Forgotten Favourites

Following my dabble with The KonMari Method I have been moving onto decluttering my make up stash and as such finding a few forgotten favourites along the way to share with you.

First is the Bare Minerals Powder Foundation which was one of the first foundations I ever really dabbled with on a 'serious' basis and even featured way back in 2011 in a post that is lacking photography skills and content. I picked this at the time, please don't judge for it's age and the fact it's one of two pots I've discovered, as I wanted a foundation with coverage but conscious of my lack of a skincare routine and preference for stumbling into bed complete with full face of make up. Whilst I wouldn't recommend purchasing a foundation because they suggest your skin is still able to breathe whilst wearing it and thus allowing sleep it did treat me well and I repurchased on a number of occasions.

As a foundation its easy to use and I have enjoyed the finish, making a change from the usual coverage of a liquid foundation. I don't think I'm converted back to making this a regular staple in my routine and it's coverage is lighter than what I have preferred of late and I when using I begin the dithering of what about a cream concealer, can I apply on top but otherwise it's been a nice trip down memory lane.

Next is an old blogger favourite, the Wet n Wild Comfort Zone Palette which I first featured way back in 2014 - hmmm where do we stand on whether it's past it's best? I'm a little torn on this palette and whether to say goodbye to it or keep hold of as I have been enjoying it of late. As in my initial review it is the left hand side which I'm enjoying most and find easiest for daily wear but when I consider my love for the Lorac Pro Palette and those being the ones I reach for do I need this?

A lot of the shades are hailed as dupes from Mac the full down of which can be found at Temptalia but even my original Mac eyeshadows are going unloved lately. I'm wondering whether my mum might make us of it as she loves shades of green or perhaps depotting and keeping the neutrals I'm enjoying to see if I can better use of them in that state? If you're looking to get your hands on this palette in the UK check out The Vitamin Grocer.

Finally is a product I would've put in my monthly favourites when I came back from Las Vegas if there had been such a post and that is Jergens BB Body Perfecting Skin Cream which apologies is a product only available in the US. The first time I tried this I went for the light option which was too light even on my pasty skin so on another trip I went for the darker shade which was a much better fit. This is a moisturiser which smooths and evens out the skin so is perfect for holidays and I will be throwing into my suitcase for St Lucia to help 'photoshop' my legs. I need to have a little more of a play with this product and then I'll see whether I'll stock up later in the year.

What products have you rediscovered lately?

US Drugstore Haul and First Impressions

It's well known I love an American drugstore haul and I was able to pick up some fabulous bits and pieces on my trip to Florida way back in January.

First is a product I've yet to try yet, the Coty Airspun Loose Powder which I've seen mentioned by Glam Life Guru Tati on numerous occasions. Having enjoyed using the Maybelline Setting Powder Im looking to compare the two.

Milani is one of the drugstore brands that I always like to keep my eye on and I'm a big fan of their lipsticks and blushes but I've also found it hard to come by on my travels. Florida had slim pickings by way of counters and when I did find one it was offering limited stock and the only product I was tempted with, or at least was available was the blush in Tea Rose.

Firstly of course isn't it a joy to look at? And the size, it's huge and I can see my using this for some time before I even make a dent in the design. Whilst it is a matte blush I've found it to be a good competitor for my favourite blush Peaches and Cream from blush which is a satin finish and I found similar from Milani Tea Rose when applied. I even forgot highlighter one of the days I wore this and didn't feel like I was missing anything.

As with previous experience of Milani blush it's heavily pigmented and lasts all day. It was my only find from Milani but it was a good one.

Another hit is L'Oreal Superstar Mascara which you can buy in your local Boots, and after my raving reviews to my mum she has since made the purchase. Whilst I found the tube a little unnatural to use and unwieldy the results are amazing.

First you apply the white volumising primer. This is strange to do and my first experience using something like this. It's like applying tippex, glue or any other white based product and you're instantly aware of your lashes. I was keen to see how well step 2, the lengthening top coat would cover the aforementioned white primer.

I was impressed that there was no white to be seen and I was simply left with long lashes and felt like I was wearing false lashes. This could be come a holy grail for me.

I was lucky enough to get my hands on the L'Oreal Fixing Mist when it was released in the US via my friend and have been using with success for some time now. When I saw the small travel size available it was slightly frivolous but thought it would be handy for any further travels I have coming up. Have you picked up this fixing mist yet?

Palmers Cocoa Butter is a brand I've enjoyed using during my blogging journey and it popped up on my radar last year that they had released a Cleansing Oil in the US. With no sign of it's appearance in the UK I decided to treat myself to a bottle. Unlike the Rossi Cleansing Oil this is a thinner consistency and the pump dispenser does allow for a more free flowing delivery system. As cleansing oil this is fantastic. I'm having quite a moment with cleansing oils and I'm so impressed with how they remove all my make up without stripping the skin. I might even start abandoning my favourite Garnier Micellar Water for them. The only thing that's a little unenjoyable for me is the scent. Whilst not overwhelming its just not to my taste.

Even before I was 'beauty blogging' I would buy Sonia Kashuk Brushes when I visited the US and on this trip I tried myself to the No 4 Flat top Brush. This has been a gorgeous brush I've used for both foundation and blending cream contour creams I've been favouring later. If you have a trip to the US planned or are indeed from the US check out these brushes.

I picked up Jergens BB Body Cream on one of my previous visits and chose light which unfortunately, despite my legs often being of a particularly pasty nature, felt too light for me. This time I picked up dark which I'm hoping will be much better for me. I'll be busting this out when I finally release my legs from the tights that have been a staple recently.

Secret Deodorant might be a random choice to pick up but I'm always keen to try and see if there is anything out there that can beat the love for Sure Maximum Protection. The one photographed is a cute travel size but I'm currently using the full size version and whilst it's ok it's not going to reach the top spot.

Another new product from L'Oreal and another that I'm keeping my fingers crossed will find it's way to the US is the Brow Stylist, a very worthy dupe to the Anastasia Brow Wiz. Much like it's higher end counterpart there's a spooly on one end and the product at the other. I literally cannot tell you any difference other than the price.

What do you love to pick up from the drugstores when you're travelling?