Something I wanted to talk (well, type) about is goodbyes. I know this is far from my usual lipstick based blogpost, however it's something that I have found myself reflecting on a lot recently, and I wanted to clear my head of it a little, so I decided to put my fragmented thoughts into words. I did say this year I would talk as freely as I wanted on my blog, so it was going to get a little personal at some point, I guess we're at that point.

Throughout life, Goodbye is something we say or feel a lot. Goodbyes seem to be becoming more frequent in my life the older I get, whether they're the goodbye you never said because you didn't realise that person had drifted from you or the dragged out inevitable goodbye. Both, of course are painful.

I don't think I am saying this applies to everyone you leave behind. Not all goodbyes are painful, some of course are positive, and some are needed. Those kind however are not the kind which are bothering me.

As humans, people constantly come in and out of our lives. Some people we can leave behind without feeling a thing, maybe not even realising we have until we look back, and some people you feel a connection with, a piece is missing when they go, and you feel slightly empty after that final goodbye - of course in time that space fills, but it's a empty for a while nonetheless, even if it's just for seconds.

There are some goodbyes we set ourselves up for. We let our guard down, we connect with people knowing that a goodbye is coming. Hoping that knowing it's around the corner will make it less painful, that we'll enjoy our time with that person but leave it behind when they leave us behind, that memories that will remain and won't be bittersweet.

I believe people should live for the moment, I think we should have people in our lives we want there, whether they may leave in a few months, a few years or stay forever, because if you want someone there, you still want them despite ticking clocks. 

Having said this I'm not so great at the goodbyes. The people who choose to leave are difficult, because I feel envious, and sad  that they're gone,  and they've made the choice to go. 

I think it's important that no matter how short the time is someone is around you always appreciate them, and when they leave, have grace, say goodbye, be sad, be happy and move on.

Even if they don't stay long, I think there is always a reason people pop by.

How do you find saying goodbye? It is not something I do well, which I guess is why I'm writing this. I recently struggled with a goodbye, more than I expected - I was lost for words, and now the words have found me.

So this first month of 2016 has gone by, so it's time to share the bits that have tickled my fancy over the last four weeks.

There have been two palettes I have been reaching constantly throughout the month. One of which has had plenty of hype in the blogging community recently, so I'm sure you won't be surprised when I say I've been loving the Urban Decay Gwen Stefani Eyeshadow Palette. Firstly the package of this the beautiful, I also find it very practical, it's a good shape and fits in my current make up bag, it also has a good size mirror which I've found myself using a lot. I have been reaching for the shade 1987 most days, it's the shimmer golden colour, and if you know me, you'll know I am the biggest fan of gold eyeshadows, so this is right up my street. I also love the shades steady and punk, and I've found the shade Harajuka makes the prettiest shade of blush, so I've found myself applying it to my cheeks rather than my eye.. The eyeshadows are so pigmented and blend so well, they're just really great quality eyeshadows.

The second eyeshadow palette I'd never actually heard of before I got it myself, it's the Stilla Whole Lot of Love Palette - I've got a feeling this was a christmas limited edition, but if you can get your hand on one, it's so worth it. I found this in M&S, reduced in the January sales, I think I paid around £18 for it - I basically just bought it because it was reduced and I like the brand Stilla, I had no expectations for this palette, however I think it may now be my favourite palette ever. It comes with four blush shades, a mascara (which I'm yet to try) and 20 eyeshadows. Everything is so pigmented, long lasting and blends like a dream. There are so many shades, you can create the most amazing looks with it. My favourite shade is the bronze gold colour in the top right corner, I've been using this colour constantly. The only thing I don't like about this palette is the packaging, it just a bit cardboardy and cheap feeling.

To apply my base products this month I have gone back to using my Real Techniques sponge. I'm sure this had featured in a favourites before, but I had somehow forgotten how much I love using this. It's so easy to use and my foundation and concealer just look more skin-like when I use this.

I'm going through a bit of a nude lip phase (isn't everyone?). Anyway, as much as I love my MAC Velvet Teddy, I thought it was about time I got a more high street nude lip, as I've been wearing it to work most days so I just wanted a cheapy one so it wouldn't matter if I lost it, and that I'm getting through my nude lipsticks faster than you can imagine, so I picked up the Rimmel Kate Moss lipstick in the shade 38 which is a pinky nude shade with a glossy finish. I love this a lot more than expected. It's so pretty and wearable. 

I also picked up a nude lipliner at the start of the month. It's the Kiko Automatic Precision Lip Liner in the shade 500 Natural Rose. This lip liner just goes on so easily and makes my lipstick look a lot neater. I've been using this with  Kate Moss lipstick, it's a little more brown and darker than the lipstick, but they work together, it gives a kind of ombre look making your lips look fuller. I've also been using this with velvet teddy, I just think they're a great match.

My burgundy leather gloves were another christmas gift I received. With my tiny hands, the small is a little big for me, however I have still been getting my wear out of them. I love the colour, I love the gloves, and my hands are so much warmer.

My music favourite for the month is a bit of a random one, however all through january I found myself listening to George Ezra constantly, his voice is just beautiful, and listen to his music his music just makes me feel good.

That's all the bits that popped to mind when I thinking of my favourite throughout January. It would be great to hear what you were loving through the first month of January?

I hope you had a great month.

Love, 

Chloe x