BACK ON TRACK

It's safe to say, it has been a while. I've been meaning to do an update for quite some time and it was only when Megan updated her blog that I actually got a kick up the backside to do it myself.

Basically, I'm here to say that I haven't disappeared forever, and that I plan to be posting again ASAP, even within the next few days or weeks if time will allow it. I've got excuses all over the place but to be honest only two of them are actually decent enough to be mentioned in the post. I think that says something about my motivation over the past month or two - non existent.

Firstly, I think I underestimated the stress of A Levels, I'm days away from beginning my AS exams and so the pressure is mounting and unfortunately things like blogging have to take a back seat every now and then. At the same time though, I'm getting more interested in universities; I currently have the aim of doing a History degree because it's my favourite subject, but also a hard one to get onto in terms of entry requirements - even more reason to increase the revision big time. To be honest, it is pretty hard to maintain your education, part time job, driving lessons and something like a blog all at once at the age of 17.

Other than that, when my motivation came back, my health decided to somewhat bail on me and I got really poorly. Its not the most interesting of topics to be writing about, but its an excuse. I've almost entirely recovered from whatever mystery illness I had (it look its toll on me whatever it was), but because of not being able to go to school, do any revision or keep in touch with school work whatsoever whilst being poorly, yet again I had to sling the blogging to one side while I caught up with all that.

I don't really know what the purpose of this message is, but to be honest, it was mainly just a reminder that I'm still here, will be making a return, and that generally life is good for my part. Hopefully, I'll be doing much more of this soon.

HOLIDAY BEAUTY ESSENTIALS

When you read this post, I'll be on holiday, hopefully basking in the sun and catching a nice tan to show off when I go back to sixth form, and of course that means it is warranted a dedicated post to the beauty products coming in my bag this year.

Of course, this is honestly in nearly all holiday posts I do, but it is the La Roche Posay Anthelios XL SPF50, a facial SPF I have used for the past year and a half above any others. Although my family don't tend to be as bothered about the world of skincare, I much prefer to buy myself a bottle of this to prevent breakouts and get a much more facially targeted protective base. The Burts Bees Lip Balm might be coming with me if I don't get the chance to get an SPF lip balm before we go away, but this will do if not, because I genuinely cannot stand the feeling of burnt lips. I don't think I've ever been sunburnt apart from on my lips, and I plan to keep it that way whilst minimising the latter too.

I've also got the Bourjois Bronzing Primer because my face is always slightly paler than the rest of my body when tanned, so this'll help even everything out for that. The last base item is the Benefit High Beam mini - not only the best for travelling, but also a super glowy and natural looking highlighter that'll look so nice in the evenings with a light base and some mascara, and the Rimmel Scandaleyes Shadow Paint in Golden Bronze - something a little more gold than I would usually go for but with a tan (you see how I've actually factored in a tan to each item?!)

Of course, I thought it'd be nice to have the option of a bright lip, and I chose the Wet n Wild Lipstick in Purty Persimmon. I mainly chose this because it is seriously long wearing - we are talking 8 hours or so, and I'll probably be eating at an almost constant rate on holiday, and paired with the summery coral red shade, this is the perfect option to take with me. On the theme of colour, I've also got the Illamasqua Nail Lacquer in Lament, a nearing neon pink but not too stand out, and one that'll be coveted on the fingers and toes this holiday.

What are your holiday essentials?

RECENT BEAUTY PURCHASES

Recently it would seem I've been spending quite a bit of money on things without realising, and besides the guilt I had another recurring thought that I should really compile them into a post as I got quite a good selection of items.

What I was pretty excited about was the Max Factor Miracle Touch Creamy Blush in Soft Copper - quite an orange/brown shade which is unique to my collection, and has a very creamy, rather dewy finish to it which I like, as most of my blushes are either powders or set to a powder finish. To make things better it was in the clearance bin in Tesco. In the same clearance bucket of excitement I found the Bourjois Colour Edition 24H Cream to Powder Shadow in 02 Or Désir - quite a true gold. I'd been wanting to try out these shadows for a long time so what better way than for a reduced price?

