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Saturday 31 January 2015

Glossybox | January 2015

Hello My Lovelies, 

I hope you are all doing well and are having a fabulous weekend so far. I cannot believe January is almost over, it feels like the month just flew by. Like everyone else, January was a month of fresh starts for me. I wanted to start the year as I meant to go on and just throw myself into various things, one being my blog itself. This month has seen so many milestones in my life, one of which being my first full month at my new job (so exciting) - it has been a great experience so far and I cannot wait to see what else it brings. I know it is a little late (slap on the wrist) but I wanted to bring you this months Glossybox. Non including the special edition Harvey Nichols Glossybox this is my 3rd Month reviewing the box itself and it is always so excited when this glorious little parcel arrives on my doorstep. This month is all about 'New Year Must Haves' - totally appropriate with January and the New Year itself - let's take a peek inside! 


Firstly, let me start off my saying that this month we have five full sized products, yes you read that right, FIVE! Out of the three months I have received so far this is the first time I have received entirely full sized products. As a blogger this makes me extremely happy and overall it is quite exciting!  Not only do you receive five full sized products, Glossybox also decided to throw in a special little Gift Card too. 

Naked Lips Organic Lip Balm in Superfruits (Full Size) | RRP £3.75

Firstly, we have this Naked Lips Organic Lip Balm in Superfruits. I think you cannot go wrong with lip balms and especially at this time of the year when the weather is quite temperamental. This lip balm is 97% organic and 100% natural so rest assured you are using something free from any nasties. The formulation contains blueberry, acai, goji, baobab and pomegranate oils which help nourish your lips and also leave a sweet fruity taste behind. I have almost come to the end of my beloved Body Shop Vitamin E Lip Care so I will be sure to give this a try next - it may become a new favourite of mine. 

Jelly Pong Pong Cosmetics All Over Glow (Full Size) | RRP £10.00

Jelly Pong Pong Cosmetics is a completely new brand to me, however, I guess the whole idea of a subscription box is to introduce you to new brands. This All Over Glow is an oil-free lightweight illuminating gel, enriched with micronised pearlescent pigments & jasmine extract to highlight the face for a fresh, radiant complexion. If you are a regular reader of my blog then you will know how much I love an illuminated base and highlighter in general so I am looking forward to giving this product a try. I feel you could definitely use this straight from the tube and dab it onto the highest points of your face, however, I think you could even mix this in with your primer or foundation for an extra dewy glow. At first glance I feel this could be a great alternative to Benefits High Beam or Moon Beam - is it worth the £10.00 price tag? I will be sure to let you know sometime soon. 

Nicka K New York Colorluxe Powder Blush in  (Full Size) | RRP £6.70

Yet again, Nicka K NewYork was a completely new brand to me. When I first caught sights of this product I was instantly drawn to the rose gold-esque packaging (insert heart eyed emoji here) and also thought they looked just like the Seventeen Cheek Stamps (I own two and love them) - everything from the packaging itself and the application. These are not your typical style blushers and I love that even thought it is a loose formula without the worry of making a mess. According to the Nicka K NewYork website you can achieve a radiant and perfect flow with these blushes. These revolutionary loose powder blushes make application effortless and never overdone. Housed in luxurious faux metal packaging with a soft, touch applicator puff, these blushes are sure to add the finished touches to any makeup look. 

MeMeMe Eyeliner Pencil in Clay (Full Size) | RRP £4.00

MeMeMe is a brand I know and well and truly love. A few month ago I had the opportunity to try a selection of their products (review here) and I was very impressed. When I saw there was a MeMeMe product featured in this months box I was extremely pleased as I know they are such a great and affordable brand. Eyeliner is something I use on a daily basis so adding another one to collection will go down a treat - the one thing I wasn't completely sold on was the shade. To be completely honest I have never used a brown eyeliner before so it will be interesting to have a play around with it. I think it is more of a comfort zone thing as I always reach for my beloved black eyeliner. 

