Collective Cosmetics Haul

This is a somewhat of a collective cosmetics post with items that I have collected over the last few weeks and while this does contain not only group photos of what I purchased, I thought I'd take a series of photos to record the day for you! These haul posts that occur with Lucy seem to be a monthly occurrence now, in which way to much food is consumed and too much money is spent. Yesterday was no different and once again took place in Southampton. This time however, we found the Debenhams (who isn't keen to collect the points?) the staff there are soo much more friendlier than those at the John Lewis. I guess it's probably because they're not as busy and can spend the time chatting to you, but both ladies we spoke to (from Dior and Urban Decay) were lovely and I can not fault them! This is primarily where the damage was done to be honest. Dior were offering a free lipgloss (plus many serum samples) with any two purchases. From there we moved to Boots and then on to John Lewis and Next. I did buy some mugs in Next (cheating a little on cosmetics) but they were super cute and couldn't resist! I just hope you enjoy a lot of pictures.

OOTD (T-shirt = Topshop, Cardi = NW3 for Hobbs, Skirt = Primark, Trainers = Nike, Necklace = Stradavarius, Barry B nail polish in Blue Grape, Bracelts = all gifts)

Good ol' MAC lipsticks

Which results in the need of a make-up wipe

Gingerbread hot choc anyone?

Sneak peak into one of Lucy's purchases...

- Dior Addict Lip Glow
- Rimmel Kate Moss lipstick 08
- Dior lip pencil 663
- NYX blusher
- Barry M nail vanish Passion Fruit
- L'oreal Lumi Magique (a dupe for Touche eclat?)
- Mac Viva Glam Riri lipstick
- Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish set
- Next Mugs

Free gifts:
- Dior lip gloss (No name/ number)
- Clinique all about eyes sample

The Too Faces Chocolate bar palette. This calorie free chocolate bar is perfect and smells oh so gorgeous. If this interests you, I'll be doing a full review later this week!

Lastly I picked up the Real Techniques Blush, Stippling and Expert Face brushes at my local Asda (available here) as they are so cheap! I haven't taken photo's of these. Firstly, I forgot I'd bought them, and secondly  they've been photographed and reviewed to death. They're amazing. Enough said.  

Have you bought anything new recently? 

A little make-up pick me up

Today was one of those days where I needed a little cheering up so the obvious thing to do was a little retail therapy. This isn't a huge haul but I did manage to pick up an item that was on my Spring/ Summer wishlist. This is purely a list of what I brought and I'll do reviews at a later date.

First off is the Elderflower unperfumed gel from The Body Shop (£7). Now I can not for the life of me remember who's blog it was I read that highly recommended this clear unassuming gel, but their wise words on how this controls puffy eye's and dark circles caused me to put this on my shopping list. I also picked up the Warming Mineral mask (£10) which was posited next to the gel. Now after using the pore reducing mask that Soap and glory had to offer I've had breakouts on my cheeks and chin so I was keen to pick up something different. Now I haven't tried any masks from The Body Shop before and I haven't read a review, this was just spontaneous purchase so stay tuned if you wish to find out how I got on.

Next on my list was Boots. A haul is not complete without Boots. From here I picked up the Samantha Chapman duo-fibre collection brushes (£23.99) as I was particularly interested in the face brush. From first inspection, these are super soft and I can't wait to use them. I then picked up the Collection Lasting Perfection concealer (£4.19) in 2 as my 3 gets a little dark when the fake tan starts to fade. From Essie I picked up the rich, dusty rose "In Stitches" as I love the colour and do not own anything even remotely similar and then from Revlon I picked up the Rose glow Highlighting palette (£8.99) which according to Lily, is a better dupe to the Bobbi Brown!

Last but by no means least is the Dior Trianon Edition blush in 763 Corail bagatelle (I assume that's the name?) it is beautiful, not just in colour but just so aesthetically pleasing too and definitely too pretty to use just yet.

I hope I haven't rambled too much, is there anything you have your eye on at the moment?

Haul time (again)

Oh dear, I've been naughty again. When I said to myself this morning "what do I actually need from today?" My answer was simply "cotton pads and a potato masher". Well I have come back with the cotton pads (I'm sure boots do a constant buy one get one half price on them) but no masher, and bag fulls of more stuff! I personally love reading haul posts, and as everyone says, yes I sort quite a lot of money today, but I am not trying to brag. I work and have worked since I was 15. Some people spend their money on nights out, being a student, but this is how I chose to spend my money. It makes me so happy!

