Pumpkin Spice Biscuits Recipe

Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Lattes are everyone's favourite in the Autumn season, so I thought pumpkin spice biscuits would go perfectly with one. These soft biscuits full of spice and warmth are so irresistible you'll be baking another batch before you've finished the first round!

What you'll need:

 For the biscuits-

100g Softened Butter

60g Golden Syrup

150g Light Brown Sugar

250g Plain Flour

1 Egg

1 tsp Mixed Spice

1 tsp Ground Ginger

Half a tsp Bicarbonate of Soda 

2 Baking Sheets Lined with Baking Parchment

For decoration-

500g Icing Sugar

80ml Water

Orange Food Colouring

Green Food Colouring

Begin by preheating your oven to 180 Celsius (350F). Beat together the butter, sugar, syrup and egg in a large bowl. Then mix in the flour, spices and bicarbonate of soda, until it forms a stiff dough. If the dough seems too sticky then add more flour. Now, leave the dough to rest for 30 minutes. Sprinkle a clean surface with plain flour and role out the dough into a large rectangle at about 3mm thick. Cut out as many biscuits as you can using a cookie cutter of whatever shape you like, I used a pumpkin shaped one from Asda. Then arrange them, with slight room in between each one, on the prepared baking sheets. Continue to gather the dough and repeat this step until you have cut out as many biscuits as you can. Place the trays into the heated oven and allow to bake for 8-10 minutes, until firm and golden.

Time to decorate! Split the icing sugar and water into two bowls and mix until smooth. Add the food colouring to each bowl until you reach your desired colour, then place the icing into piping bags. Cover each biscuit with orange icing and allow to set before piping a stem and leaves with the green icing.

 Now you can enjoy your pumpkin spice biscuits whilst cuddling up with a hot drink and blanket on the couch!

Thank you for reading, stay tuned for more posts coming soon.

My Travel Makeup Bag

As I said previously said in my last blog post, I will shortly be going away on holiday to Florida. So I thought I'd share with you the contents of the makeup bag I will be taking with me.

Usually I wear hardly any makeup on holiday but, this time I will be celebrating my birthday and my parents anniversary whilst I'm away so we will be going out for meals where I will want to look fairly formal and dressed up.

               

I take my makeup in a clear toiletry bag so it is easier to find the products I need. This bag comes in a set with a larger and smaller size bag, you can purchase this from Boots.

Firstly I pack in order of what products I put on my face. Starting with primer, I take an oil controlling one and a bronzing one for when I begin to tan. Here is the Benefit Porefessional Matte Rescue Primer and the Smashbox Photo Finish Luminizing Primer that has a bronze tint with a shimmer.

                       

Moving on to foundation, I take my everyday and a darker, full coverage foundation to add to my everyday when my tan begins to develop. This time I'm taking the Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation and the Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation, both are long wearing and can be used for either a fuller or sheerer coverage.

                        

Similarly to taking a darker foundation to mix with my everyday one as my tan becomes darker, I take my normal concealer that matches my natural skin tone then a darker shade to mix. This is the MAC Pro Long Wear Concealer and the Maybelline Fit Me Concealer.

                       

As a powder, I like to take my favourite which is the Rimmel London Lasting Finish Powder. This controls shine for a longer duration and it also has a mirror and sponge in a compartment below the powder.

                       

When it comes to bronzer, blusher and highlighter, I find it better to take a palette that includes them all, this way it leaves more space. I take a bronzer that can be used as a contouring powder too and by taking a palette with a large mirror it makes traveling a bit easier. I'm taking the Nars Virtual Domination Palette which includes a bronzer, 3 blushers and a highlighter.

                                                                                             

When I want a more dramatic highlight, I love my Sleek Solstice Highlighting Palette. It has 1 cream and 3 powder highlights, which all give a gorgeous glow to the skin.

 Then for eyebrows I find taking a retractable eyebrow pencil saves space rather than taking a powder and having to take an extra brush. Also, I take a brow gel to keep the hairs in place throughout the day. I will be taking the Anastasia Beverley Hills Brow Wiz and the Lancôme Brow Gel.

                                                              

Moving on to eyes, I take an eye shadow palette that has a good range of mattes and shimmers, I stick to neutral shades as they go with everything! Also, I take a pigment and a liquid and pencil liner to add drama to a look. I rarely wear mascara during the day but I will take one for night time. So this time I will be taking- the Urban Decay Gwen Stafani Eye Shadow Palette, MAC Pigment in Melon, Rimmel Scandaleyes pencil and liquid liner both in black, and the Benefit Roller Lash Mascara.

