The Sephora Pilgrimage

This blog post has taken me so long to write, I feel like Chaucer. Not that I'm comparing The Canterbury Tales to a blog on makeup……

Anyway, my biannual trip to the States and subsequent Sephora pilgrimage has been and gone (sob sob) and as is tradition, I am here to share all the makeup that I did not need, but yet still purchased. 

Just don't call it a 'haul'

Peter Thomas Roth Camu Camu Power C x 30 Vitamin C Brightening Moisturiser

I was planning on repurchasing my beloved Kate Somerville Goat's Milk moisturiser, but this caught my eye instead. The Camu Camu berry has 30 times the vitamin c content of an orange (fun fact) and this moisturiser is meant to revitalise dull, ageing skin. (It doesn't stop you getting a cold though FYI!)

I have used this quite a lot and I do really like it, it has a strong orange scent, which I love. It's slightly thicker than the normal moisturisers I go for, so perfect for this time of year. It absorbs quickly into my skin and gives it a real glow. 

FYI, you can buy Peter Thomas Roth products from Beauty Bay in the UK

Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil

Excuse me ladies while I hitch up my skirt and jump on this bandwagon. Sunday Riley has been very much hailed in the blogging world, but it doesn't come cheap. I won't lie, I was definitely suckered in by the hype but at £85.00 I just couldn't bring myself to buy it. I decided to buy it in America, as it works out cheaper (I paid $105 which is about £69.00 excluding tax) plus holiday money isn't the same as real money…am I right?

I tried this the first night I got home because my skin just felt so horrible and dry after all that time on a plane. It is a very dark blue colour, which really reminds me of Formula 86 (if you've seen The Witches you will know what I'm talking about.)

It's not a very oily oil, great description I know, but it sinks into the skin quite quickly and isn't greasy feeling. I went to bed, literally expecting to wake up with a new face but instead when I woke up and rubbed my face, I was shocked at how smooth my skin felt. Honestly I was lying there for a good 5 minutes just gently stroking my cheeks (well, no one else will). I couldn't see a difference but I could feel it.

I'm sold and have been using it at least once a week. I imagine a bottle would last about a year, so at least I won't have to think about repurchasing it anytime soon.

In the UK you can purchase this from Space NK

Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist

This was on my list to find in the US but I didn't realise Sephora stocked it. I was searching all the department stores trying to find it. BTW it's about time Macy's had a serious upgrade, as my friend said its like Allders in Croydon, but worse. Anyway I digress, I ended up stumbling across this in a Sephora in Seattle (woohoo).

This is a spray serum which as well as having skincare benefits, gives your skin the most beautiful radiant glow. I think I remember reading that Kim Kardashian's makeup artist uses this, which is where I first heard about it.

I have only used this once, but the glow was immense, you definitely don't need much of this stuff and its not something I would use everyday, but for special occasions or when I want to look healthy as fuck I will be liberally spraying this.

US only I'm afraid :(

Tony Moly Pocket Bunny Moist Mist

This was a moment of complete weakness because a) the packaging is adorable and b) they put it right by the till. Tony Moly is a Korean brand and Korea is known for its advanced beauty technology. This isn't a makeup setting spray, more of a reviver if your skin is feeling a bit dry, tired or sensitive. I don't know if it will do anything and I haven't tried it yet, but its in the shape of a bunny so I don't care.

US only (sorry)

Too Faced Born This Way Foundation

I ended up getting this in Portland where shopping is tax free (and the men are mighty fine). I had heard good reviews about it and thought what the hell, I'll throw it in the basket. I used it on holiday for a night out and have used it since on a couple more nights out. As you can probably tell for me its a definite night out foundation. Its a medium to full coverage and I just prefer something lighter in the day. This does give you flawless skin, which also photographs beautifully. My new favourite 'special occasion foundation' (how wanky).

Available in the UK from Debenhams

Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer

Another item that was on my list to hunt down, but it proved quite difficult as it was sold out in every Sephora in Canada, but I finally found it in Seattle. I haven't tried this yet as I'm finishing my Tom Ford primer but just from testing this on my hand and the description alone, I am sure I will love it. I hate silicone primers and this is very light, with coconut water (side note, there was a Marc Jacobs coconut water primer which also felt amazing).

This isn't available in the UK yet but its coming early next year!

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette

You would think that as I now get to write about makeup all day, the last thing I would wanna do is talk about makeup but no, I'm still as obsessed as ever. I love finding out what everyone is using and I always ask my fellow beauty writer, Lucy Parts what she's loving. Lucy has raved about this palette to me before, she's even used two of them up! You can get this in the UK, but I figured it might be a bit cheaper in the US so I waited. 

I used this the day after I bought it and I honestly don't know why I didn't try this before. I use this as an all over face powder, swirling my brush in all three colours. As you can tell, I love my skin to look luminous and this does exactly that. Its subtle, there's not glitter or shimmer but I can tell a big difference.

