American Drugstore Excitement

What is it about foreign supermarkets that makes them so appealing? Don't get me wrong I do love a good Waitrose trip, but its not the same as Walgreens. Two floors of undiscovered American bargains but lets be real, I'm only there for one thing…the sicky tasting chocolate. Actually, make that two things, the sicky tasting chocolate and the mother load of drugstore makeup.

Walking down the CoverGirl aisle and seeing hundreds of mascaras in cardboard packaging, brings me a joy that my heart never knew existed. 

Now I am back from my travels with a heavy dose of post holiday blues, I thought I would share my purchases. I'm sure I will put up a post with some actual holiday pictures to prove that I did see some culture, as well as drugstores ;)

CoverGirl The Super Sizer Mascara

I'm not even a massive Star Wars fan, this was purely me getting lost in the moment and finding myself riding a wagon. I haven't tried this mascara before, so if its any good I'm sure it will be mentioned on here again.

Maybelline Full 'N Soft Mascara

As well as new unchartered mascara territory, Americans still have every single mascara that has ever been discontinued in England. As you can probably tell by the basic bitch packaging, Full 'N Soft is old. In fact I can remember Sarah Michelle Gellar used to advertise this back in the day.

I have used this mascara before and loved it. If you like dramatic lashes, you won't like this, but I love the natural look it gives and sometimes its nice to not have crispy looking lashes! 

CoverGirl Ready Set Gorgeous Foundation and Concealer

This foundation was on my radar to try, as I had seen a lot of American's raving about it on YouTube. I know technically Max Factor is the same as CoverGirl so I'm sure there is a UK equivalent.

 I ended up picking up the concealer to try as well because I am a sucker!

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles

You can get this concealer in the UK but you can't get this shade. This is the brightening colour which is designed specially for correcting darkness under the eyes. I have tried the original concealer and liked it, so I thought I would give this a whirl.

EOS Vanilla Mint Lip Balm

I need another lip balm like I need a hole in the head but EOS are like Pokemon and even though you can buy them over here, they are sold for about £6.00, compared to $3.00 in the US

Physicians Formula Argan Wear Ultra Nourishing Argan Oil Blush in Rose

Catchy name…

Name aside, I love the Physicians Formula Happy Booster blushers and this one was too pretty to leave. I don't know how a blusher can be 'infused with argan oil' but lets just ignore that and stare at it for a bit longer. I'm pretty sure the gold is an over spray which will wear off after a couple of uses though.

Eyebrow Razors 

Saved the best till last didn't I ;) 

Whenever I go to the States I always buy a pack of these, they are genius. No I don't shave my eyebrows, but they are good for getting all those blonde fine eyebrow hairs and I won't lie, definitely have used these on the old 'tache once or twice. 

Next post….a Sephora haul OMFG

December Favourites

Happy New Year!

I have finally narrowed down my 14 favourite makeup and beauty products of 2014 but before I reveal all, I thought I would share my favourites for the month of December.

Some of these items I haven't had for very long at all but I have been wearing them everyday and I am completely smitten with them, so of course they had to be included!

Physicians Formula Happy Booster Glow and Mood Boosting Blush in Natural

I think this was included in last months favourites as well but this and MAC's The Perfect Cheek are the only two blushes I have been wearing consistently. 

Kevyn Aucoin The Celestial Powder in Candlelight

Spoiler, this will be in my 2014 favourites as it is one of my all time favourite makeup discoveries. The most beautiful but subtle highlight.

Bobbi Brown Sparkle Eyeshadow in Cement

If you want to see what this looks like on the eyes, I used it in my second NYE makeup inspiration post. This is what I like to call grown up glitter and it actually looks like more of a gloss than a glitter once its applied to the lid.

Sally Hansen Nail Polish in 'Pennies for Heaven'

I have worn this rose gold polish on my nails pretty much all month long and the best thing is, it only cost me £1.50 from a catalogue clearance shop! BOOM.

Charlotte Tilbury Fallen Angel Eyeshadow Palette

Probably the most beautiful piece of makeup I own, even the outer packaging is engraved with hand drawn gold stars! I have one other Charlotte Tilbury palette, The Vintage Vamp and the quality of Fallen Angel is just as good. This palette is limited edition so if you have your eyes on it, grab it while you can! 

MAC Rose Pigment

Texture wise, this isn't the best MAC pigment but if you can bear with the chunky texture, you will be rewarded with a beautiful golden pink. I like to wear this with MAC's Tan pigment over the top, together they make the perfect rose gold colour.

