Sunday Tittle Tattle: The Beached Whale

mr bear british shorthair cat

If you’re reading this then it means that I’m lying somewhere (probably on the bed) in the manner of a beached whale and can’t be bothered to open my laptop to write a proper post. I’m most likely eating something non-nutritious and wearing my new red-checked nightshirt (molto sexy!) as my stomach is now too big to fit into any of my pyjama bottoms. So, sorry about that – third trimester pregnancy problems, etc! As a consolation prize, here are some pictures of the cat.

mr bear british shorthair cat

There’s also a video at 7.30pm tonight about my top winter makeup palettes – it’s sure to get you excited about glitzy Christmas things, so make sure you watch it.

If you can’t be bothered to look me up on Youtube (the link to my channel is here) then fear not, for the video will be embedded into tomorrow’s post, aptly named My Top Winter Makeup Palettes. I’m not slacking off completely, I’ll have you know!

PS: did you know that Mr Bear is now FIVE? Do you remember the first video he appeared in? Here’s a recap – prepare yourselves for all of the cute:

The post Sunday Tittle Tattle: The Beached Whale appeared first on A Model Recommends.


© 2016 A Model Recommends®: all opinions are my own and any sponsored or paid posts will always be very clearly marked. I accept press samples and receive product and services to review as part of my job. Outward links to retailers will usually be affiliate links. Please see here for full “about” section and disclaimer.  A Model Recommends and Ruth Crilly are registered trademarks.

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So Sephora Isn’t Coming to the U.K After All

Sephora Isn't Coming to the U.K 2017

Late last year, the news unofficially – as in it didn’t directly come from Sephora but rather very trusted sources – broke that Sephora had plans to finally set shop up in the U.K once again; sure it would only be one location (London) but for many it was better than nothing and raised the hope of the possibility for further British branches. For weeks, it was all anyone could talk about and the announcement was received with unprecedented excitement levels, well dear reader I’m afraid Sephora is no longer arriving on the U.K shores anytime soon, if ever.

Why? From what I have gathered no one really knows. Perhaps Sephora felt it was too little, too late? Maybe they decided that that the supposed location of Westfield Strafford was not ideal as it isn’t exactly central, nor somewhere those pushed for time would venture; as a Scot that has been to London several times – with my tourist blinkers on – I would imagine that Oxford Street would be a more fitting address – central and a hotspot for both local and visiting traffic. There is also the fact that a lot of brands that Sephora stock are exclusive to other retailers within the UK – for example Kat Von D is only sold within certain branches of Debenhams and Tarte can only be found on the QVC website. Of course, this is all speculative and the real reasoning most likely will never come to light.

Sephora Isn't Coming to the U.K 2017

Although I wasn’t the hugest champion for the U.K unveiling – despite it’s European roots, I feel that the U.S is the real “home” of Sephora – I am a little sad that the expansion has not been granted the green light – the beauty industry has never been more booming and just about every blogger and YouTuber who as much as wears lipstick has undoubtedly uploaded some form off Sephora haul in their time. I am not deluded enough to as much as hint we alone keep the beauty sector afloat but all that free brand promotion certainly can’t help the brand. I have said in the past that I don’t think the U.K version of Sephora would be as impressive as those further afield but I did agree that there certainly is more than room for a one-stop cosmetic and skincare shop within the U.K – a gap said brand could more than fill.

I also assumed (foolish I know) that with a new international location that a British website wouldn’t be far behind meaning no more costly importation fees, nor lengthy waits for said delivery to arrive (well in theory – we’ve all had encounters with dodgy couriers). An online U.K based Sephora presence would also open up the brand to those who are unable to travel be it to London or elsewhere, and of course allows for those late night and often regrettable splurges. Even if said website only sold own brand products – which I would argue are as good, if not better than some high end products – it would be a start and a move very much welcomed by many.

There are rumbles that perhaps Sephora will go down the concession route within the U.K; opening up small counters in already existing department stores, something that is already in play in hundreds of J.C Penny stores within the states. Again this is better than nothing and also allows customers to see and try products before purchase, and in the long run could serve as a test to how well the company is received within a market it has neglected for so long.

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Ruth’s Annual Candle Video…Merry Christmas!

annual candle video

Merry Christmas everyone! If you’re reading this on Christmas Eve then you’ll be feeling very festive no doubt – Christmas Eve is actually my most favourite part of the whole deal. It’s just so filled with memories of the excitement that I felt when I was little; there’s something totally magical about the night before. Being made to go to bed so that “Father Christmas” could come down the chimney, leaving out the mince pie and carrot…

annual candle video

Here’s my Annual Candle Video – please do watch it if only to laugh at Mr AMR lighting the candle wicks. He refused to waste a new match on each candle and so the flame kept getting nearer and nearer to his fingers! I actually filmed over a dozen of the candles being lit but these were the only ones I could include – I was envisioning a million health and safety complaints landing in my Youtube comments section. I will possibly do a more in-detail candle post early next week with my favourite picks – though they were all pretty lovely, to be quite honest! I have listed them all, with a few “tasting notes” underneath the video pane. Maybe some of them will go into the sales – I shall keep my hawk eyes open and keep you updated.