The lipstick there is actually the colour I intend to wear for my Year 11 prom on Tuesday (I'm pretty excited) - and it is the Maybelline Colour Sensational Lipstick in Coffee Craze - quite a brown nude that doesn't set too matte, and it is unlike anything in my collection. I wanted a very neutral nude that wasn't too pink nor peachy and this ticks those boxes pretty well. Also from Maybelline I got the Super Stay Gel Nail Colour in Rose Poudré, a very pretty pink nude shade, and I can confirm that this stuff seriously did last on me for 7 days, and it's so rare that a nail polish does on me (I'm pretty prone to chipping).

Also for prom intentions I picked up the Eyelure Lashfix, although I won't be using it. It is a striplash adhesive and I have individual lashes so it doesn't work too well, but it might come in handy in the future if I ever branch out into proper lashes. I got the Palmers Cocoa Butter Lip Balm quite a while back but I thought I'd throw it in because it is rather nice and does a good job of hydrating overnight.

Finally to conclude this haul I got the Botanics All Bright Radiance Concentrate Serum and I'm in the process of testing it out to give my verdict on it, but I like it so far. It's a very thin consistency and 2 drops covers my face quite well, though I'm yet to see any major glow going on - but I'll report back.

Perhaps a spending ban is in check? Have you been splurging recently?

THE PETITE DECEMBER 2014 ROUND UP

What. A. Year. It seems to have just flown by, especially in blogging terms. I started the year as 'The Beau Bow', progressing into the step of buying a domain under 'Petite December' and really getting to work with my layout, content and pictures, and I've had absolutely no regrets about that step.

This year I've really come to terms with blogging; thinking about my content as well as planning ahead. I've changed up my personal style rather dramatically as well as improved my makeup application alongside my knowledge and I feel far more capable of writing good quality posts (although a tight budget makes things a little more difficult). In the recent months I've fallen in love with fashion and can't wait to (hopefully) get a more 50:50 fashion and beauty regime going on post-wise.

My most popular post of 2014 was the 'Kylie Jenner Esque Lips' in which I explored the slightly overdrawn, staple pink-brown nude lip that Kylie has been coveting over the year. Following that is the 'Half Up Hipster Bun' show and tell in which I expressed my love for a hairstyle introduced to me by Lily Melrose. At the beginning of the year I declared a battle between some of the well known Drugstore Foundations around - some of which I still love today. And one of my favourite post titles of the year, 'On Wednesday's We Wear Pink', of course, exploring my pink beauty selection with a few harmless Mean Girls references.

I've recently got back into Intragram, so for more regular pictures and updates, follow @petitedecember . I've been so proud of my post consistency throughout 2014, and I hope 2015 will see the same, although it is my year for GCSE exams so we will see how things pan out, but scheduling will always be by my side.

I've already been planning plenty of posts for the new year (I have a notebook, and I'm being pretty bloody organised), and can't wait to see where 2015 will take Petite December.

WHAT TO BUY FOR A TEENAGE GIRL

* PR Sample

I'm not one for writing gift guide posts, generally as it depends on the situation, the person, and the budget. But this year, as I am a teenage girl myself literally hitting 16 years a couple of days ago, I thought I could perhaps a few of you out that are struggling for a friend or relative.

I think for most of us, when you struggle on what to buy, or need a little filler present, we all opt for the body spray. I don't know why, but I know it's always my backup option. I got sent this set of So...?! Body Spray Set* and if you needed you could split the range, or even just do it as the set.

Sticking with fragrance, I also received the Britney Spears Fantasy EDP 30ml* which is the perfect scent for someone my age. It's rather sweet, but also is balanced out by a slight musk and really is just a youthful scent that I'm sure so many girls would love. For body, most people I know adore Soap & Glory, and so buying a Righteous Butter would be a nice gift perhaps alongside some other minis, as a sweet pampering gift.