Kueshi Natural & Pleasant Cosmetics Revitalizing Face Toner (Full Size) | RRP £8.01

This product instantly stood out of the box to me, not only because it is quite a large bottle but that bright pink colour is just so fun. Another new brand to try out but I love giving new skincare a try so this will go down a treat. According to the official website, Kueshi products combine high quality active ingredients and natural products for their effectiveness, smoothness and texture providing optimal results to the skin. The formulation includes aloe vera, chamomile and caledula which are said to moisturise and rebalance the skin providing a sense of freshness and softness around the face. It combines natural moisturisers that soothe the skin leaving it feeling comfortable, fresh, clean and healthy. 

Hello Fresh £25 Gift Card 

I thought my eyes were deceiving me when I saw a £25 Gift Card including in this months box. The gift card itself is for a food delivery subscription service called 'Hello Fresh' and I have to say I am extremely intrigued by the brand. There is always a good side and a bad side to receiving these types of vouchers in subscription boxes and of course there are catches. Yes, you receive a £25 gift voucher, however, the cheapest box (the bestseller) to redeem it on is £39, so you still have to put money towards an order. No doubt, I will most probably give the service a try, however, I think I will hold on until my new kitchen is completed so I can do a full review for you all. The boxes themselves look great and I love the idea of a box full of yummy food and easy recipes. 

I hope you all enjoyed this evenings post and taking a peek inside this months Glossybox. Overall, I am really impressed with this months box and it has made me rather excited for next months box - being February (the month of love) I would love to see a Valentines themed box. In total this months box works out around £32.50 and for a £12.95* box (inc p&p) you are getting your money's worth, plus that is not including the £25 voucher. Previous boxes have contained a bit of a mixture when it comes to products, however, I quite like that this month is focused more around beauty and makeup with the added bonus of a food element. Like always lovelies, if you have any questions, requests or if you just want a chat you can contact me on my social media or leave me a comment below. I love hearing from you all and I make sure to read every single comment…they really make my day!

What do you think of this months box?

Lots of Love
*PR Sample
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Sunday 25 January 2015

Outfit | Barbour International Bronson Backpack

Hello My Lovelies, 

I hope you are all doing well and are having a lovely Sunday. Earlier today I tweeted (@SophiaMeola) that I was working on something a little different for my blog today. I say different because it is something I don't typically lean towards on my blog. One of my New Years resolutions was to work even harder on my blog and venture out into more avenues...one of which being outfit posts. Firstly, I take my hat off to all the fashion bloggers out there who take outfit photos daily! I found it quite difficult trying to get the right picture for this post and I really hope they have turned out alright. Nether-the-less, we all have to start from somewhere and hopefully you will see my outfit posts slowly getting better. I thought I would share an outfit I have really been loving recently and also a lovely Barbour International bag I was sent.

Blouse - River Island | Jeans - Topshop | Boots - Primark | Bag - Barbour International*

I really loved how everything fell together for this outfit and I loved how comfortable it was for a lazy Sunday. Starting with my blouse, this little beauty is from River Island and I picked this up last week after work. I was umming and arring about it for so long that I finally decided to take the plunge. Do I think its worth the £34 price tag? Absolutely not, however, I have been completely obsessed with it that I have had to let go of the price and move on haha. My beloved Joni Jeans are something I reach for over and over again as they never fail me. I used to be all about the Jamie jeans but now I have tried the Joni's it has kicked off a love affair. I have these in a few different shades and I cannot wait to pick up a few more. They are super comfortable and I love how they are high waisted. Moving on to shoes, I get mixed reviews about my Primark Boots but I have to say I absolutely LOVE them - they have a little platforms so they instantly make you look taller and the quality is outstanding considering they were around £12 from Primarni. 

It is no secret that I absolutely love my handbags so I was delighted when the Barbour International team got in contact with me about this little gem. It is not something I would typically go for but that is what I love about it, I think everyone needs that backpack style bag in their collection that they can grab on the run or even for travel. The Bronson Backpack draws upon Barbour International's motorcycle heritage and is a compact quilted bag with biker-inspired styling. This stylish backpack boasts a quilted nylon outer in Barbour's signature diamond-stitch design, with luxurious leather trims and aged brass effect hardware. Adjustable straps make for comfortable everyday wear, while branded studs and an enamelled badge team with the iconic cotton tartan lining to create the unmistakable Barbour look. The Bronson Backpack definitely has something for everyone and even features a removable padded 'Tablet' pocket which could double as extra storage. Originally £169 now gone down to £140 in the sale it is quite a lot of money to spend on a bag, however, if you are looking for a top quality backpack similar to the Bronson and don't mind spending a little extra this would be the perfect bag for you. 

