US Drugstore Haul & First Impressions

The gap is closing between UK and US releases thanks the the world wide web but often it can mean paying more and I much prefer to look at products in person than ordering online. Staying at The Venetian in Las Vegas meant I was on top of a vast and rather swanky branch of Walgreens that I was able to pop my head into regularly and pick up a few bits and pieces to try.

Whilst I haven't managed to test out everything, and certainly not for a substantial length of time I wanted to share with you what I sought out on holiday and my initial thoughts. Starting with foundations and top of my list was Milani Conceal and Perfect 2 in 1 Foundation. This foundation is spoke of very highly in blog circles and of course I wanted to jump on the bandwagon. I have tried this out once or twice and it's as impressive as the claims. I do find that one criticism is that it can oxidise slightly and I do experience that somewhat although its more of an issue that I think picked a shade a little darker than I should have.

I was finally able to pick up L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation, again after seeing it covered on everyones blog and YouTube channels. With mixed results I wanted to see what I made of it, especially as I am a big fan of L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation. At the moment I'm undecided. I've only used it a couple of times and not particularly under or overwhelmed. I'm not picking up any 'amazing' glow like I see from Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Fluid which I enjoy nor am I an oily mess at the end of use. I'll report back if I have any further thoughts.

After the success of the L'Oreal Cushion Foundation, which I'm keen to repurchase, I thought I'd first try one from another brand and picked Physicians Formula All in 1 ABC Cushion Foundation. I've yet to test this out as you can see I've got quite a few foundations on my hands at the moment and I'm conscious once I open this it's something that needs to be in regular use to avoid drying out. As soon as I do dive in you'll be the first to know.

A surprise product was Wet n Wild Illumi-Naughty Highlighting and Concealing Pen which I picked up on impulse when I spotted in the 'new in' section. Where or why 'naughty' is needed in the product name I'm unsure but it's definitely a cheaper interpretation of the YSL Touche Eclat with it's brush tip. This concealer is a light formula that works wonders to brighten under my eyes and more importantly doesn't crease throughout the day thanks to it's moisturising Vitamin E and Chamomile. I've been reaching for this daily and it's already pushed aside other favourites.

Moving onto brows, it's well documented I'm a fan of the lazy approach and love a sweep from a tinted brow mascara or gel. Previously a fan of Maybelline BrowDrama I decided to give the newest brow release from Maybelline a try. Unlike BrowDrama the Brow Precise Fiber Volumizing Mascara has not been a big hit thus far. The eclipse shaped brush feels strange, which is ironic when I favour the odd ball shape from BrowDrama and I just find the fibres too messy and overpowering. With thick dark brows already this isn't flattering and the fibres seem to shed throughout the day. Even worse is trying to remove it, more product ends up across my face. I might give it another couple of goes before it ends up in the bad pile.

Faring better is Wet n Wilds new brow release, Ultimate Brow Mascara.  This is very similar to Rimmel Brow This Way in brush shape although application isn't so heavy which I prefer. I need to use a few more times to cast a full opinion but so far I'm neither in love or hate with it.

Two products from Milani are up next, one hit and one miss. Starting with the miss, Milani Length in Seconds Lash Extension Fibers which is a nightmare for those of us with contact lenses. I felt like I had fluff stuck to my eyelashes! The premise is you apply your mascara, apply the fibres and then seal with a second coat of your chosen mascara. As I use Tarte Lights Camera Lashes Mascara which I find is perfect for volumising and lengthening my lashes I couldn't see any difference nor benefit from using the Milani product.

A product I will repurchase is Milani Eyeshadow Primer - at long last I have found a drugstore eye primer that works! Thank the lord that Milani now have a UK website for me to purchase as my current favourites were either the Lorac Eye Primer or the more costly Urban Decay version.

I'm in love with the L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadows and it saddens me that they are, or indeed appear to be disappearing from the UK high street. I picked up the shades Glistening Garnet, Golden Emerald and Ice Latte. The latter has been a favourite this month and worn often. I hear it's a dupe for Stila Kitten although I don't have that for my own comparisons. It's a wonderful frosty Winter white shade and the pigmentation of these eyeshadows is second to none. I have a friend heading to the US this month and plan to add another couple to my wishlist.