Lastly, for lip products I take 3 lip liners, a pink, nude and red one. Then I take 3 lipsticks- a peach, nude and red. I also take a bright pink and a more brown toned nude and a nude lip gloss. I will be taking the: MAC Lip liner in Soar, Maybelline Lip liner in Sweet Pink and Pleasure Me Red, MAC Creme Sheen Lipstick in Creme Cup, Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick in 38, Lancôme Lipstick in 132, Nyx Soft Matte Lip Cream in Abu Dhabi and Istanbul, and lastly the Tanya Burr Lip Gloss in Lunch Date.

                

                                                                                   

Holiday Packing Tips

Soon, I am going on holiday to Florida so I thought I would share my most helpful packing tips and tricks with you all.

Firstly, I always find it easier to travel with a suitcase that stands out as it makes it so much easier to find your luggage on the luggage carousel. I have the IT Hard Shell Cow Print Suitcase. Considering cows are my favourite animals, I thought this suitcase was perfect for me as it also is quite unique and bold!

                       

Then to ensure that I don't forget anything when packing, I always make a checklist including everything from clothing, toiletries and electronics. Also, I include how many of each clothing items I need, remember always take extra socks and knickers (you never know what will happen!)

                              

Before you actually start packing your clothes, you want to lay out outfits. Usually, I stick to packing casual dresses or play suits for the day time as they take up less space in your luggage and are an outfit in one. Another good tip is to pack 4 tops to every pair of shorts, trousers or skirt.

When you begin to pack your clothes into your suitcase, rolling your clothes allows more packing space and your clothes won't get creased either. 

                                         

Also, I pack my underwear in ziplock bags because when you are at your destination they allow you to section your dirty clothes from your clean ones.

If you didn't know your luggage is usually thrown around quite recklessly at airports so to prevent your valuables like fragrances from shattering, wedge them between your clothes for protection and padding.

                         

With the air pressure in planes your liquid toiletries can burst or leak so to prevent that cover the bottle with cling film then screw the cap on.

                         

Makeup compacts can break too with the air pressure and by putting cotton pads in the compact it stops them from shattering.

   

I hope you found this post helpful and as always please comment below with feedback or any suggestions.

My Top 5 Favourite Face Masks

Once a week I like to treat myself to a face mask. Here are my 5 favourite ones I wish to share with you.

For when my skin is breaking out I use the Montagne Jeunesse Tea Tree Face Mask to combat my spots or blemishes. It is a cloth infused with spearmint, tea tree and bearberry which leaves your skin energised, revived and clean. The tea tree treats blemishes, whilst the spearmint refreshes and calms the skin. Lastly, bearberry naturally brightens, exfoliates and prevents fine lines and wrinkles.
This mask can easily be purchased from many supermarkets (Asda, Sainsburys etc.) or Boots at an extremely affordable price.

Similarly I enjoy using the Lush Mask Of Magnaminity when I have a few spots or my skin feels congested. It includes honey - a natural moisturiser, cleanser and antiseptic -  peppermint oil, to stimulate the skin, primrose and aduki seeds which gently exfoliate the skin. This mask also comes in a self preserving formula and can be purchased at your local Lush shop or ordered online.

At a more high end price I love the Clarins Pure and Radiant Mask to soothe, deep cleanse and comfort my sensitive and combination skin. With its pink clay it helps to thoroughly cleanse skin and refine pores. Perfect for oily or combination skin, it leaves skin appearing matte and fresh. Available to buy online or at Debenhams and Boots.

When my skin is dehydrated or dry, I always use the Clarins Hydroquench Cream Mask which simply boosts moisture, radiance and comfort. Again, Clarins products can be bought online or at Debenham or Boots in the UK.

Lastly, as a great exfoliator and  purifying mask, the Manuka Docotor ApiClear Purifing Facial Peel Mask works wonders to remove impurities (like blackheads) from pores, leaving your skin looking air brushed! It plumps, softens and exfoliates skin with its naturally antibacterial, antiflamitory and soothing manuka honey and purified bee venom. Although that sounds incredibly dangerous it really isn't, as it has similar properties to the honey and is proven to encourage naturally occurring cell regeneration, boost collagen formation, prevent sun damage and accelerate the recovery of damaged skin cells. Manuka Doctor products can be purchased from Superdrug, Feel Unique and their own website.

I hope you found this post useful, please comment below any feedback or product recommendations and follow for more Beyond Beauty posts. 