I hope you all enjoyed this post and diving into something a little bit different. If you like these types of posts then please let me know and I will work on a few more, also please leave any requests down below in the comments. Like always lovelies, if you have any questions, requests or if you just want a chat you can contact me on my social media or leave me a comment below. I love hearing from you all and I make sure to read every single comment…they really make my day!

Lots of Love
*Contains PR Samples
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Saturday 24 January 2015

Disney Frozen Lip Smackers

Hello My Lovelies, 

I hope you are all doing well and are having a fabulous weekend so far. Being it is the weekend I wanted to bring you something a little different today. If you follow me on my various social media platforms or if you know me personally then it is no secret that I am obsessed with all things Disney. I have been very fortunate and have visited Disney World in Paris, Orlando and Los Angeles and fingers crossed I would absolutely love to return back soon. Ever since Frozen was released back in 2013 I have been completely hooked and I even asked for an Olaf plush for Christmas. When a Frozen related email popped into my mail box back in December I literally jumped at the chance and now I cannot wait to share these fabulous Lip Smackers with you. 


The Disney Frozen Lip Smackers have become my latest Disney obsession. All in all the Frozen collection consists of six special edition Lip Smackers which are based on beloved characters from the film itself. Each Lip Smacker comes complete with a different character and glorious scent which you can see from the pictures above. The four I had the pleasure of trying are: Sven in Berry Slush, Anna in Strawberry Shake, Elsa in Cool Vanilla Mint and the lovable Olaf in Coconut Snowballs

You wouldn't believe it (as some lip smackers can be quite sickly), however, each smell is absolutely delicious and are not overpowering at all which is a huge bonus. I don't know about you but here is nothing I dislike more than applying a sickly product to my lips and having it linger all day. I am so indecisive so I don't think I could pick a favourite, however, trust me when I say that they are all absolutely scrumptious...plus check out the super cute packaging! There are also two other scents in the collection to try out: Kristoff in Ice Pop and also Elsa & Anna in Chilled Cranberry Grape. I love how the Frozen theme has carried on through naming each balm - Coconut Snowballs is just so fun! As you can see from the pictures above, each Lip Smacker corresponds its scent by a colour. I know what you might be thinking, blue is a hard colour to pull off when it comes to lip products, however, have no fear these little beauties apply sheer onto the lips with little to no colour. When I saw the blue shade it instantly reminded me of Joey Tribbiani and his Ichiban lipstick for men commercial in Friends - such a classic! I have to admit they are not the most hydrating and moisturising lip product on the market, however, they are perfect to throw in your handbag on the go or to use before applying your favourite lipstick - perfect for any makeup novice or addict. I have been loving using mine first thing in the morning when I am getting ready and using them throughout the day at work - because I have four I love scattering them around so I have one wherever I go. Additionally, not only are these Lip Smackers quite adorable but they are also extremely affordable. You can pick these up from Claire's Accessories for £3 each or the full collection in a cute novelty tin for £10. The website is not showing full stock, however, a store near you might have more variety. Whilst browsing on the website my eyes caught site of a Disney Princess Lip Smackers Collection...as you could imagine I am trying extremely hard to restrain myself right now - however, it took a total of 3 minutes before they landed in my shopping basket (sorry not sorry). 

Overall, I am really impressed with these Lip Smackers and they have made the perfect little addition to my Disney Frozen Collection. If you are currently on the look out for a cute little gift idea I think these would really go down a treat. I hope you all enjoyed this post and I would love to know your thoughts on the Disney Frozen Lip Smackers - which would be your favourite? Like always lovelies, if you have any questions, requests or if you just want a chat you can contact me on my social media or leave me a comment below. I love hearing from you all and I make sure to read every single comment…they really make my day!