Wet n Wild have recently reformulated their Color Icon Blushes with a couple of new shades, one of which was Rose Champagne. I have only use this once so far and as a highlighter which worked well for me. It's a nice everyday blush for a little glow or a subtle highlight for evening. I'll experiment some more and see whether it can compete with my other highlighting options.

Teamed with blush before a night out was Maybelline Gel Eyeliner in Striking Copper which I thought would be nice for the festive season. Again after one use I have little to say but there was a nice pigment and it wore well and I'll be reaching for it again.

I was restrained with my lip purchases due to my overflowing stash but did pick up another couple of the Maybelline Color Jolts/Dramas in shades Never Bare and Stripped Down, both apparently dupes for Too Faced products. Never Bare is almost Barbie Pink in shade but admittedly more subtle and not a natural colour I'd wear but on the lip I've been enjoying it. Stripped Down is a brown nude shade and one I'm getting a lot of wear out of day to day. There's something about these tubes and the applicator tip I really enjoy. I'm interested to see how long they last compared to my other lip products.

Finally is a purchase inspired by by Glamour's Alex Steinherr Snapchat. Preparing for an event she put a slick of Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer in Peony and I made a note to pick it up. Not finding it in the UK drugstores when I spotted it in the US I added it to my bag. I had an opportunity to wear last weekend and paired with Mac's Whirl Lip Liner and was pleased with the nude lip look. This lip shimmer is about as close as I think I'll get to the metallic lip trend it's a sheer colour with a shimmer that sits nicer and is creamier than a gloss. The only thing I'm not sure about is the pepperminty taste.

What is on your US drugstore wishlist?

*this post contains affiliate links

July Beauty Haul

I'm still on a mission to use products I have before buying new ones but one or two items have made their way into the empties pile which gave me an opportunity to make some repurchases and of course, one or two other things made their way home with me.

Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Exfoliating Facial Pads

I recently discovered First Aid Beauty's Facial Radiance Pads and really enjoyed using them, so much so that they appeared in my May Favourites and I whizzed through them with some speed. When I reached the end of my small tub I was all set to make a reorder when I received a notification that Superdrug had an offer on the Nip+Fab version. For a steal at just over £5 I couldn't resist giving these a try to see how they compare. I shall report back.

L'Occitane Hand Cream, Vitoria-Regia
This was actually a gift from mum who knows how much I love a hand cream. Also minus the C it's almost named after me. Aquatic Floral notes are how L'Occitane describe this scent and I can't argue with that. It's a nice change from my favoured citrus scents and only Roger & Gallet have come close to  competing with L'Occitane in the hand cream stakes. Whilst the speed with which I go through hand cream these days makes larger tubes more desirable I can't deny enjoy the practicality of these smaller tubes especially for my handbag.

Makeup Revolution Highlighter, Pink Lights
This will be my first foray into Makeup Revolution products and I think I've made a good starting point. With strobing all the rage at the moment and deciding I had a gap in my highlighter I decided to give this a try. I was amazed at the first swatch and whilst yet to dive into using as instructed I'm looking forward to it.

Maybelline BROWdrama
This is my third tube of Maybelline's BROWdrama and it's safe to say I'm a big fan. Another product making it's way to holy grail status I favour this over even the Anastasia Brow Wiz. This product is so quick and easy to use and takes minimal effort. I was even using this on holiday when usually I wouldn't bother worrying about eyebrows whilst lounging round the pool.

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer
Was it completely necessary to repurchase this concealer when I have other 'adequate' offerings in my stash? Probably not but continuing the holy grail theme and with an offer on Maybelline products in Superdrug it was thrown into the basket. I don't tend to do much concealer other than dark circles and this works a treat for me. Creamy and easy to blend (adopting Mary Greenwell's patting method of late) this doesn't crease or settle into my fine lines. Hailed as a dupe for the Nars blogger favourite I'm happy with my more affordable offering.

The Wet Brush, Safari Collection

I do love The Wet Brush and this is my third purchase due to them not travelling too well. The delicate bristles can be squashed if you squeeze into a make up bag, you can slightly see some damage already to this one after taking it away for the night last week. Not to self find another brush for travelling but otherwise I have no complaints. I quite enjoy the repurchase of The Wet Brush as it gives me an opportunity to choose a different colour way. As you can see this time I embraced my love of animal prints.