My Festive Pamper Routine 2015

During the Christmas period, I take out a couple nights a week to de-stress and treat myself to a pamper night.
I begin by running a warm bath and in this case I am using the Magic Of Christmas Bubble Wand by Lush. By holding it under the warm running water, it creates soft bubbles and turns the water orange with small flecks of glitter.







Whilst the bath is running, I light my favourite candles to create a relaxing, spa-like atmosphere. Here I have lit Soft Blanket, Angel's Wings, Sweet Pink and Apple Spice Potpourri, all from Yankee Candle. They create just the right balance of a sweet vanillery aroma with a hint of spice that adds to the festive feeling!

I then remove my makeup with the Soap and Glory Ultimelt Hot Cloth Cleanser and the Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Tamarind. Then I apply a facemask. Recently, I am using the Lush Mask of Magnaminity, which contains peppermint to help refresh the skin and draws out any impurities. It leaves my face feeling much smoother.

With the facemask working its magic, I hop into the bubble bath and begin by using the Snow Cake soap by Lush. Its subtle sweet scent is similar to Lush's Dream Cream and it softens skin and leaves you feeling relaxed and squeaky clean. I then continue to shave using Soap and Glory's Sugar Crush Body Wash and then wash my hair using Lee Stafford Beach Blondes shampoo, Tigi Bed Head Recharging Shampoo, Lee Stafford Hair Mask ("For hair that never grows past a certain length") and the Aussi 3 Minute Miracle Shine Mask. These products soften my hair and the Lee Stafford hair mask helps grow my hair from just one use.

Whilst the hair mask is conditioning my hair, I use the Soap and Glory The Scrub Of Your Life to exfoliate. This is one of my favourite scrubs because it lathers into a slight foam and gently removes dry skin.

After rinsing off the facemask and hair mask, I get out of the bath and dry off. To moisturise, I use the Dream Cream from Lush, which is perfect for sensitive and dry skin.

Once moisturised, I put on some festive PJs and move onto my skin care routine. I am currently using; Lush Tea Tree Water toner, La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo, Garnier Moisture Soft Moisturiser, Palmers Line Smoothing Eye Cream and lastly The Body Shop Born Lippy in raspberry. After drying my hair, I make a delicious hot chocolate.  I will post the recipe soon! 

I then choose a Christmas film to watch. Last night, I chose Disney's The Santa Clause, and cuddled up in bed with my puppy, Buffy, and relaxed with my hot chocolate for the rest of the night.

I hope you enjoyed this blog post and please comment below with your must haves for a festive pamper night! Follow me for more posts and feel free to comment any feedback or requests for future posts.

October Beauty Favourites 2015

Now we have rolled into November I thought it would be appropriate, as a beauty blogger, to share with you the items I have most loved throughout October.

Essentially, I have been focusing on finding the perfect base, that is long wearing and suitable for all different genres of makeup.
Initially, I fixated on improving and protecting my skin from becoming dry as the weather is growing much colder in England.

This is the Soap and Glory Ultimelt sold at Boots for £10. I discovered this perfect cleanser that removes all traces of makeup and soothes my skin, which was specifically what I was searching for. Whenever I use this product its spa like scent comforts and relaxes me as well as making the process of removing makeup enjoyable and quick. Simply, use a grape sized amount and massage over dry, makeup ridden skin for a couple minutes. Then soak the muslin cloth, included with the cleanser, in warm water and gently wipe away the cleanser and makeup to reveal your now pampered and silky skin.

I secondly aimed to come upon a light daily moisturiser to help preserve smooth hydrated skin during the winter. Luckily a moisturiser that I bought on a whim turned out to be a perfect match for what I was hoping to find, the Garnier Moisture Soft + for normal to dry skin smells wonderfully fresh and awakening. As for how it performs underneath makeup, it is brilliant! The duration of my foundation wearing on my face has lengthened and it allows my makeup to apply smoothly and it adds a healthy glow that slightly shows through my foundation, giving a much more natural appearance. This product is available to purchase from Boots, priced at only £3.99, a bargain!

Moving onto makeup:

During a quick makeup run in, of course, Boots, I came across the Revlon stand where I had previously planned to pick up a new dark lipstick and matching lip liner for winter time. I noticed at the top of the stand there was an offer including with the purchase of two products you received a free Revlon Photo Ready Primer! I hadn't heard anything about this product but seeing as it was free I couldn't say no! With not much hope for the product I tried it beneath my foundation, in my T zone, where I usually become oily throughout the day. Once I came to remove my makeup after a busy day I was pleasantly surprised to see how well my foundation had lasted and the lack of an oily shine across my face. As I've continued to use this primer I have fallen in love with it and it is now a part of my holy grail of products! This is available to purchase from Boots for £9.99, I'm very glad I did get this for free!

