1. Bath time.

2. Bought a charm for my new charm bracelet (present from my lovely mum this christmas).

3. My mini white Christmas tree in my bedroom. I'm always so sad when Christmas is over and you have to take all the decorations down!

4. Festive doughnuts from Krispy Kreme.

5. Little Lindt Reindeer from my advent calender.

6. Delicious Pret A Manger lunch.

7. New chocolate discovery.

8. In my Pj's ready to watch some Vampire Diaries before bed.

9. Bedtime reading.

If you would like to follow me on instagram my username is laurathroughthelens.

 ♥

At first I thought that making a manageable sized post about my favorite products of 2012 would require hours of list making and re-making. Though, in the end i found it quite simple. The best products i encountered in 2012 were the ones that have found a permanent place in my life...

1. Simple cleansing facial wipes

I use these everyday to help take off my makeup and i'm not sure I could survive without them! They're perfect for my sensitive skin yet remove makeup really well. Something I've repurchased (and will continue to repurchase) uncountable times. 

2. Jo Malone Vanilla and Anise Cologne

Not only my favorite scene of 2012, but quite possibly, ever!

3. Kerastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique

As mentioned in my November favorites, this is the best heat protector I've ever used. It not only saves my hair from relentless heat damage but leaves it soft and de-frizzed. 

4. Orly Rage

I have been in love with rose gold throughout 2012 so this polish is perfect. I love quite neutral nail colours, and i adore anything with sparkle.

5. Essie Ballet Slippers

I found this in summer and have almost used up the whole bottle. It's the perfect nude pink shade that looks lovely on its own or as a base under glitter based polishes. 

6. Soap and Glory Hand Maid

This has been my life saver. Being a bit of a 'germ-aphobe' I'm always using hand sanitizer when i'm out and about. This one is the best I've found as it doesn't have the awful alcohol tainted smell that most do (oh yeah, and it's pink!).

1. L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes Mascara

I've used so many different mascaras throughout 2012 but this is the one i keep coming back to. It lengthens and adds volume without any clumps or smudging - what more could you ask for?! 

2. Collection 2000 lasting perfection concealer

This is an amazing product, especially considering the price. It's great at covering blemishes as well as under eye circles. 

3. Bare Minerals Touch up Veil

I found this in June and have been addicted ever since. It sets my makeup and banishes shine without looking 'cakey'. As it's a compact it's also really handy for throwing in my handbag for touch ups throughout the day.

4. Urban Decay Naked 2 Eye shadow Palette

Well what can i say really?! I loved the first Naked palette, and when this one was released I fell in love again. Gorgeous choice of neutral colours and perfect for travelling. 

5. Mac Painterly Paint Pot

I bought this in January last year and have used it almost everyday. It's the perfect base for eye shadows or worn alone for a very flawless, natural look. 

6. Chanel Emerveille Illusion D'ombre Eye shadow

I don't think I can say enough good things about this. It's the perfect product for an effortless yet beautiful eye  colour that again can be worn alone or as a base. 

1. Mac Pinch o'peach Blush

This has been my most used blush in 2012. It gives a gorgeous flush of pink to my cheeks and on days when I'm wanting a more natural look it's the perfect blush as it has no detectable shimmer. 

2. Nars Orgasm Blush

I bought this in February and have been in love with it ever since. It adds warmth to my pale complexion and a touch of shimmer. 

3. Mac Shy Girl Lipstick

This has been my favorite everyday lip colour throughout 2012. It gives a lovely wash of peachy pink colour to my lips and the cremesheen formula means that it doesn't leave my lips completely parched either. 

4. Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector (02)

I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with lip gloss - though it looks lovely, I can't stand the whole 'hair stuck to my lips' thing. However, this gloss makes my lips look (and smell) amazing without being at all sticky. 

5. Korres Lip Butter

I have a bit of an obsession with lip balm in general but this has definitely been my favorite in 2012. Read my full review here. 

6. Mac Tendertones (Hush Hush)

I simply can't get enough of these. Somewhat between a balm and a gloss, they leave the lips hydrated and glossy. Best of all though is the delicious strawberry/kiwi scent. I only hope mac re-releases them again before i run out...

For me, 2012 has been an amazing year filled with wonderful new product discoveries. I can only hope that 2013 is just as good, if not better.

♥

Christmas is, without a doubt, my favorite time of year. Last week I went late night shopping to my local Christmas Market, and despite the cold, I had a wonderful time (the mulled wine did help to keep my hands warm!). The Christmas lights were beautiful in the dark and there was lots of food and drink to enjoy whilst browsing the stalls. I bought a few decorations and some delicious cakes, as well as presents for friends and family, though I still have a lot of Christmas shopping to do...

♥

I can't believe it's December already, this year has gone so fast. As much as i'm sad it's almost over, the lead up to Christmas is my favorite time of year. I can't wait to put up my Christmas decorations and tuck into some mince pies!

Throughout November there's been some beauty products that I completely fell in love with...

2. Korres lip butter in Jasmine:

I use this every night before I go to bed and my lips in the morning feel smooth and hydrated... and as it's such a pale colour, I don't have to worry about it staining my bed sheets!

4. Jo Malone Vanilla and Anise Cologne:

This has become my signature scent. It's a lovely light fragrance for the day time also has quite good staying power. I also love the little bottle, it makes it easy for travelling or throwing in my handbag. 

5. Kerastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique heat defense:

Now that I've found this I'm not sure I could live without it. It acts as both a leave in conditioner and a heat protector that lasts until the next time you wash your hair. I've noticed a huge difference in the condition of my hair after using this for a couple of months. It controls frizz and has reduced the amount of split ends meaning i can go longer without getting a trim. Definitely a miracle in a bottle!

6. Chanel Emerveille eye shadow:

This is the perfect quick and easy eye shadow for a natural everyday look. Depending on how much time i have in the morning i either wear it alone or as a base for other shadows. You can read my full review here 

7. Yankee Candle Christmas Cookie:
I love the vanilla scent of this candle, it makes my whole room smell like fresh baked cookies! I really enjoyed burning candles in November as i don't really use them in summer. 

 After a painfully long wait i finally received my iPhone 5 which is quite possibly my most favorite thing at the moment... I am in love.

 ♥