So today, blogger Lucy and I went to Southampton again on a little beauty gander (soton has mac, need I say more?) and although I'm not going to photograph every item I'll show you a collection of everything, with reviews to follow on soon!

First off I started in Zara. Now I had said that I wasn't impressed my Christmas sales, and I still stand by that, but I couldn't resist these two items. Firstly is the massive tartan scarf, and the other, the maroon/ mustard/ black bag. I think it's beautiful! I'd eyed up the scarf on a blog I'd read a few months back (sorry I can't remember who's) but it was always out of stock back home. Luck was on my side with it being in the sale!

Next was John Lewis. Oh dear oh dear. This was where the damage happened. From Mac I purchased:

- cremesheen lipstick "hot gossip"

- a large pro eyeshadow palette

- eyeshadows "sable" and "tempting" 

- studio fix fluid foundation in NW20

Then it was on to Liz Earle where I purchased the skin repair light moisturiser for combination/ oily skin. And from Laura Mercier, a set of 5 mini long wear creme eyeliners in; sage, espresso, cobalt, noir and violet. They were reduced to £15!! 

Boots was slightly more restrained with many brands featuring a buy one get one half price offer. Again sorry for the list, but :

-Maybelline colour tattoo in "on and in bronze" (wanted this for ages but it's always out if stock) 

- Maybelline sculpting brow mascara in dark brown

- Max Factor lip liners in "pink petal" and "mauve moment" 

- Bumble and Bumble mini surf spray and their bb texture (I want to try them out before I purchase full sizes)

- Bourjois 1 second gel vanish in "rose cupcake" (so gorgeous, and raved about by Liana)

- Bourjois colour booster in "red sunrise"

- Sally Hansen instant cuticle remover

- cotton pads

Tkmaxx - shocker. Lucy wanted me to show her how I shopped in there to find bargains and, luckily, I did it again! I picked up a Nars eyeliner stylo in "nabucco" and a pink Kilner jar which I'm going to use to keep my cotton pads in! 

Lastly, Next. Now I wasn't expecting to pick anything up, but Lucy was interested in a few of their candles, and after smelling their New York scent, I couldn't resist their room diffuser from the same line. However, after closer inspection (do not know how I got this so mixed up) I picked up their eau de perfum instead, so I'll have to exchange that at some point.

Few, I'm exhausted just reading through all that. If you want more information on any of the products mentioned, or perhaps one review quicker than another, please just leave a comment!

Pay Day Haul

So I did the inevitable. It was pay day and I couldn't resist the beckonings of the Cosmetics Company, Boots and Asda. So I decided to go a little crazy. I can't say that it wasn't needed, I really don't have a huge make-up collection and there are (were) definitely gaps to fill. 

 MAC satin powder blush in "Immortal Flower" and Smashbox blush in "Pop of Pink"

 Smashbox be legendary lipstick in "Posy Pink" 

 MAC cremesheen lipstick in "Speed Dial"

 MAC paint pot in "Mooncake"

 MAC electric cool eyeshadow in "Dynamo"

 Smashbox reflection high shine lip gloss in "Pop of Pink" (Sorry for the dodgy picture)

 Smashbox full exposure mascara

 Essie "So haute!" nail stickers

Essie 2013 winter collection "Shearling Darling", "Parka Perfect" and "Toggle to the Top". Essie "No Chips Ahead" top coat. 

 Clairol Nice'n easy, perfect 10 hair dye in "6 light brown".

This was a near perfect day of beauty shopping. I easily stood talking in the Cosmetics Company for an hour. As I mentioned in my Smashbox foundation review, Portsmouth is new to embrace Smashbox, and I think quite rightly so! It is quickly establishing itself between the likes of MAC and Bobbi Brown, minus the hype! It's niche is obviously in the primer market, so I thought buying a box set of items, I would have bought separately for double the price (The whole box set cost 24.50!). On first impressions, I love the lipstick, which is very similar in texture to the MAC cremesheens, the blush is soo pigmented and soft on the skin and whereas the mascara may not be the best for giving volume, the huge brush separates and curls beautifully. The lip gloss is however fairly sticky and really difficult to handle, seeing as if you squeeze from the end, you're then a log way away from your lips and control is lost. 