Guerlain Maxi Shine Lip gloss in '467 Cherry Swing'

I'm not normally a lip gloss girl, but this sparkly cherry red gloss has changed all that this month. This feels lovely on the lips, not sticky and very moisturising. If like me, you aren't a lip gloss girl, this formula could convert you and if you are a lip gloss, fan then you would love these.

Burberry Lip Definer in 'Brick Red'

This was one of my Christmas presents and its already one of my favourite reds. You can see what it looks like on, in this post.

Dior Star Foundation

I have mentioned before that this foundation is a grower, not a shower. This gives medium coverage but leaves a very natural, skin like finish. 

Cheryl Lashes by Eylure in 'Sexy Senorita'

These lashes are beauts and they actually look quite natural on the eyes. You can see me wearing them in this post and I have already bought a replacement pair! I am not a Cheryl fan but these new line of lashes all look really good, I have my eye on Girls Night next.

December was a fun but exhausting month and I am thoroughly enjoying my Christmas break! As well as my beauty favourites, I thought I would share a few of my highlights from the month.

The first being the Cosmopolitan Ultimate Women Awards. This was my first time attending the awards since starting my new job and it was such an amazing experience. To see the result of everyone's hard work was so inspiring and made me so proud to be a part of the Cosmo team.

Highlight of the night, McBusted!

Me and my friends had a lovely pre Christmas get together, where we all exchanged our Secret Santa presents and then had one too many in the pub! 

Best Secret Santa present of all time?

And finally Christmas! My favourite time of year, I am sad that its almost over but already looking forward to next year! I had a pretty quiet Christmas at home with my family. Many, many pigs in blankets were consumed but to balance it all out I have had lots of long country walks! I don't think its exactly an even balance though ;)

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and New Year. I'm avoiding all the New Year, New Me bull s*** for now! 

Face of the Day with Buxom True Nude Lip Foundation in 'Au Naturel'

Technically this is a Face of the Day from about 2 weeks ago but hey, no one needs to know that I'm sitting here with my greasy hair in a massive pineapple, with mascara smeared across my face! 

Base

Foundation

Dior Star

This foundation is definitely a grower not a shower. At first I liked it but didn't really have much of an opinion. I've only really started to appreciate it now I'm halfway through the bottle. This gives a medium coverage but looks really natural on the skin, if you are fan of Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua I'm sure you would love this.

Concealer

Bobbi Brown Corrector in Light Bisque, Josie Maran Argan Creamy Concealer Crayon and Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

The Bobbi Brown Corrector is quickly becoming my best friend, it just gets rid of those horrible dark circles instantly! 

I have now finished the Josie Maran Crayon and like the foundation, this really grew on me. I loved the creaminess of this concealer and the pretty highlight effect it gave. 

You cant go wrong with the Collection concealer it costs less than a fiver and is so good at covering pesky spots.

Powder

Charlotte Tilbury Air Brush Flawless Finish Skin Perfection Micro Powder

Hideously expensive but worth every penny, as this is the best powder I have ever found!

Bronzer

The Body Shop Honey Bronze Bronzing Powder

If you have fair skin and struggle to find a bronzer pale enough, then you need to try one of these bronzers by The Body Shop. Perfect for Winter bronzing or fair skinned ladies!

Blush

Physicians Formula Happy Booster Glow and Mood Boosting Blush in Natural

I have been using this blush pretty consistently for the last two months. It just gives the perfect natural flush, which I love in these Winter months. 

Eyes

Eyeshadow

Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream in #13

I love cream shadows because they are so quick and easy to apply and they never look flat or boring. Shimmery/metallic creams are by far my favourite and this gold offering by Makeup Up For Ever is my current love. Very seasonal, it just gives me that wide eyed awake look.

Mascara

Tarte Lights Camera Flashes and Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

Yep still loving this duo.

Eyebrows

Soap and Glory Archery Eyebrow Pencil and L'oreal Brow Artist Plumper

I have now finished this Soap and Glory pencil and gone back to my beloved Hourglass Brow Sculpting Pencil. I did love the Soap and Glory and would highly, highly recommend it, but as I prefer a bushy full brow, the Hourglass pencil will always have my heart.

Lips

Lipstick

Buxom True Nude Lip Foundation in 'Au Naturel'

I mentioned how much I was loving this in my Sephora Goodies Post so I thought I better show you what it looks like on. I love the matte finish, personally I find it comfortable on the lips and this is coming from someone who has tried a lot of matte lip products! I just love the colour and the pencil application is genius! If I get to America next year I definitely want to explore the rest of the shades in the range.