What have you been repurchasing lately?

Haul for holidays

I was quite proud there had been minimum pre-holiday purchasing and then it seemed like the weekend before I had a very blogger/YouTube led purchasing spree as well as one or two regular essentials. 

Wilkinson Sword Quattro Bikini Razor* link
Many of you may switch to a leg and bikini wax before holiday but after my recent waxing disasters you will know I'm sticking to shaving. As I would need to keep up the maintenance on holiday I turned to my Wilkinson Sword Quattro Bikini Razor knowing that it would perform in 'both areas'. You can read my original Wilkinson Sword Quattro Bikini Razor review here.

OGX Coconut Milk Shampoo and Conditioner link
OGX is a brand I knew little of but had seen often. Through the powers of YouTube seeing this shampoo brand spoke highly by the likes of Caroline Hirons it was very much on my radar. When I popped into Superdrug for my toothpaste (see below) and it was three for two I decided that despite not needing any more shampoo's and conditioners these would travel with me to Dubai.

I have used during my trip and it's a thumbs up. So much so I will be buying more, in larger sizes on my return.

Colgate Max White Toothpaste link
Regular readers will know I'm not a 'toothpaste fan' and since discovering The Breath Co have been far happier with teeth brushing duties. I considered decanting but realised that was ridiculous and didn't really want to bring the full sized tube. Instead I picked up the small tube of Colgate thinking I'm sure I can manage for a 10 days with some intense mint tasting toothpaste. In the spirit of first world problems I can't stand it and cannot wait to return home to my favoured brand.

Travel Containers link
I picked up three of the round tubes from Superdrug, again on offer but only ended up using one for my body scrub. As I reach my last day in Dubai I would have benefited more from using two of the tubs so I will make a note for my trip to Ibiza next month.

Seventeen Eyeshadow Monos link
More eyeshadows than necessary and in hindsight many shades to compare to Rose Quartz I still couldn't resist purchasing after watching one of Fleur De Force's videos. I had the full intention of taking advantage of the 'buy one get one half price' and sending one to Rose in America. Then I saw Viva Diva and decided to treat myself instead. Despite also being armed with my two Lorac Pro Palettes and a few Mac Eyeshadows which accompanied I have used both of these shades. Rose Quartz was a disappointment. Not as pigmented nor sparkly as I would like, especially when I have Mac Rose Pigment but Viva Diva. That was possibly my favourite make up look of my trip.

Bourjois Contour Clubbing Eyeliner link
Hoping to get a little experimental on holiday and add some colour I decided to pick up three of the Contour Clubbing Eyeliners from Bourjois. I chose Purple Night, Loving Green and Blue Neon and have used all three since away. I think I still need a little practice to get the wear right but they certainly added a little something to my eye make up looks of an evening.

Finally the most unexciting but the one thing I do every holiday is buy a new toothbrush. I don't take that one on holiday with me. That's the one I will leave at home, taking the old one and leaving it behind. That way I return home to a nice toothbrush that hasn't tackled the 'rigours' of travel .

What have been your last minute holiday purchases?

*PR Sample

Repurchases Haul

As you know I've been on something of a spending ban setting myself the challenge of using what I have before buying additional items. As this haul represents there are some items that once they'd made their way into the empties pile and without alternatives I was able to make a few purchases.

COLAB Extreme Volume Rio link
Following my trial of one of the smaller travel sizes of COLAB dry shampoo and being impressed I went straight out and brought the full size can. I have picked the Extreme Volume in Rio as I like to use this product to add some texture to my hair rather than using in it's traditional sense.

L'Oreal Elnett Volume Express Hairspray link
Whilst I still have some Bumble & Bumble Hairspray still to use up I'm just not a fan so instead I returned back to the old faithful Elnett. I actually picked this up in preparation for a night out and intending to curl my hair. That didn't happen (blame the getting ready drinks) and instead I'll be throwing this can into my suitcase for my forthcoming holiday. I'd also like to say I wasn't swayed at all by the leopard print trim but I couldn't lie to you.