On to MAC. "Dynamo" is a beautiful burnt orange, which on me is really warming and great for my paler complexion at this time of year. I fear in the Summer, it may look a bit more terracotta and I'll start blending into Spanish villa's, but we'll see. Next is the blush. This really subtle colour is great for a "I'm not wearing make-up" kinda day. Giving your cheeks a hint of colour but not taking focus from a simple eye and lip feature. My highlights have to be my first ever paint pot and the lipstick. I adore the colour and the cremesheen isn't as drying as their matte finishes, but I'll have to wait and see how long it lasts on my lips. And the paint pot. Wow. No primer necessary and it lasted a whole 8 hour shift of me being in dish-wash and getting a steam facial every five minutes. I am so impressed, and when layered (like the swatch) looks more golden, but with a fine layer, your eyelids are just left sparkling and festive!

Finally, as you may glimpse from the pictures, I am currently wearing all of these Essie polishes and will upload a following post of my chosen accent nail. And also, the hair dye. I dyed my hair wash in wash out purple for halloween and it is STILL there. I've had enough, I hate it, it doesn't suit me and it is going! These hair dyes were on offer in ASDA for £4 so I bought two to make sure I cover my whole head. I'll let you know how it goes!

Mini beauty hall 15/11/13

I guess this is a mini haul combined with a belated Birthday present from my boyfriends Gran.

I wandered round gunwharf yesterday with a friend and did a quick sweep of the small Boots, Cosmetic Company and The Body Shop - in which I had a £3 off voucher courtesy of Elle. 

Boots stocked my all time favourite body moisturiser, Nivea Soft. It is so thick and creamy, perfect for this time of year and drying skin, yet soaks in quickly without leaving a greasy residue! I also picked up some clear mascar by Collection 2000 to keep my eyebrows in place. It was cheap and isn't anything special, but it does the job!

In the Body Shop I purchased "scruff", a moisturising lip balm that also exfoliates. I've had issues (like a lot of others) with the wind drying out my lips causing them to chap - which is never attractive, and even worse when my boyfriend decided to comment on them. After using this product for the day (applying about 6 times) my chapped lips have vanished! It's been amazing. It cost £8 originally which I think is a bit much for a lip balm, but with the money off I am very impressed. However, apply too much and your lips do a have a green tint around the edge.

My Cath Kidston purchase (probably discontinued now) was the "Star" hand cream, with hints of lime and mint. I find their ranges of hand creams last forever and do the job without costing too much. I will re-buy until they decide to stop selling hand creams. The packaging is also nice enough to give as a present without it being just another dodgy beauty product you get given at Christmas! (Picture taken earlier in the day with better lighting! I must find my camera charger...) 

From the Cosmetics Company I collected another addition to my MAC lipsticks. This is probably discontinued too (I haven't checked) but this amazing Barbie pink is called "Silly". Where as I wouldn't wear this Matt colour at Christmas particularly I couldn't leave it there as it was the only one and just stood out to me. I know this is a colour I'll wear through next summer! 

Lastly, my belated present. My boyfriends Grandma very kindly knitted me scarf and bought me a Boots No. 7 lipstick and lipgloss set, even though I am yet to meet her. The lipstick shade is "Stay Perfect" and the lipgloss "Smile". I don't think I've ever come across a lipstick so pigmented! I'm actually a little apprehensive to use it. Saying that, it's matt finish is creamy and I'm intrigued as to it's staying power, I'm yet to find out. The lipgloss is high shine, and it definitely is! It does however have an almost sickly sweet taste at first, but the shine does last. 

(Swatches run from "Smile", "Stay Perfect" and "Silly") 

West-Quay Shopping

As posted previously on my Bobbi Brown Pale Mauve lipstick post, I recently visited Southampton's West-Quay centre, along with a few other shops. It was decided amongst a friend of mine that we should meet in the middle of our universities for a bit of (beauty related) retail therapy. 

First impressions was the impressive view of John Lewis (station side) once you get past IKEA. It's similar to many modern shopping centres as it's got wide pathways between shops to avoid the area becoming too congested. It has a range of normal high street shops (Topshop, River Island, H&M, Dorethy Perkins) but also features Hollister, All Saints, Crew and French Connection. Although I didn't venture into the stores themselves the size of the shopping centre would suggest that they are all of a reasonable size.

As for eating there is the usual Costa, McDonalds, Pizza Hut all organised on the upper floor for easy viewing while you make your mind up what you fancy! All in all, very well laid out. 