But it’s goodbye for now; I’m taking the next few days off! I will be back next week with a renewed sense of purpose and lots of exciting posts.

Have a wonderful Christmas, everyone. Eat, drink and be merry.

Ruth xx

Candles Shown:

Space NK Shimmering Spice Small Candle: http://goo.gl/qNjGuH – this is small but perfectly formed and smells amazing. Really good value at £15 but with a true luxury scent.

The London Oil Company, Christmas Spice: http://www.thelondonoilcompany.co.uk/… – costs from £7! Really unusual and quirky little number from a tiny London business.

Diptyque Resine: http://goo.gl/LeJp2z – oh, just delightful, as always.

Elemis Spa Light Candle: http://tidd.ly/faf9b276 – I love the way the jar glows and the Elemis name lights up! Smells very relaxing too.

Large Red Jo Malone Candle – Frosted Cherry and Clove: http://www.jomalone.com/product/3555/… – erm, seriously luxury this one. V expensive. Not usually into clove but this works well with the cherry.

Green Foil Candle is Cire Trudon Gabriel – AMAZING! Possibly my favourite, apart from the one below from This Works. http://goo.gl/vS9CKM

Swirly green-jarred candle is Malachite by Fornasetti: http://tidd.ly/347a8472 – total indulgence and the jars are like little pieces of art!

Deep Sleep Heavenly Candle by This Works: http://goo.gl/DK9saM – just amazing, this one and truly does help you to relax!

Ormonde Jayne Etoile Scented Candle: http://www.ormondejayne.com/tolu-scen… – properly thought-about scent. Unique and rich and indulgent.

Emma Bridgewater Candle: http://tidd.ly/c421dd03

Hush Pomegranate & Peppercorn: http://tidd.ly/dfe42801 – so chic! If you like Pomegranate Noir and want a slightly more affordable version, then this is quite similar…

l’Occitane Arlesienne: http://goo.gl/Ud1YsD – light and florally and sweet.

Tori Burch (on top of orange box): http://www.toryburch.co.uk/fragrance-…

NEOM Perfect Peace Candle: http://tidd.ly/5866bd44 – gorgeous, but sold out pretty much everywhere, sorry…

Shiffa Prosperity Candle: http://goo.gl/cz1qp6 – LOVE this! Shiffa is a mega-expensive brand so thought this would be incredibly dear, but is £35. Not tooooo bad.

The post Ruth’s Annual Candle Video…Merry Christmas! appeared first on A Model Recommends.

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Back to Beauty School!

There’s something about heading back to school that makes us nostalgic for the days of being on campus. Is there anything better than starting a fresh planner or notebook with crisp, clean pages? (We’re looking at you, Trapper Keeper™.) Or having a legitimate reason to stock up on Beyonce’s back to school bundle? And get our post-summer makeup game back to a #flawless fall status for the first day of class? THE BEST. What’s not the best, though? Those 8 a.m. Friday morning classes (oof). Here are 3 easy-to-use (beauty) school supplies for when you accidentally on purpose over-snooze.

BacktoSchool_2014_AllProductsSqaure

 

1. Art Class — A Pop of Color

Simultaneously running in between classes, checking Twitter and finishing a term paper require expert-level multitasking. Luckily with lollitint, you can have a pop of color on your cheeks and a perfect pout in no time. Our lip & cheek stain is perfect for dabbing and dashing out the door.

BacktoSchool_2014_Loli_2

 

2. All Nighter — Conceal The Deal

Now, we know that school isn’t simply about homework and studying for finals. Social events, big games, weekend parties, weeknight parties. So. Many. Parties. What better way to disguise a rowdy night out than with our hydrating concealer, fakeup. Tuck it into your bag & glide it on to hide any signs of a late night. It’s as easy as sharpening a #2 pencil.

BacktoSchool_2014_FakeUp

3. Flirting 101 — A+ Lashes

Come on, ladies. Who hasn’t had fun killing lecture boredom by catching the eye of a new crush? You’ll need some beyond belief lashes to wink your way into a coffee date. Apply a few coats of they’re real! mascara, and you’ll be guaranteed to get an A+ in Flirtconomics.

BacktoSchool_2014_Tar

Cheers to you, gorgeous students. May your midterms be easy, your collegiate fashion not include wearing pajama pants in public, and your eyeliner be as straight as your As.

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