Beauty Haul

I have changed quite a lot over the last few years, I no longer go to Superdrug on a Saturday and buy a crazy amount of make-up on a whim that I will never use again or that will cause my skin to hate me so much it makes me look like a 14 year old with severe acne! I prefer to buy things that I have researched well and that I know I will get my use out of. Sometimes this will be slightly more expensive than I would have spent a few years ago but I tend to know I will love.

 

Over the last month I have picked up a few bits, either when I have popped into town or Christmas presents. I thought I would show you what I got and if I really like them I will do some reviews over the coming months. So lets get on with it:

 

Skincare

 

With the wedding in 6 months I really wanted to make sure my skin is in the best condition possible so as well as drinking my 2 litres of water a day, I wanted to get some high end skin care. I have  typical combination skin but it is quite sensitive so I have to be quite careful when choosing my skin care. Whilst in my local Debenhams last week I went to the Clarin's counter and had a consultation with their skin care consultant. She gave me lots of great advice and I walked away with the HydraQuench Moisturising Lotion and the Gentle Refiner Exfoliating Cream as well as samples of their Cleanser and Toner which I am already considering buying the full size of.

 

I also picked up some more of my favourite eye make-up remover from Clinique. This is oil based remover and it is the best at removing mascara and heavy eye make-up. This may be my 3rd bottle of this and I still love it.

 

Make-up

 

Whilst at the Clarin's stand I also picked up a new foundation. I am a bit of a foundation junkie and I am yet to find one that does everything I need it to do. I got the Skin Illusion Natural Radiance Foundation in the colour Nude which is the perfect match for me.

 

For Christmas my best friend brought me this contour pallet from Makeup Revolution Ultra Contour Palette which has 8 beautiful shades in to suit a mixture of skin tones. 2 of the colours are beautiful shimmery baked highlights that I cannot wait to use.

 

As a little mid-January treat to myself last week I picked up something which I have wanted for such a long time but couldn't really justify as I have so many red lipsticks but this is the L'Oreal Colour Riche Collection in the Blake red. It is so beautiful and anything that might make me slightly more Blake Livelyesque is good with me. Turns out it is different to my 2 MAC reds as well so that's my justification.

 

Perfume

 

If you are anything like me then perfume is one of those things that you get a few bottles of your favourite ones for Christmas and then never buy any for yourself throughout the year. I love perfume and have got quite a few favourites now so my family tend to pick and chose which ones they get me and there is always a new one thrown in for good measure just to try out. This year I received 3 bottles for Christmas.

 

The first is one of my all time favourites Vera Wang - Lovestruck. I have been wearing this for about 4 years now and it holds so many memories for me that just a quick spray and I feel like I am 21 again.

 

The second was meant to be another favourite of mine but my grandma got the 2 confused so instead of Prada Candy L'eau she picked up the original Prada Candy. This is not an issue for me as after I smelt it I think I actually prefer it.

 

Finally my newbie for the year was the original Jimmy Choo perfume. I really like this scent and think it will be one of those everyday work perfumes as it isn't too strong which is what I like for everyday.

 

So I think February might need to be a month where I don't buy any beauty products as I have spent far too much over the last few months and have lots of lovely new products to use first.

 

Have a great day

 

xx

Top 5 in 2015

Hi Girls,

2015 was a year of discovery for me beauty wise, I tried lots of new products and feel like my makeup bag is now almost perfect. There are some things that I have been using for years such as the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer or the Gosh Kohl Eye Liner but there was also some new additions which I feel need to be mentioned so I have put together my top 5 new finds in 2015.

1) Stila 10-in-1 Illuminating Beauty Balm

This is probably my favourite beauty item of 2015. I put it under my foundation and it just makes my skin look flawless. I plan on doing a full review of it soon but it is just beautiful, you can even use it on good skin days instead of foundation and still get a great even finish. At £26 a go it isn't the cheapest option but in my opinion it is definitely worth it. Oh it has SPF 30 in it as well which is a massive bonus!

2) Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara

A couple of months ago I started looking for a waterproof mascara for the wedding and this was the first one I picked up. I loved it so much I then went and brought the normal version as well. It gives so much volume to your lashes and I have been asked on multiple occasions if I am wearing false lashed when I have this mascara on. It lasts all day and in my opinion there is nothing else as good.

3) MAC lipstick in Mehr

At the beginning of the year I was just like everybody else dying to get hold of Velvet Teddy by MAC and of course it was sold out everywhere I tried so I picked up an alternative in Mehr which for me is the perfect 'your lips but better' colour. I did end up picking Velvet Teddy up too this year and it is just as good as I hoped it would be.

4) Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

I have always been interested in the concept of sponge applicators and have tried a few over the last year that have always been a bit useless to be honest. Then I decided to that I was going to buy a beauty blender. Before I got the chance to do that I saw the Real Technique version and I have been a big fan of Real Techniques since the first came out and at £5.99 it was a cheaper option. I absolutely love it now and couldn't use anything else for applying my foundation. It leaves such a flawless finish and is so easy to use.

5) Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask

I use this as my evening moisturiser and it leaves my skin so hydrated. I first used it when I flew to California last year and it was great for using on the plane as I often get really dry skin when I have been flying or staying in hotel rooms because the air is never that great but this really helped combat this. If I am having a no makeup day I sometimes use this as my day time moisturiser as well as it just makes my face feel lovely and soft.

So there we go, my top 5 products of 2015. I cannot wait to discover lots of new beauty products this year.

Have a great day

xx