For those that are wanting something a little more high end, I 100% recommend an Urban Decay Naked Palette. I have Naked 2, but any would be perfect. I personally would opt for 1 or 2 as they are more neutral rather than the pink tones in 3, as it is a little safer and those two suit most eye colours. Another makeup item is the Maybelline Baby Lips. I don't use these too often, but the amount of people I see at school using these is unreal, so if they happen not to own them already, you have a perfect stocking filler.

For the girl that doesn't particularly like makeup nor beauty, I would suggest buying The Wet Brush*. Mine is in a cute mustache print, and I've had this for such a long time and use it daily. It honestly is the best brush I've ever used and even the girls furthest from beauty lovers would appreciate it.

These House of Holland Polka Dot Nails would also appeal to a nail fanatic. If you don't want the glue aspect, pick up some Elegant Touch Adhesive Tabs, as they just make the process as little less damaging and longer lasting if I say so myself. These are 3D, monochrome and stiletto shaped; I would be pretty bloody pleased to receive these myself.

Finally, this Trim Brow and Lash Set*. If your mates are eyebrow obsessed like mine are, this would be a great present. You get a mirror, a spoolie, some scissors and tweezers in a travel pouch - and only costs you about a fiver. I know a lot of girls that would appreciate this present a LOT.

Hopefully I gave some ideas, and if you have any more please do leave them in the comments!

BATH AND BODY WORKS POCKETBAC

I has a bit of an obsession with hand gel about half a year ago, and to be fair I kind of got bored with my endless stock of Cuticura Passion Flower and Mango. When I was in Bath & Body works I was overwhelmed with the vast selection of fragrances of their PocketBac and I couldn't resist picking up a few.

My personal favourite is Island Margarita, it smells incredible and fresh. I don't actually know what Margarita's smell like, but, it is what I imagine. Fresh, clean and subtly zesty and tangy. Sweet Pea is basically (as the names suggests) a very sweet fruity-floral scent. Caribbean Escape smells fresh but also with a hint of coconut - the typical holiday scent in a hand gel.

The reason I like these so much is that they keep you germ free but don't smell too chemical like other bog standard hand gels, they smell divine so I basically slap these on as regularly as I can. I wish I had got more if I knew they'd be so darn good, I probably would have ended up with drawers full.

IN FLIGHT BEAUTY ESSENTIALS

In a matter of days (upon writing this post) I will be jetting off to Florida, and while you read this, I will be there, hopefully enjoying the sun as well as the beauty and fashion out there. In flight beauty is something I take quite seriously because my skin does get the worst of it when I'm on a plane.

It's a morning flight, so I will have recently done my whole skincare routine, which is why you only see the Balance Me Radiance Facial Oil* and Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask*, as I plan to slap these on to ensure for no dry skin issues, as we all hear of how much flights dry out your skin from video upon video of travel makeup bags.

I've also taken the Anatomicals Puffy the Eye Bag Slayer* gel pads because I think that popping these on half an hour before landing could do me well, relieve the stress (nervous flyer problems) and also make me look a little more awake after the 8 hour journey. To use afterwards, I have the Bobbi Brown Tinted Eye Brightener, as this is really lightweight but just seems to cover with a bit of tint any dark or tired-ness under the eyes.

I also have my Nivea Milk & Honey Lip Balm because we all know the pains of chapped lips, so I'll be topping my pout up with this very regularly. I put in the Burts Bees Hand Salve too because my hands are pretty dry at the moment, and once again, I don't want them to get any dryer from the plane.

Finally I have my Blink Contact Lenses eye drops, and although I am most definitely NOT wearing my contact lenses during the long haul flight, they come in handy for a refresh or just when I need them incase I put my lenses in upon landing.

So there you have it, everything that I will be using for some in-flight pamper. Expect to see numerous haul posts when I return...

