LIFESTYLE: THE 2014 NON-BEAUTY FAVES

Many things beyond the world of beauty have managed to impress me this past year. From fashion accessories to methods of entertainment these aforementioned items have added a little joy these past 12 months, and later found themselves making the cut for my 2014 non-beauty faves list.

STELLAR MAGAZINE:
Unfortunately this is one only available to the Irish gals among us. I'm typically not a huge magazine reader and much prefer to get my fashion and beauty fixes online,  this however magazine has got me well and truly converted. With it's affordable price in comparison to others available, it's jam-packed with all things beauty and fashion and other life features thrown in for good measure while being the perfect offering to keep in the loop with all things celeb. Joy seems to run through my fingers as i flick through the glossy pages and i have found myself counting down the days until the next issue..somebody get this girl a subscription.

GOK WAN GLASSES: 
Something i seem to have unknowingly kept on the down-low round these parts is that i have possibly the worlds worst long distance vision and in between squinting to bring images into focus, i am a glasses wearer. On a ballsy trip to Specsavers mid-year i made what seemed like a pretty irrational decision to pick up this pair from Gok Wan's range of spectacles completely unaware of how much i would actually enjoy wearing them. The quirky-sophisticated edge they add to any outfit makes them a real winner for me while immensely improving my vision, which is always good, right?

ED SHEERAN'S ALBUMS:
If i were to choose my favourite person of the year 2014, it would undoubtedly be this man with my year seeming to center around both him and his music. His debut studio album + was always a good'un and since it's release way back when it was more than likely the music you would find blaring from my headphones but then he went and released his second album X and i fell in love all over again. Ed's lyrics speak to me in such a peculiar way, each song of his goes hand in hand with memories i have gathered throughout the day, sparking certain feelings and often mixed emotions. 2014 was also the year i got to witness his sheer talent live, an experience shared with the most wonderful people, and an experience which will be impossible to forget.

MORE THAN THIS - PATRICK NESS:
Do you ever complete a book and finding yourself reeling hours later in it's wake, pondering over it's hidden messages and questioning it's complexity? This is exactly what happened prior to completing this book, Ness has a way with words something that translates in this mindbogglingly accurate story. I found myself questioning everything after closing the book that one last time, the story, the characters, the setting and the almost cliff-hanger finale all contribute to it's greatness. It's definitely a must read, and in this list for a very great reason.

MONOGRAM COMPACT INITIAL MIRROR:*
There is something unbeatable about a customised item, the difference two letters can make to something as simple as this compact mirror is undeniable. My initials present and the quirky 90's colour vibe of this compact adds a twist to the usual. With it's high-quality steel casing, it's perfect for popping in your handbag for on the go use, without worrying about attaining 7 years bad luck for smashing a mirror on your morning commute. With a vast variety of other designs available too, Zazzle, the seller is your one stop shop for all your personalized needs.

SPIRIT WATCH 
While my desire for an authentic Michael Kors watch is somewhat uncontrollable at times given my current budget and funds i will be pursuing dupes for the foreseeable future. This particular rose gold offering from Spirit is uncanningly similar to some available from the aforementioned in all their luxury. With its highly budget friendly price tag and it's high quality, expensive appearance it's an all round winner and the perfect addition to anybody's arm candy collection, and it's entry to my accessories collection has been highly welcomed.


From reading to wrist candy, these items have proven to be well loved in the past twelve months and everything suggests that love will continue to grow far beyond the 14th year of the 2000's..

* denotes PR sample, read my full disclaimer here.

BEAUTY: TOP 5 EYE BRUSHES

Along with an excessive makeup collection often comes an even bigger collection of makeup brushes. Each makeup brush i own comes with a makeup brush of the same purpose that always stays left behind in it's pride of place on my dressing table. Having only one face and only two eyes makes it impossible for me to use each brush in my stash on a daily basis, and there is a set collection of brushes that i reach for on a more regular basis. I decided to take you through my favourite eye brushes which i managed to whittle down to just five..

NANSHY BLENDING EYE BRUSH - LINK(*): The first on the brushes list, is a beautifully soft blending brush from Nanshy. This is part of the Masterful Collection which has yet to launch, but you can get more information and a 20% off code here! The flat blending property of this brush makes it perfect for applying colour through the crease along with adding a dash of colour on the lower lash line. It's one of the more multi-tasking brushes of the selection as it also works brilliantly at applying a wash of colour all over the lid, while it's semi-dense bristles work at blending out all those unwanted harsh lines. It's also the perfect shape for applying colour to the outer third of the eye.

CROWN C441 BLENDING CREASE BRUSH - LINK: Another blending brush, but unlike the other this Crown brush works solely at blending out harsh lines and blending colour through the crease. This domed shape blending brush has loosely packed bristles which work at blending any colour. Unlike many other blending brushes, with this brush you don't do most of the work. This brush has the ability to blend out colour seamlessly without being too time consuming. It's also perfect for blending a transition colour through the crease before creating a smokey or any dramatic eye.

CROWN C213 CHISEL MINI SMUDGER - LINK: When it comes to smudging out colour on the lower lash line this brush from Crown Brushes is first rate. It's densely packed bristles make it super easy to smudge colour onto the lower lash line. It's the perfect small flat shape for blending out eyeliner for a more smokey look while not making it look ridiculous and messy. This brush is definitely the go to for a good smokey colour on the lower lash line, and in my eyes is essential for a smokey eye in general, alongside a good blending brush.. obvs.

CROWN C431 PRECISION DETAIL BRUSH - LINK: A pencil brush is definitely not an essential, but is definitely a good one to have in your stash. This one from Crown Brushes is the perfect tapered shape smoking colour onto the lower lash line and smudging out eyeliner. However, this brush is also perfect for applying brow bone highlight as it the perfect shape and size. Its also suitable for applying colour on the outer V of the eye pre-blending!

CROWN C208 CHISEL DELUXE FLUFF - LINK: A supersized flat shader brush to reduce the manual labour involved in applying a wash of colour to the lid. This brush makes it easy to apply colour to the full area of the lid in just one go. The densely packed bristles make it perfect for packing on colour to get the shadow to it's full colour and pigmentation intensity. It's definitely an essential in any collection, especially for all you lazy, the less work the better kind of gals.

And that's it, my full guide to my favourite makeup brushes. From blending to packing on the colour, these brushes have got you covered..