Available in the UK from Space NK

Kat Von D Lock-It Powder Foundation

I have been a huge fan of Kat's makeup line for years but I only bought two things on this trip as everything was sold out everywhere (grrr).

I don't touch up my makeup during the day, but I like to keep a powder foundation in my bag just in case of emergencies and for sweaty nights out.

I haven't tried this yet as I'm still finishing up my MAC Studio Fix powder, but if its anything like the rest of her makeup line, I know I will love it.

Sephora only 

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in 'Moonstone'

Word of warning, never 'swatch' one of these highlighters in a shop because if you do, you will have to buy it. I have the Jaclyn Hill Champagne Pop shade, but I was weak and decided I wanted this one too. Its a bit lighter than Champagne Pop, less gold so you don't need to be as light handed.

Available in the UK from Space NK

Tarte Coloured Clay CC Under Eye Corrector

Once you have used an under eye corrector, its difficult to go back to just a concealer. They brighten dark shadows so much more than regular concealer. My favourite by far is the Bobbi Brown Corrector in Light Bisque, but I thought I would try this and see how it compares.

Not available in the UK (boo)

(Note - I clearly gravitate towards a certain shade of lipstick!)

Bite Agave Lip Mask in 'Smashed'

You can't get Bite Beauty in the UK, so I was desperate to try something from the brand. The whole ethos behind Bite is that their ingredients are all food graded, so technically you could actually eat them.

Their Lip Mask is their hero product but as I always have to wear some kind of lip colour, I opted for the tinted version. The is basically an amped up version of a regular lip balm. I used this after the plane and it felt very moisturing, plus I loved the sheer red colour.

Sephora only :(

Bite Butter Cream Lipstick in 'Heather'

These lipsticks are 'hand cut' that's why its squared off. Apparently this removes the outer waxy layer of the lipstick, so you are left with the creamy centre. I don't know about all that, I just liked the colour.

Sephora only :(

Marc Jacobs New Nudes Sheer Lip Gel in 'Let Them Eat Cake'

I love the packaging of the new line of Marc Jacobs lipsticks and this was really the only shade I liked. This is my first Marc Jacobs lipstick, so I have nothing to compare it to. The finish is quite glossy and you can build up the colour, depending on how opaque you want it to be.

Sephora only :(

Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick in 'Lolita'

Really I wanted to try some of Kat's Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks but I kid you not, they were sold out everywhere. I ended up picking this lipstick because Lolita is her cult shade and its normally always sold out as well. I like that these have a matte finish but I have to say, they are definitely more of a drying matte. Make sure you have a lip balm to hand!

Sephora only :(

Kat Von D Shade and Light Contour Brush

Another Kat Von D item that was almost impossible to find! I didn't buy her contour palette because I already have the Anastasia contour kit and to be honest I don't ever really contour…who has the time?! 

I love the idea of this brush, especially for travel but I have to say I'm not blown away by it. The bristles are soft and it does come in its very own coffin, which is kind of cool, but I just don't think its anything special. I will use it but its definitely not a must have.

Sephora only :(

Kate Spade Walk on Air Rollerball Perfume

So technically I bought this in Nordstrom, not Sephora but never mind. I'm pretty loyal to my Bobbi Brown perfume, so I wasn't looking for a new scent but when I sniffed this I fell in love. This is a very fresh, clean scent, which I like. Its quite light, as the name suggests. I did contemplate getting the full size but decided a roller ball would do.

Available in the UK from Kate Spade

Sephora In the Nude Hair Ties

Because these are the best hairbands. They don't stretch out, snap, or break, but you can still loose them. 

Sephora only :(

Anastasia Brow Wiz in 'Caramel'

I have fallen in love with these eyebrow pencils recently. I'm normally super loyal to my Hourglass pencil but I fancied a change and it pains me to say it, but I think I prefer these. Its funny because I tried this a few years ago and hated it, I actually gave it to my friend I dislike it so much. I don't know if its me that's changed or my eyebrows, but either way I love the fine nib, you can draw very fine hairs so your eyebrows looks neat but not drawn on.

Available from Cult Beauty in the UK

Sephora Goodies

Last month my Mum went to New York and of course I made sure she didn't leave without the longest Sephora shopping list known to man. 

If you know me, then you know my love for Sephora. From my first trip to New York when I was 18, I was hooked. As much as I would love Sephora to launch again in the UK, in some ways I feel it might spoil it for me. Absence makes the heart grow fonder and all!

I'm hoping to visit America again next year, but until then I thought I would share my Sephora goodies with y'all.

Starting with one of my main makeup weaknesses.....Lipstick!