However, my primary reason for visiting was my make-up bag. It's got to that time of year where all my main make-up pieces are wearing a little thin and it was about time I re-purchased and updated. We heading first to the beauty counters of John Lewis in much anticipation of MAC. That's where our luck ran out. MAC was just opening up so hidden behind big black boards. We were 5 days too early - it opens up tomorrow! But we stuck ourselves in elsewhere. For me, my primary needs where to find a replacement for my foundation (my Estee Lauder Futurist is being discontinued), powder, powder brush and mascara. I love my Max Factor, but seeing as I'm new to blogging I thought I should at least try something new. 

My haul:

From top left (sort of going across):

- Smashbox eye-shadow "Sparks"

- Smashbox "Limitless Eye-liner Onyx"

- Christian Dior Universal Lip-liner pencil

- Maybelline Colour 24 Hour tattoo "40 Taupe"

- Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara "Jet Black"

- Clinique Chubby Stick "Plumped Up Pink"

- Benefit Sugarbomb

- Real Techniques Powder Brush

- Benefit "Hello Flawless" Pressed Powder

- St. Tropez Medium/ Dark Gradual Tan.

The Smashbox items were purchased through their "Smashbox Wondervision Eye Set in Sparks". I decided on this firstly as it was a way to try out their mascara and equally I love their "Smokebox"eye-shadow palette and wondered what this would come to. 

 My thoughts? The eye-liner is perfect for lining the upper eyelashes. It stays put all day, looking as sleep as a liquid liner. Up the bottom lases I haven't had as much luck. I find it halfway down my face by midday. 
The mascara is a bit weak. For me it gave length but not volume, whereas I want volume > length so I think I'll be using this for my bottom lases for the time being.
As for the eye shadows. I was drawn to this colouring as I find some brown palette's are a bit too grey and shimmery for me. I don't understand the obsession with Urban Decay Naked palette's at all! As you can see by the tests on my arm, the nude shades aren't very visible and if they are, they are of a pinky sparkle and the first brown as a lovely gold sparkle. This is what I wanted. For barely there, natural make-up that stays all day I consider this as money well spent! 
The set all comes with three cards showing three of their "looks".

Next, lips. I love the Dior universal lip liner. My lipstick shades vary too widely (and my budget too little) to buy lip-liners for all, so this is a life saver. I would never put lipstick on without it. 

For harsh winter days (to which it is very windy in Portsmouth) the chubby stick offers the perfect pinky shade whilst hydrating my lips, avoiding them getting chapped on the way to and from lectures. A purchase I would recommend to anyone. The only downside is that the colour doesn't stay very well.

Face. I had a Benefit "make-over" to try out their new foundation. My old powder was their "Get Even" which I really like. It leaves me matte all day and their "Hello Flawless" is just the replacement. 

However I was really impressed with their "Sugarbomb" blusher. I'm more of a bronzer girl at heart but the combination of colours in the quad blusher is perfect leaving my cheeks highlighted and warm, perfect for winter!

I've also heard great reviews on the Real Techniques brushes. My foundation brush is Dior, and I have a travel MAC set which I use for concealer, bronzer and eyes but I've been really let down with an old Bourjous powder brush which has been leaving powder sitting on my face too heavily. I have to say for the price (£10 I think) it's incredible! So soft with such good coverage. I am yet to wash it yet so this could be the real test! 

(Image from Google - the light in my room wasn't good enough to capture it's true beauty)

My St.Tropez gradual tan speaks for itself really. I love the golden colour it produces and I tend to apply every two days, ex-foliating once a week to avoid build up. My skin tone is quite yellow so I need a tan which will react with the melanin in my skin and I find this very similar to a Zen-Tan I had a few months ago. I find I look quite sickly without some form of fake tan in the winter months so this gradual tan is perfect. The set I bought it from came with the everyday face gradual tan and a bronzer which is intended for use with the instant fake tan I think, to cover up and even out any bits that may have got missed. It is soo dark!! Think that will remain at the bottom of my make-up bag. 

The only disappointment was the much anticipated cream eye shadow by Maybelline. This lasted all of 2 hours before it had creased in my eyelid. I think maybe my skin is just a little too greasy for an oil based eye-shadow so I'll be sticking to powder shadows for the time being. 

Have you used any of these products and had a different experience to me? I'd love to hear about it!