Lots of Love
*PR Sample
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Monday 19 January 2015

Charlotte Tilbury Supermodel Look Video Makeup Box

Hello My Lovelies, 

I hope you are all doing well? I was umming and arring about what I wanted to post today as I have a selection of goodies waiting to be shared with you all. In the end I decided to bring you the second instalment to my Charlotte Tilbury postings that I mentioned in my previous Charlotte Tilbury Haul post. My love for Charlotte Tilbury keeps on growing and growing and I am always on the look out for my next purchase. Just before Christmas I was extremely lucky to have won an amazing giveaway hosted by Jane from the BritBeautyBlog over on her Instagram. I entered the giveaway thinking nothing would come of it (I literally have the worst luck) and whilst I was on my lunch break over Christmas I got a message through saying I had won. The Supermodel Video Box was on my wish list, however, at the time I couldn't justify spending the £200 price tag...it was as if fate was on my side haha. Before Christmas I had only ever tried the Dolce Vita Palette (review here) and the Film Star Bronze & Glow which are both glorious products, now my collection has expanded quite considerably I think it has kicked off a ripple effect...I just want to buy it all! Does anyone else get like that?! 


Combining the vintage wonder of an old-fashioned Ballerina jewellery box, and the technological ease of an iPad, you can watch, learn and apply makeup simply by opening the lid. Charlotte shares her secrets step-by-step, bringing her coveted artistry right into your home - perfect for makeup novices and product junkies alike. For a limited time, you can purchase The Supermodel Look Video Makeup Box - you will be wearing that perfect smoky eye and sultry nude lip in no time at all. I believe this has completely sold out on Charlottes website, however, I believe Selfridges still holds some stock if you are interested in this beautiful set. You can also watch the Supermodel Look tutorial over on the Charlotte Tilbury Youtube channel. 

The Supermodel Look Video Makeup Box contains a video tutorial on how to achieve the Supermodel makeup look, which is Charlottes eleventh woman and a selection of Charlottes coveted products. You receive the Fallen Angle Luxury Palette, K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick in Confession, Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds Lip Lustre, Sex on Fire Cheek to Chic, Rock N' Kohl in Bedroom Black, Pillowtalk Lip Cheat and Full Fat Lashes in Glossy Black

Firstly, we have the ever so gorgeous Cheek to Chic in Sex on Fire, which is a beautiful rosy pink shade that has illuminating pearl like flecks in the formulation. I have always wanted to add one of the Cheek To Chic blushers to my makeup collection and now I cannot wait to experiment with it. I adore the fact that it has two different shades in the pan - it just gives you more choice. I will more than likely swish and pop the blush onto my cheeks but you also have the choice to use one or the other. The full collection consists of six beautiful shades and each of them have light flex technology which helps capture the light and re-emits it for a luminous complexion - sounds incredible right?!

Secondly, we have the Full Fat Lashes in Glossy Black. This mascara claims to curl, separate, volume, length and add drama all in one. I think we have all spent our entire life finding the perfect mascara and I am super excited to give this one a try - I love my lashes looking super volumous and false like esque. According to Charlotte, the 5-grooved brush deposits the optimal line of mascara along the lash line, pushing your lashes up and out. The fine-tipped bristles catch every lash, no matter how short or fine. The glossy formula creates full-on, voluptuous, outrageous lashes that don't drop onto your cheeks. The maximum bristle count covers every lash to the very tip, to create the perfect flutter. Lastly, the 5-star brush creates a 3-dimensional flutter - lashes are finely separate, creating the perfect false lash multi layer effect. Some big claims here but I have high hopes for this little gem - I cannot wait o bring you a full review. 

Next we have the every so stunning Fallen Angel Luxury Palette, which was featured in my previous post - yes ladies I now own two of these beautiful palettes and I cannot believe it! I was first introduced to this palette through the Supermodel Look Video Makeup Box itself back in November which is why I placed it on my Christmas list. This limited edition palette is the first Luxury Palette from the Charlotte Tilbury collection with a breakthrough formula for a wet and dry finish. You have the option to either use dry for a rich and buildable layer of colour, or with a dampen brush for three times the colour intensity and an irresistible liquid metal reflective finish. Fallen Angel is a gorgeous smokey eye palette which combines a perfect blend of pale golden pearl, antique silver, velvet black and a molten metallic bronze, plus the embossed star design is stunning. I have a love affair with my Dolce Vita Palette so I have full confidence that this little beauty will also be completely well loved. 