Buxom True Nude Lip Foundation in 'Au Naturel'

When I was browsing the Sephora website these new lip crayons by Buxom intrigued me. These promise to match your lip tone for the perfect nude, which sounded right up my street and as you can't get Buxom products in the UK, it got added to the list.

This is actually one of my favourite things out of everything I got and I have already got lots of wear from it. This is my perfect kind of brown toned nude and I love the matte finish. Any Kylie Jenner lip fans out there will love this. Highly recommend!

Bite Beauty Matte Creme Lip Crayon in 'Tatin'

I think we have already established I have a serious matte lipstick addiction. Its just my favourite finish and if a lip product is marketed as matte, I have to try it! Bite Beauty is another brand you cant get in the UK, but I love their concept of all natural, edible ingredients! 

Tatin is a bright rose pink colour, which I actually think I will use a lot more in the summer months. Bite is definitely a brand I want to explore further.

Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipsticks in 'Bauhau5' and 'Gothica'

I have loved Kat Von D's makeup range from when she first launched, so of course I had to get one (or two) of her new formulated and repackaged lipsticks. Bauhau5 is a deep raspberry colour, perfect for this time of year and Gothica is a shimmery bronze with actual glitter. I had actually asked for Lolita but as they were out of stock the sales assistant suggested this as an alternative (its not in the slightest bit similar to Lolita!) 

I have to say that Bauhau5 is a bit dry and does drag on the lips when you apply but I do love the colour. Gothica I am yet to wear yet but I am determined to make it work!

Left to right: Buxom True Nude Lip Foundation in Au Naturel, Bite Beauty Matte Creme Lip Crayon in Tatin, Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick in Bauhau5 and Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick in Gothica

Nest Midnight Fleur Rollerball Perfume

As well as Sephora, we don't get rollerball perfumes in the UK, something I have never understood why. When I was in LA last year I smelt a sample of this perfume and fell in love but Sephora was sold out. I never forgot it and am so happy to finally have it. The Nest fragrances are all lovely and if like me you prefer a slightly more unique perfume, I highly recommend giving these a sniff.

Sephora Ombre Seamless Hair Ties

Sephora's own hair ties are so good and trust me I have tried other brands and they just don't compare. If you have long hair like me and find other hair bands either snap, or cant hold your hair up, give these a go. I always pick a pack up when I'm visiting.

Kate Somerville Goat Milk Cream

My favourite ever face moisturiser, absolutely sucks that you cant get this in the UK :( If you have oily combination skin this will work wonders. Before trying this I actually used to skip moisturiser because it always felt heavy on my skin and I felt like it just made my skin even oilier. Goat Milk has a very light consistency and it also does a really good job of clearing my skin of any breakouts <3

Tarte Lights Camera Flashes Mascara

Since discovering this mascara I haven't used anything else, I am obsessed! What I love about this, is that it does everything. It gives volume but also separation and length. I also love that it doesn't budge at all, which for me is a life saviour as I no longer have to wear waterproof mascara.

Kat Von D Monarch Eyeshadow Palette

I am not a butterfly kind of girl but even I can't deny how beautiful this packaging it. That's my favourite thing about her makeup line, you can tell she really has put her heart and soul into it, it feels very personal. I love a good neutral eyeshadow palette and I had been lusting over this for a few months. These warm, neutral colours look amazing on blue eyes and there are so many looks you can do with this. All the eyeshadows are buttery soft just like Kat's other palettes.

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in 'Trooper'

After several years of winged liner cold turkey, I am now easing myself very subtly back in the game. Those big flicks from my early twenties are a thing of the past, replaced by my new subtle winged liner. Having heard amazing things about this liner, I wanted to try it. I haven't used it yet so will report back.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream in '13'

I love this gold cream eyeshadow so much that I already featured it in my November favourites. Expect to see this in a Face of the Day post very soon.

Even though I don't live in a country that has a Sephora, I am now a VIB rouge card holder....proud or ashamed? I haven't decided! With my new card, I also received a mini red Bite Beauty lipstick.

And because it was my birthday, I got this mini Make Up Forever Set....thanks Sephora!

Face of the Day with Kat Von D True Romance Eyeshadow Palette in Starstruck

So after my natural, post holiday Face of the Day yesterday, today I have the polar opposite! I was feeling very Autumnal and went to town with a smoky bronze eye and deeper lip. 

I actually really love this look and can already tell I will be re-creating it a lot. 

I am starting a new job tomorrow at Cosmopolitan magazine (ahhhhh!) and one of the things I am really excited about is getting to wear slightly more daring makeup. My previous office job wasn't really strict on dress code but in a sea of grey and beige, anything out of the ordinary stood out!

Face

Primer

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer

I'm down to my last few drops of this and even though I was using a long wear foundation, I like to wear a primer just to prep my skin. 

Foundation

Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk UV Foundation

What I love about this foundation is that its long wearing but not heavy. Most long wearing foundations feel and look like a mask on your skin, this is the only one I have found that gives a pretty natural finish. 