V05 Plump It Up Amplifying Blow Dry Lotion link
After one two many lacklustre bad hair days I decided to blame the absence of any V05 Blow Dry Lotion. For a few pounds this is a great product to spritz in hair before blow drying and it gives enough oomph without weighing my hair down and making it greasy.

The Breath Co Fresh Breath Toothpaste link
I loved The Breath Co Fresh Breath Toothpaste when I first used it as it's not too 'minty' and was disappointed when it came to an end. Despite wanting to replace with a tube of your regular toothpaste in the cupboard I stayed true to my challenge. Thankfully that tube came to an end and I was able to replace with my preferred, if not slightly more expensive toothpaste.

Garnier Micellar Water for Sensitive Skin link
A quick search of my blog will bring up many posts featuring the Garnier Micellar Water. I much prefer removing my eye make up with a micellar water before going in for the 'proper' cleanse and find that Garnier is the best for me. I decided to go for the sensitive skin when repurchasing to be a little kinder to my skin, especially on those days when I'm being lazy.

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo link
My holy grail skincare item, the love it or hate Effaclar Duo from La Roche Posay. Even though my skin is behaving very well of late I still like to feature this product in my routine at various points throughout the month. When the tube I'm using starts coming to an end I instantly panic and make sure there is another ready to be used.

Ragdale Hall Restful Pillow Mist link
Another holy grail item I love this cheap and affordable pillow mist. I'm currently debating whether to take on holiday with me as a quick spray on the pillow certainly puts me in a relaxed state and ready for bed.

What have you been buying recently?

US Skincare Haul

Philosophy Purity Cleanser link
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Face Lotion link
Facial Radiance Pads link



I was quite well behave with skincare purchases whilst in the US back in September and only these three made it home with me. I have two baskets filled with products at home so decided to just pick up one or two things I'd like to try.

Philosophy Purity Cleanser was one of the first 'proper' cleansers I used back in the day. I can remember babysitting for my cousins and watching a QVC demonstration where it melted away red lipstick which I favoured even back then and immediately purchased. It has been forgotton for some time until I spotted the small travel size in Sephora's dangerous aisles at the check outs and it found it's way into my basket.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin was found somewhere in blogland/pinterest as a dupe for Philosophy's Hope in a Jar. I can't vouch for that claim at the moment as I have never tried Hope in a Jar although handily I found a pot in TK Maxx recently (post coming soon) so I should be able to do a comparison for you.

Finally are First Aid Beauty's Facial Radiance Pads which were doing the rounds of YouTube and the like recently. With my Pixi Glow Tonic nearer it's end I thought these handy pads would be a worthy addition to my skincare stash.

Have you tried any of these products or anything in particular you have an interest in?

Pay Day Haul & Repurchases

Pay day rolled around once again and it was time to pay a visit to Boots and stock up some items that have recently made their way into my monthly empties post (you can read Octobers here).

My flat is currently filled with multiple nearing the end bottles of hand cream and I've spent the past week dipping into my colleagues drawer to borrow her hand cream so it was time to stock up. Luckily there was a 3 for 2 offer on and so the hand cream was my bonus item.

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo is a favourite of mine and this is my second repurchase. You can read my initial review here but in short if my repurchase doesn't tell you this is a holy grail product for me. I find that now it's in regular use I don't have to use it as frequently but sporadic use during the week as part of my skincare regime is now sufficient to keep any blemishes at bay. It's also a lifesaver if I have been slack with my skincare regime and with no one else to blame but myself for any spots that may appear the Effaclar Duo nips them in the bud pretty quickly.

If you haven't already done so I urge you to take yourself to Boots and take a sniff of Soap & Glory's Breakfast Scrub, it's good enough to eat. My first experience with this scrub was about a year ago now and since I've been testing other products but I'm pleased as we hit Autumn to have this back in my possession.

What products have you repurchased recently?

Pay Day Beauty Haul & Repurchases | Part 1

John Frieda link

In the past when heading off on holidays like my recent trip to Las Vegas I would descend on Boots and stock up on various products to get my through my vacation. Times have changed and luckily I have a pretty sizeable stash of products and samples to decant whether to try, their size of general love and not wanting to be without specific products. 