Next we have the beautiful K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick in Confession, which is a dusky, tawny nude flecked with pure gold particles which was inspired by the full, ample lips of Helena, Christy, Naomi, Cara, Joan and Adriana. Charlotte Tilbury calls this here genius full proof shade as it suits absolutely everyone. I absolutely love this shade and I really hope it suits me. Combined with the glorious golden flecks this makes the most perfect and unique nude shade. The K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick collection are part of Charlotte Tilbury's signature range of 11 lipsticks curated with modern and classic icons in mind. The collection is a capsule colour wardrobe of backstage nudes to red carpet reds made to suit any skin tone. The formula is enriched with a breakthrough, secret ingredient, the Lipstick Tree, an anti-oxidant that naturally protects lips from UV damage and external pollution leaving them cashmere soft and irresistible. Blended with special waxes and clever light-diffusing pigments for pert, full-bodied, ultra-brilliant lips that ensure you leave a lasting impression.

Next we have the Rock N' Khol in Bedroom Black. This product is a no-nonsense liquid eye pencil which glides on like an absolute dream with its soft and wax-rich formulation. The formula itself contains crushed pearl powder, know to stipulate collagen production. It instantly hydrates skin, smoothing the surface of the eyelid, making it easy to achieve an impeccable, clean blacker than black line. It has a waterproof formula which has claims to last up to 14 hours. I love these types of eyeliners, especially if they are marketed to be super soft as I hate hard eyeliners that tug on your eye area. I am excited to give this a try as eyeliner is something I use on a daily basis and this could potentially knock a few of my current faves off the shelves. 

Next we have the ever so famous Lip Cheat on Pillowtalk. This is another product I was lucky enough to receive for Christmas so I was so pleased to see another included in the set. I feel this lip liner will be a new favourite of mine and have the lovely Amelia Liana to thank for this glorious obsession. Charlotte Tilbury calls her Lip Cheat lip liners her backstage secret weapon. Lip Cheat is a rich, velvety lip liner that glides effortlessly over the lips and has the power to completely re-shape, re-size and balance your lips. Some huge claims there but I cannot wait to experiment with it and bring you a full review really soon. This is the perfect pinky muted nude that looks beautiful worn alone or paired with a lipstick of lipgloss of your choice. 

Lastly but certainly not least we have the delightful Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds Lip Lustre - what a fabulous name! As you can see from the pictures above it is a light, peachy nude shade with golden shimmering particles in the formula - however, the particles are not to extreme. The creamy-vinyl texture is enriched with Lotus Flower extract, an anti-oxidant that protects, hydrates and soothes lips for a gorgeous, perfect, lacquered finish. Paired alongside the K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick in Confession make the perfect sultry nude lip combination. 

Now, I think we all need to take a moment to appreciate the exquisite rose gold packaging. If you are a regular reader of my blog then you will know my obsession with all things rose gold and I have to say Charlotte has really hit it on the nail...it is just so dazzling! Overall, I am completely in love with the brand and this Supermodel Look Video Makeup Box. The Supermodel makeup look is completely stunning and I cannot wait to try and re-create it, I just know it will be a well loved look throughout 2015! Charlotte can do no wrong haha! I hope you all enjoyed this post, I would love to know your thoughts on the products mentioned above and if you have any tips and tricks whilst using them. Like always lovelies, if you have any questions, requests or if you just want a chat you can contact me on my social media or leave me a comment below. I love hearing from you all and I make sure to read every single comment…they really make my day!

What are your favourite Charlotte Tilbury products? Anything I should add to my wish list? If you would like to see full reviews of the products mentioned above please let know. 

Lots of Love
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Sunday 11 January 2015

Charlotte Tilbury Haul

Hello My Lovelies, 

I hope you are all doing well. I have been a little quiet over on the blog this week, with good reason I promise. If you follow me on Twitter (@SophiaMeola) then you will know that I started my new job this week. I had an amazing first week and I am very excited about working with the company and working on some exciting projects.