Under Eye Concealer 

Estee Lauder Double Wear Brush on Glow BB Highlighter

To brighten those pesky dark circles!

Bronzer

The Body Shop Honey Bronze Bronzing Powder in Shade 03

I wear bronzer all year round but now we are reaching the Winter months I wanted one that was a bit paler. I have heard a lot of rave reviews about this Body Shop bronzer and I can verify its worth the hype! I think its very comparable to the Guerlain bronzers which cost £30+ and the shade range is great for paler skins!

Powder

Rimmel Stay Matte Long Lasting Pressed Powder

Best budget powder out there, controls shine without giving you cake face.

Highlighter

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Rose Gold

Still loving this highlight after my review here. I just love the warm glow it gives my skin.

Eyes

Eyeshadow Primer

NARS Pro Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

I always wear an eyeshadow primer because it helps my eyeshadow last all day. I apply this all over my lid and also underneath my lower lash line. 

Eyeshadow

Kat Von D True Romance Eyeshadow Palette - Starstruck

This is the perfect Autumnal eyeshadow palette. All of the shades are buttery soft and bright, the top left colour 'Fallen' is bar my favourite. 

For this look I used 'Fallen' all over my lid and blended it underneath my lower lash line. To add some darkness to the outer corner I used 'Pagan Poetry' (bottom left) and 'Hermit' (bottom right). 'Hermit' looks a bit intimidating but the red mixed with the brown just adds a beautiful warmth, perfect for blue/green eyes. I don't think this palette is available anymore but her Monarch palette looks similar.

Eyeliner

MAC Teddy Eye Kohl

Sticking with the warm brown tones, I used a brown eyeliner rather than a black. Brown is less harsh than black and will also emphasise blue eyes. 

Mascara

Tarte Lights Camera Flashes and Clinique Bottom Lash

Sticking with my favourite mascara combination of the moment.

Eyebrows

Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil in Soft Brunette and Illamasqua Brow and Lash Gel

As both my eyes and lips were quite dark I wanted to keep my eyebrows on the lighter side. That's why I love the Hourglass pencil, because its soft and never looks harsh. 

Lips

Lip Liner

MAC Burgundy Lip Liner

I wasn't planning on wearing a lip liner but because I had patted my lipstick on with my finger, I needed to use one to stop it bleeding. Any dark lip liner will do, I just think MAC have the biggest colour variety.

Lipstick

Rimmel Kate Moss Matte Lipstick in 107

Its back! Is it sad that I was mainly excited for Autumn because I get to wear this lipstick again?! This lipstick costs £5.49 but its just as good as any MAC lipstick. Its a dark red berry colour but if you want to wear it a bit lighter like I have in these pictures, just lightly pat on your lips and blend with your finger. Honestly if you want to revamp your makeup bag for Autumn, this is the one thing you need. 

Festive Red Lips

Its time to get festive and what could be more festive than red lips and nails! Today I'm showing you my favourite festive red lips. 

There's a reason I'm starting with lips and that is because one of my picks is going to be back on MAC shelves from 5th December. If you missed out on RiRi Woo the first two times, this is your last chance to get it. Yes MAC are doing a third and final collection with Rihanna (I know!) so don't go paying those crazy eBay prices just yet. 

Left to right: Dolce and Gabanna Italian Monica, Kat Von D Foiled Love Adora, MAC Pro Long wear Lipglass Driven by Love, Topshop Velvet Lips Velveteen Ribbon, Revlon Lip Butter Candy Apple, Rimmel Kate Moss 107, MAC RiRi Woo

Dolce and Gabbana Italian Monica Lipstick - Inspired by the beautiful Monica Bellucci, this is a classic tomato red shade which would look gorgeous anytime of year. £25.50

Kat Von D Foiled Love Lipstick in Adora - Sorry, this is for all you lucky Americans with access to Sephora! You couldn't get much more Christmas-y than this metallic red. $19.00

MAC Pro Longwear Lipglass in Driven by Love - So this is one sticky bitch, but for a red this bright and shiny its a small price to pay. Perfect for the party season! £17.50

Topshop Velvet Lips in Velveteen Ribbon - Blurry picture alert! I'm going to do a full review on these, so wont say too much here but the end result is a beautiful rich, matte red. £10.00

Revlon Lip Butter in Candy Apple - For all you red lip scaredy cats, my favourite sheer option - £7.99

Rimmel Lasting Finish Matte Lipstick by Kate Moss in 107 - The darkest of all my festive picks and my current favourite. Incredible lasting power and pigmentation, you cant go wrong. £5.49

MAC RiRi Woo Lipstick - Three words, Worth The Hype. Remember 5th December is your last chance, make haste to the MAC counter! Or even better lie in bed refreshing your web browser on the MAC website!