Not one to miss out on a shopping experience instead I took to Boots and stocked up all the products that needed repurchasing….

John Frieda Shampoo & Conditioner link / link / link

I've been using John Frieda products on and off for years. If ever I feel like my hair needs a boost it's always the Brunette range I return to and I'm also a fan of the newer volume range. I was running out of shampoo and needed a cheaper brand to sit aside the Bumble & Bumble products I was favouring and when I saw an offer of 3 for 2 my decision was easy. It's interesting that since I have had my hair cut I've enjoyed the Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray range for a more tousled look but it has left my hair drier than usual so mixing things up with these products has made a positive difference. In fact I've even moved the Bumble thickening products to my shelf whilst I enjoy these.

Bumble & Bumble Thickening Dryspun Finish link
Interestingly since changing things up with my shampoo above I've needed to use Bumble & Bumble's dryspun finish less on a day to day basis. That said it's still a go to that I like to throw in my bag if I know I'm off out after work or I reach for when I want to give things an extra hit of volume. I've tried the cheaper alternatives and still find this is the product that I love.

Sleek Eyebrow Stylist link
This eyebrow pencil from Sleek was probably one of the main reasons I entered Boots to stock up on this shopping trip. I think it's the first time I can ever remember using a product on my brows that I finished. Famed as a dupe for the Hourglass and Soap & Glory versions I find that this cheaper alternative is good enough for me. I actually preferred it to the Anastasia Brow Wizz, which until the last couple of weeks has only just found a place in my affections. Different brow products have a place in my routine depending on where I am between threading appointments but the Sleek Eyebrow Stylist is definitely a product I can rely on and rushed to replace.

Don't forget to add me on Bloglovin so you don't miss part two of this haul tomorrow.

Beauty Haul and Repurchasing

I've been harping on about spending bans and de-cluttering and here I am with a haul but I have my excuses ready…

L'Oreal Age Perfect Refreshing Toner link
My beloved Liz Earle Skin Tonic had reached it's end and I was too lazy to walk to my nearest Boots that stocks it. Instead I picked up L'Oreal's Age Perfect Refreshening Toner to keep me going until Liz and I could be reunited.
It pains me to say that the Age Perfect Smoothing Toner has been designed for mature skin and it wasn't why I chose this but I guess it can't hurt? I was more drawn to the anti-fatigue properties (Vitamin C hello) as I'm not known for the best sleeping habits and anything that can help with waking me up in the morning I'm all for. If you're interested in this product give it a sniff first as I like the somewhere between fruity and masculine and I'm sure there are some that will be offended by it.

VO5 Plump It Up Amplifying Blow Dry Lotion link
I said in May's Empties post here that I was thinking fondly of VO5 Amplifying Blow Dry Lotion so we knew it wouldn't be long until it made it's way back in my life. I use this blow dry lotion daily and find that it doesn't weigh my hair down and helps give me the lift I like from my hair whilst protecting it from heat damage.

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo[+] link
Another repurchase that I have reviewed fully here. I've managed to cut my use of this wonder product to once a day but it's not one I feel I can do without in my routine. Another couple of months on and I'm still remaining blemish free and I put it all down to this little tube.

Barry M Cor Balmy Tinted Lip Balm link
Following my skin analysis from MyChelle and another similar skin assessment at a La Roche Posay event last month it was commented on how hydrated my lips were due to regular use of lip balms so I had to give the latest release from Barry M a try. Wow these pack a punch. I chose Jam Jar as we all know I like a red lip and I thought this would be handy on my desk at work as an easier reapplication of colour when I haven't got time that the lipstick would require. I think I'm going to like this creamy little beauty.

Peppermint Reviving Foot Soak link
I have picked up this product on numerous occasions then decided it was an unnecessary purchase but following a recent problem with one of my toes and the subsequent pressure it's putting on my feet I decided to treat myself to this foot soak to enjoy after a day pounding the pavement. I've yet to try it out so stay tuned for a review

So there you have my recent purchases, nothing to extravagant to speak of and all very necessary don't you agree. What have you treated yourself to lately?