BEAUTY AND FASHION HAULING

I did some shopping over the past few weeks, so compiled into a video I made a haul.

Keep checking back to my channel as I have a brow routine uploading as we speak!

BEAUTY FIRSTS TAG

Video time once again, and today I thought I'd update you on the latest of my uploads - the Beauty Firsts Tag.

Prepare for nostalgia, childhood memories, and beauty embarrassments. It's a good'un, trust me (although I am biased).

THE PRIMER COLLECTION

Using a primer is often a step that I miss out in my makeup routine, because I have struggled for a while now trying to find the perfect one, and sometimes I'm just too lazy. I do however have quite the compilation of primers so I thought I would categorize them and ramble.

BRIGHTENING: So, we all have dull skin days at times and on those of mine I quite enjoy the Bourjois Luminous Serum Primer, which doesn't have any shimmer in, but just seems to make the face look radiant. It really is glowy skin in a bottle, and although it doesn't help with longevity it is worth it for the glow.

SMOOTHING: Smoothing primers tend to be quite heavily silicon based at times so I do often experience breakouts after using them. The first is a love hate relationship primer; the Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer, which is really smoothing, and keeps makeup on all day (I like to use it just on oily areas when I am using BB Cream or glowier bases), and I have just got back into using it so I will report back if I get any breakouts. I also have the Proactiv Smoothing Primer but I don't use it too often as it smooths but doesn't help with longevity all that much.

BRONZING: In the summer when you want to rack up the tan or in the winter when you are fed up of your pale skin, a bronzing primer is always a good'un to have in your stash. My personal favourite is the Bourjois Bronzing Primer which I also like to use over foundation around the outer areas of the face and on the cheekbones for an extra glow. I also like the Too Faced Primed and Poreless Tinted Primer as it is almost a mix of the Bourjois and Smashbox primers in one.

This post has actually inspired me to use my primers more often, we'll see how it goes tomorrow morning aye?

BEAUTY HAUL: CCO AND LOCAL

After not spending any money on beauty for a good 6 weeks, Megan and I went to Bicester Outlet Village for her birthday and had a little spend up, and both came out with bags full of bargains. I also popped to my local ASDA and got some clearance and roll back items so I thought they would be included too.

The first thing I got in the CCO was the Bumble and Bumble Classic Hairspray for £7.50. This isn't the largest size but as I am going away soon I thought it'd be more appropriate. I haven't tried anything from the brand prior to this and I'm pretty excited. I must say, the scent is a bit odd, but I'll post a full review shortly.

After running out of my DHC cleansing oil a while ago I noticed my skin was falling back into its bad habits and when I stumbled across the Origins Clean Energy Gentle Cleansing Oil for £15.75 I instantly took it to the till. It is a pretty large bottle might I add, so this will be lasting me for quite some time I predict.

I was also running low of my current Kiko Natural Concealer that I use to brighten the under eyes, so when I saw a Bobbi Brown Tinted Eye Brightener for £13.75 I instantly picked one up, as did Megan. On first impressions I do really like this. I also got the Smashbox Limitless 15 Hour Wear Cream Shadow in Gemstone for £10.50 on Megan's recommendation and it honestly does last such a long time.

From ASDA I saw the NSpa Deep Hydrating Facial Oil for a mere £5 and thought I would give it a go. To be 100% honest, I was sold by the pipette bottle (such a child), but I am looking forward to getting some hydration going on. I also found a Maybelline Colour Show nail polish in Urban Turquoise for £1.87 in the clearance and I have it on now, and I am so impressed. It was opaque in 1-2 coats, dried almost instantly and is such a unique colour in my collection. I have added more of the range to my wishlist already.

Oops, so many purchases. Might I add, I am thinking of getting some Nike Free Runs or Roshe Runs (have you tried them? Let me know your opinions), after seeing Anna style them so well countless times and I think I will be able to get a children's size saving me some money... the joys of tiny feet.