. So fifteen minutes before Primark's closing time we bolted in and left with a suitcase - SUCCESS. My shoes were gonna fit *high fives self*



You can never go wrong with a pair of cute black heels. These were only 10 pounds ($20) which I think is a complete bargain. You go Primarni.

Prague was the fourth destination I visited on my Europe trip and honestly: it was one of my favourites. We spent three days there and it was the perfect amount of time. After previously traveling the three Scandinavian countries Prague was a breath of fresh air because it was SO CHEAP in comparison. We lived like Queens and it was amazing.

On the first day we arrived into the city at 12pm so we spent the remainder of the day exploring the streets around us. On the 2nd day we participated in a walking tour (would totally recommend) and it was excellent hearing about the history of Prague. That night we went to a Czech restaurant and tried out some of their traditional meals ~ so hearty, so carby, so delicious. The final day consisted on a LOT of walking. We walked from Old Town (where we were staying) up to the Castle, and then to New Town, and then back to Old Town again. Our feet were so sore but it was completely worth it.

In a city so old and full of history I think it's important to walk around and take it all in. Sadly, Prague is littered with a ton of "segway tours" which I think are ridiculous. Sure - going on a Segway would be less exhausting - but the Segways detract away from the beautiful city :(.

We stayed at the InterContinental hotel and I couldn't recommend it enough. It was very central and in a safe/nice area of the city with the Old Town being only a five minute walk away. Funny story ~ one day my mum and I went to the spa and as we were about to enter the sauna this nude lady came up to us and rudely said "No, no no..you can't enter the sauna with your togs on..the toxins in them aren't good". Erm..i'm a pretty liberal gal..but her just standing in front of us completely nude (and ungroomed I should add..) put me off completely so mum and I hibernated back to our room. So yeah, if you go to this hotel and want to use the spa facilities be prepared to strip down haha, I was not prepared to strip down in front of strangers.

Overall I really, really liked Prague. It was such a beautiful city and I was so fascinated by all its history. It's really cheap so it's a great getaway if you're on a budget. Will definitely be going back there in the future :).