American Beauty Haul

I won't go into too much detail on the items photographed above and I'm somewhat ashamed to admit this isn't inclusive of everything I hauled back from the US following April's American adventure but I thought you'd enjoy a nose into my shopping bags.

As you can tell from the photos there is a lot of drugstore goodies from the likes of Physician's Formula and Milani which we can't get hold of in the UK and even, shock horror, face wipes which I've used on a couple of occasions since my return and am thoroughly enjoying.

I am still getting around to trying out many of the other products and finding what are the hits and misses from my new stash and I hope to bring you some more in depth posts on the items featured but I will say I used one of the Milani lipsticks last week and I've never known a lipstick to last so long on my lips.

Let me know if there is anything you're particularly interested in hearing more about.

Boots Beauty Haul

Last Friday I popped into my local Boots branch solely with purpose of picking up a new toner and treating myself with my hard earned advantage card points to Chanel Les Beiges. Clearly as the above photo demonstrates I got a little carried away...

Liz Earle is a new addition to this branch and to be honest I didn't even realise Boots stocked Liz Earle products. The Instant Boost Skin Tonic is a favourite of mine so being able to pick this up locally was a definite win for me. Of course I then got side tracked by the Limited Edition Grapefruit and Patchouli Cleanse & Polish. I'd seen news of this release and was tempted to buy but having an abundance of cleansers in my arsenal including the original C&P I certainly didn't need it and had managed to resist. But seeing it store and the opportunity to sniff and swatch I was sold. I LOVE the smell of grapefruit and there was no way I was leaving without this beauty. I've been using this every morning since and it's the perfect wake up call.

Chanel Les Beiges, a product I missed out on first time round due to procrastination. There was no way I was missing out on it's second release and there I was on the dot ready to make it mine. Applied in store the light weight powder feels and looks amazing. Since it's purchase I've merely admired it so will pop a full review up in due course.

Chanel Creme Blush, how did that happen?? Well when you're at the Chanel counter and they ask whether you'd like to try anything else what is a girl to do. As I mentioned in yesterday's post, which you can read here, I'd looked into these before but had been directed to the paler shades which were too similar to other blushes in my collection and didn't excite me as Infinite. Such a fabulous pink which adds an Autumnal pop of colour to the cheeks. Again thus far it's only been admired and swatched for my mum so she good feel how velvety smooth this is on the cheeks but as I type this I feel the urge to throw into tomorrow's make up bag.

And last but not least were the Limited Edition Duo Fibre Real Technique Brushes. Once again a product I'd resisted but read multiple reviews singing their praises and I just knew if I left it too much longer their existence in my life might escape me and we couldn't have that! 

The spending really must stop now in readiness for my trip the US next month because we all know there will be no resisting once I enter the hallowed walls of Sephora!

August Pay Day Haul

This month's pay day haul was specialised around a masked ball that I was due to attend on the following weekend and a desire to try out this tutorial from Pixiwoo.

Firstly I jumped online and ordered the Anastasia Brow Wiz in Brunette from Cult Beauty. A much raved about product I was intrigued to try and I'm pleased to say I'm in love. This pencil is a breeze to apply and is far easier to grab than my previously used Mac Charcoal Brown Shadow and brush.

Next there was a trip to Space NK for a threading appointment which of course allowed for the opportunity to spend some cold hard cash. Bloggers seem to opt for the Xen Tan Absolute Luxe which I was going to try but after seeing the price tag and remembering that it was Deep Bronze Luxe cheaper that a friend had applied on me previously I thought I'd stick with that option. Caudalie Divine Legs has been on my wish list for sometime and just in case the Xen Tan experiment went awry I decided to have that on standby (thankfully it wasn't necessary!). As I would be wearing my Cinderella sandals  my feet need some sprucing up with Margaret Dabbs Exfoliating Foot Mousse. I'm a bit on the fence with this product. It was a completely blogger brain washed purchase and I think I could've got the same results from a cheaper product and to be quite honest, it doesn't even smell very nice.