This Revlon Colour Stay Foundation for Oily to Combination skin has been a very much adored item throughout October, I wear the shade Buff which perfectly matches my fair skin. Available to buy from Boots, sold at £12.99. Although I would say the price of this foundation is in fact highly priced for a drugstore foundation, in my opinion, it is completely worth the price as the item has lasted me incredibly well considering I have practically worn it everyday for a whole month! A little of this product goes a long way and applies smoothly and leaves me looking flawless.

For covering my dark circles beneath my eyes I decided to give the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer another chance after having a disappointing trial with it a couple years ago. Whether they changed the formulation I'm not sure but Its creamy and full coverage formula will disguise any under eye bags or blemishes and will last you all day/night. it's easy to blend and I would definitely recommend you give this a try if you're in search of an affordable, long-wearing concealer. You can find this from Boots for £4.19.

During winter and autumn I prefer my makeup to look more glowing and less powdery, therefore I have been using the Rimmel London Stay Matte powder in translucent. This powder contributes to controlling the oils in my T zone without leaving a powdery or cakey finish. It allows my skin to have a healthy glow without looking oily or shiny. This powder is well raved about and at first I was quite apprehensive whether it would be worth the hype, however it is! This item is available for purchase from Boots, priced at £3.99

I was on the hunt for a bronzer that yet again adds a glow to my skin and doesn't appear orange on my pale skin. I saw the Maybelline Dream Sun Bronzer in brunette, you can buy this from Asda for £5,  and was automatically drawn to it due to the three different shades. All would be perfect for any shade of skin tone, the lightest shade would be perfect if you have extremely fair skin or as a golden highlighter on more deeper complexion. The medium shade is fabulous for a light bronze without looking orange at all and lastly the darkest section is great for a deeper skin tone or for contouring. I usually swirl my brush in all the colours and apply to my cheekbones, temples and forehead, leaving me looking incredibly bronzed and shimmery.

Previously, in summer, a lovely lady named Michelle that works on the Lancome stall at Boots in Preston, that we know well gave me and my mum some samples of the brands most popular products. Michelle gave me this blusher in Rose Paradise, and since the colour appears very intense and bright I neglected it for a couple months until I plucked up the courage to try it out one morning. Pleasantly surprised by its unexpected subtly, it added a pop of colour to my cheeks that made me look as if I was well rested and awake! This blusher is available to purchase from Lancome and online at Boots for £28.

As I have stated, I love my makeup to be more glowing in the colder months to give me a healthy shine, even if I am suffering with the common cold! One of my favourite places to visit to find beauty bargains is TKMaxx, that's where I found a luxury sample of the Mary-Lou Manizer from the Balm in a set with other samples of popular Balm items. The set only cost £9 but unfortunately I haven't seen it since or on their website however you can get your hands on it from Super Drug for £17.49. It adds the most gorgeous highlight to your skin and leaves you looking like a golden Greek Goddess all day and night!

Brows have been a main focus point in the beauty and fashion world and this Maybelline Brow Drama in medium brown creates fullness in your brows and keeps the hairs tamed. A great dupe for the Benefit Gimmie Brow, you can purchase this eyebrow volumising gel from Boots for £4.99. This gel adds the perfect volume to your brows without them looking like slugs! The unusual wand surprisingly works wonders, allowing you to reach every hair.

Lastly from the makeup items, is the new Lancome Hypnose Volume-a-porter mascara lengthens and lifts revealing lashes you didn't realise existed! Priced highly at £22.50, this amazing mascara can be purchased from Boots. This new formula lets you layer mascara to your desire without them clumping at all, you can wear this with any makeup look, whether it be a plain lid with a bold lip or smoky eyes with a subtle lip. I often wear this mascara with a smoked out lid when putting on false lashes doesn't appeal to me and I still get people asking whether my lashes are real!

My final October favourite would have to be the L'oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil for colour protection. It assists in maintaining  my coloured hair silky, smooth and vibrant. Improving the appearance of split ends, this oil enriched with six flower oils is truly extraordinary, like it states on the bottle! This would be a definite recommendation for those of you with coloured, dry hair that needs a saviour! Invest in this incredible oil from Boots for £9.99.

Share your favourites from October in the comments and I hope you enjoyed reading my post! Follow me for more Beyond Beauty posts.