Firstly, welcome to my 300th post! As I never got round to writing up a 'What I got for Christmas' post I thought I would gradually go through and show you some of the lovely items I was lucky enough to receive this year. I have posted a few already over on my Instagram (@SophiaMeola) if you fancy stopping by and taking a peek. I thought I would start off with a Charlotte Tilbury post...this brand has grown to be one of my absolute favourites and I have to say I am a sucker for the gorgeous rose gold packaging! Before Christmas I had only ever tried the Dolce Vita Palette (review here) and the Film Star Bronze & Glow and now my collection has expanded quite considerably. I was lucky enough to be gifted a goodie box but also win a competition from Jane over at BritBeautyBlog. I have decided to cut my Charlotte Tilbury posts in two and today we are starting off with the goodies I receive for Christmas!


Safe to say I was extremely pleased with this Charlotte Tilbury goodie box that was underneath my Christmas tree this year. I have to admit this was not a complete and total surprise as I actually chose out all of the product when we had a family trip to London at the end of November. Either way I am very excited to play around and use these products more, bring you some full reviews and hopefully use them in some upcoming tutorials. 

Firstly, we have the Luxury Palette in Fallen Angel. I first saw this palette when I first saw the Exclusive Supermodel Videobox make-up set on a selection of different social sites. I was so pleased to see that you could actually purchase it separately when I popped into Selfridges as it is literally such a gorgeous palette...I just want them all! Don't get me wrong, I would have loved to purchase the set myself but to be honest I couldn't really justify the £200 price tag. Never-the-less, I was actually lucky enough to win the set through a giveaway and I cannot wait to share it with you. This limited edition palette is the first Luxury Palette from the Charlotte Tilbury collection with a breakthrough formula for a wet and dry finish. You have the option to either use dry for a rich and buildable layer of colour, or with a dampen brush for three times the colour intensity and an irresistible liquid metal reflective finish. Fallen Angel is a gorgeous smokey eye palette which combines a perfect blend of pale golden pearl, antique silver, velvet black and a molten metallic bronze, plus the embossed star design is stunning. I have a love affair with my Dolce Vita Palette so I have full confidence that this little beauty will also be completely well loved. 

Secondly, we have a K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick in Bitch Perfect. I must have tried on a good five lipsticks before eventually deciding on this little beauty. The K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick collection are part of Charlotte Tilbury's signature range of 11 lipsticks curated with modern and classic icons in mind. The collection is a capsule colour wardrobe of backstage nudes to red carpet reds made to suit any skin tone. The formula is enriched with a breakthrough, secret ingredient, the Lipstick Tree, an anti-oxidant that naturally protects lips from UV damage and external pollution leaving them cashmere soft and irresistible. Blended with special waxes and clever light-diffusing pigments for pert, full-bodied, ultra-brilliant lips that ensure you leave a lasting impression. Bitch Perfect (fabulous name) is a gorgeous pinky-nude that works amazingly with Pillow Talk Lip Cheat (see below). The formula is extremely impressive, a dream to apply and well pigmented - I think this will become a new favourite of mine. 

Finally, but certainly not least we have the ever so famous Lip Cheat in Pillow Talk. I have the lovely Amelia Liana to thank for this glorious addition. Charlotte Tilbury calls her Lip Cheat lip liners her backstage secret weapon. Lip Cheat is a rich, velvety lip liner that glides effortlessly over the lips and has the power to completely re-shape, re-size and balance your lips. Some huge claims there but I cannot wait to experiment with it and bring you a full review really soon. This is the perfect pinky muted nude that looks beautiful worn alone or paired with a lipstick of lipgloss of your choice. 

Now, I think we all need to take a moment to appreciate the exquisite rose gold packaging. If you are a regular reader of my blog then you will know my obsession with all things rose gold and I have to say Charlotte has really hit it on the nail...it is just so dazzling! Overall, I am completely in love with the brand and with the three new addition to my makeup collection. Charlotte can do no wrong haha! I hope you all enjoyed this post, I would love to know your thoughts on the products mentioned above and if you have any tips and tricks whilst using them. Like always lovelies, if you have any questions, requests or if you just want a chat you can contact me on my social media or leave me a comment below. I love hearing from you all and I make sure to read every single comment…they really make my day!

What are your favourite Charlotte Tilbury products? Anything I should add to my wish list?

Lots of Love
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