From Superdrug I picked up some goodies from Sleek, their Contour Kit and Luminous Pressed Powder and onto Mac for some new brushes to add to my collection; the 239 and 210. Unfortunately Painterly Paint Pot was out of stock so it was over to Boots and the suggested alternative, Benefit's Creaseless Cream Shadow in Birthday Suit. The Boots haul didn't end there of course. Whilst I've been avoiding acrylic nails and doing my best to get my nails into an acceptable state without some Impress Nails they wouldn't be up to scratch for a black tie function. Unfortunately whilst initially thrilled with the results, simple to apply etc the thumb nail didn't last the night (thank god for the eyelash glue in my bag) and by day 2 the remaining nails were rising up and my hair was getting caught up in them and all sorts that I pulled them off. I was pleased with how easy they were to remove and whilst I wasn't wowed I would use this product again for a one night occasion.

Barry M Dazzle Dust and Bumble & Bumble Finishing Spray were the final products, the latter being a product my mum and I had seen on a recent shopping trip.  Thinking it was only £6.50 we both picked one up and decided against them when they were rung up at £10. Then we spent the whole shopping trip admiring our hair with it's finish that we had to return and buy them. I thought it would be perfect for my up do at the masked ball yet completely forgot to add a spritz when I left the hairdressers, typical.

A slight cheat to the haul is the Garnier Perfect Blur as my friend passed this over to me as she wasn't a fan. I've yet to try myself but I'll keep you posted on my findings.

Now it's time to halt the spending as I'm off to Las Vegas next month and I need all my cash to go wild in Sephora!

July Pay Day Haul

I'm sure I'm not alone in come pay day having amassed a long list of beauty products that have been down whilst reading blog posts and watching You Tube videos. This month as you can see I had a bit of splurge having added some money to my paypal account from eBay sales.

The Real Techniques Core Collection has been added to my brush stash and the Mac 217 is sure to change my world and aid my ability to perfect the smokey eye. The Shu Umera eyelash curlers have been on my wishlist since watching the Devil Wears Prada. I've always resisted but with a £10 Space NK Ndulge voucher due to expire meaning they were half price it was surely a bargain?

My faithful Liz Earle Eyebright is due to run out so I decided to try two new brands this month, one high end and another drugstore. The Clarin's eye make up remover has been raved about in blog circles so I hope it's a worthy contender and as I was adding the L'Oreal Micellar Solution to my shopping bag I thought why not add their Absolute Make Up Remover too. I find being a contact lense wearer that I need to ensure my eye make up is removed properly - especially since my optician ticked me off for having make up in my eyes on my last visit!

I've been eyeing up the hot pink Hydraluron Moisture Booster every time I walked through the Boots aisles and finally it is mine. I've yet to add it to my skincare routine but when I do I hope it makes the great impression on me that it has on everyone else.

Superdrug were running a too hard to resist 3 for 2 offer on Nail Colours pay day week and since I've been obsessing over the yellow Bourjois for weeks it was the perfect opportunity to try Lychee and Guava from Barry M - yes for someone who said they didn't like the Gelly paints I seem to be amassing quite a collection. Likewise for someone who was rarely wearing any mascara why I felt that I couldn't resist buying the Clinque bottom lash mascara I don't know but into my collection it has gone.

I've recently discovered that I'm something of a lipstick junkie and had been swatching the Rimmel Apocalips almost daily when I'd nip into Boots 'just for a look'. I decided to pick up Apocaliptic a bright fuschia which I wore in this post and Stellar a red orange. So far I've found Stellar easier to work with. Apocaliptic led to my friend constantly telling me to lick the lipstick off my lips. 

A few more blogger faves have now been ticked off the list. Bourjois Bronzing Primer which I'm still a little scared of so it's reserved for days when I have a bit of time to work with it. Another Colour Tattoo from Maybelline this time in Pomegranate which I've seen used with Mac's Cranberry in a number of tutorials I've watched lately - stay tuned to see if I manage to carry of any of those looks. And Teddy eyeliner from Mac.

Finally I jumped on the Bourjois Lip Crayon bandwagon with Red Sunrise and love how easy this is to wear and use - perfect for tube journey application. I haven't used Collection make up since my early teens but I'm joining the fanclub for their concealer, it works like a dream and last but no least saving me from shine in the heat Rimmel's Stay Matte powder is the perfect partner.

So there you have my goodies for the month, let me know what you've been treating yourself too this pay day or what's on next months wishlist?