My Recent Favourites and New In

One thing I love to read  on other blogs and watch on YouTube is peoples' favourites and new in videos. Its like a little sneak peak into their lives and the ideal way to discover new gems. I gathered together a few things that make me smile or that I reach for on a daily basis, a real mix of everything to share with you all. 

Just before Christmas I found this mixer on buy, swap, sell and my wonderful brother went and collected it for me as it was closer to his home than mine. I have been lusting after Kitchen Aid mixers for years (which baker hasn't) but they are so far out of my current budget I never dreamed of finding anything. This mixer is by EGL and comes with rave reviews on amazon. I love it (obviously) and the pink colour makes me smile every time I use it. It has three different attachments as well as multiple speed settings making it the ideal kitchen addition. 

A long term favourite, I have been using Wonderblur since it launched about three years ago. I worked for THE BODY SHOP at the time and when a new addition to my favourite skincare collection ever launched I knew it would be a winner. This primer smooths the skin like nothing else I have tried, and as someone with seriously dry and awkward skin I have tried a lot, and makes my makeup sit perfectly without creasing or flaking. Always a win in my book. I smooth a pea sized blob over my face with my fingers before applying my foundation. This primer comes in at £18 a tube but lasts me around 6 months of daily use so I figure cost per wear isn't too bad! Try it at your nearby The Body Shop. 

Anybody even slightly interested in makeup will have heard of URBAN DECAY and their incredible palettes. I have three but their NAKED SMOKY palette is the one I have found myself reaching for daily currently to the point I have completely hit pan on one of the shades and have large dents in several others. I love that this palette can be used to create both day and night looks with ease and blends both matte and shimmer shades. As a lover of a subtle smokey eye even during the day, this palette was a no-brainer for me. I know nearly £40 may seem like a lot for eyeshadows ( I know my OH would say its ridiculous) but the range of shades and the colour pay off make these worth it every time for me. I get mine from my local Urban Decay counter.

As someone who triple sets their makeup (don't ask!), I use a LOT of setting spray so one thats affordable and does what it says on the tin is an essential. I find a bottle lasts me around 3-4 months which at £8 isn't too painful. I'm now on my third bottle and haven't looked back. I get mine from my local The Body Shop.

I love shoes. I have probably a few more pairs than strictly necessary but shoes always fit and can make or break an outfit. The next two favourites are recent additions to my wardrobe but are no less loved because of that...

These incredible floral boots are a bit of a marmite piece, you either love them or hate them and I'm utterly smitten! I found these in TKMaxx in the reduced to clear section with one pair left and in my size I knew it was meant to be. Surprisingly comfortable, I have paired these with a skirt and shirt for days out  or jeans and a jumper for a twist on a casual outfit. I plan to wear them with faux leather trousers and a blouse for an upcoming dinner with the girls. These boots are current season Steve Madden and although I paid a fraction of the full price, I would still buy them direct in a heartbeat. Grab the Goldie from Steve Madden, I purchased them in my usual size 39.  

My other recent footwear purchase came in the form of these drool-worthy metallic brogues by Pikolinos. The main hazard of working in a shoe shop is unpacking the new season deliveries, its like Christmas! These barely made it out the poor couriers hands before I had them out the box and on my feet. I haven't worn them properly yet but can't wait to style them with circle skirts or cropped jeans come summer. I've wanted a pair of brogues for years and have never before found a comfortable pair but these are heaven to wear and the perfect subtle statement piece. I got my Pikolinos Royals from Begg Shoes in a size 38, I usually wear a size 39 but found these generous in length although not in width.  

Please share your true loves and recent purchases using #diaryofadefectivehousewife, I'd love to see what makes you smile. 

Disclaimer: I work for Begg Shoes. However, all opinions about products from Begg Shoes are 100% my own and do not reflect the opinions of those at Begg Shoes. These shoes have been purchased by myself, with my own money at a staff discounted price. All my opinions are completely true and honest. I was also an employee of The Body Shop for over 4 years and discovered some of these products while in their employ. I have not been employed by The Body Shop for two and a half years and have used all products purchased with staff discount. All current products have been purchased with my own money either at full price or with discounts available to all The Body Shop customers.