November Favourites

My favourites were really easy to pick this month because I have worn the same two makeup looks pretty much all month long. I really want to experiment with some darker, vampier lipsticks but I need to leave my bed earlier in the morning in order to do that! 

MAC Blush in 'The Perfect Cheek'

Without a doubt my favourite MAC blush and possibly my favourite blush ever......

If I have a slightly darker eye, or a neutral lip, I always reach for this because it just gives your cheeks a little something. 

Typical MAC discontinued this colour but I hear the shade Cubic is very similar, if you want an alternative.

Physicians Formula Happy Booster Glow and Mood Boosting Blush in 'Natural'

Also known as the blush with the longest name ever! I am a sucker for these blushers, I cant help it, its the hearts and the promise of happiness! I have two of these Happy Booster blushers and I honestly use  them way more often than any of my NARS blushers. These are just so easy to wear, they distribute just the right amount of colour, so they are easy to apply and you don't end up looking like a clown. I also love the hint of shimmer because it saves you using a separate highlight. 

If you are going to America anytime soon, put one of these on your shopping list!

By Terry Ombre Blackstar in 'Misty Rock'

I am finding it impossible to get up in the mornings at the moment. I'm surprised I haven't developed RSI from hitting the snooze button on my phone. This laziness means I don't have a lot of time for my makeup, which makes cream eyeshadows my BFF. I cannot turn down a good cream, metallic eyeshadow. It takes literally seconds to slap it on with your finger and looks like you put in a lot more effort than you actually did. If I had to pick a favourite it would be Misty Rock. Its hideously expensive yes, but it lasts all day, looks amazing and I always have at least one person ask me what my eyeshadow is when I wear this.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream in '13'

My mum went to New York in November and unluckily for her, she left with a massive Sephora list from me! I have a post planned to share all the Sephora delights and this cream shadow was one of them. I love the gold colour and its perfect for this time of year. Since I got it, its barely left my lids!

L'oreal Colour Riche Nail Polish in '104 Beige Countess'

My friend Nat got me hooked on these L'oreal polishes and they have to be one of my favourite discoveries of 2014. I love the mini size, because who actually uses up a whole bottle of nail polish and the shade range is really, really good. They have the best nude shade range and I think I pretty much have every single colour! My nails are in crappy condition at the moment so this nude colour has been on them pretty much non stop.

Essie Nail Polish in 'Summit of Style'

This is the only time of year where I am prepared to go through the ordeal which is removing glitter nail polish. Men you have no idea! 

These Essie luxe polishes seem to be sold out everywhere but if you can get your hands on Summit of Style, its a beauty. 

Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black

This smells what I imagine its like to be an Olsen twin, amazing (except for the really old boyfriend, we will leave him out!) If you like warm, masculine scents you will love this. Its perfect for this time of year and its a scent you could wear everyday, unlike Tom Ford's Black Orchid which can get a bit overkill. Every time I smell this, I feel like I am hugging a man shaped pillow <3

Sephora Kiss Me Balm in 'Candy Apple'

You know I love my EOS lip balms, well this Sephora version has answered my prayers because its tinted! Tinted lip balms are my saviour and the fact they have a sheer red shade, even better! This gives you that instant relief from that horrible dry lip feeling, plus it also gives you a hint of colour to make you look a bit more alive.

Game of Thrones Books

I thought I would include one non beauty favourite this month and that is the amazing Game of Thrones book series. I am a huge fan of the TV series but just never got round to reading the books. Now I commute everyday I spend my entire journey to and from work with my head in one of these, I am hooked! I am currently on the third book, not bad going for 3 months! 

I was worried that having watched the TV series, I would find the books boring with a lot of duplication but there's so much detail that's not included in the show and you get such an insight into each character. Its also helped me understand some of the houses and history to each house. If you were putting off reading these like me, don't waste another minute you won't regret it!

Face of the Day with Charlotte Tilbury The Vintage Vamp Eyeshadow Palette

I have rediscovered a lot of my old favourite products this month and have really been enjoying switching up my makeup on a daily basis. Going from a very conservative, corporate company to the Cosmopolitan offices has been a dream come true, not only for me but also for my makeup collection.

Base

Foundation

Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk UV Foundation

I have been loving this foundation. It lasts all day on my skin without feeling or looking heavy, its just flawless skin in a bottle. If you have oilier skin, this will work much better for you than Luminous Silk.

Concealer

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage

Lets not talk makeup expiry dates but I have had this concealer for years and finally finished it today! Is there anything more satisfying than finishing an item of makeup? This concealer is holy grail stuff for me, its industrial strength and will cover anything. I'm going to miss it but I have other concealers which I should use before repurchasing this....

Bronzer

The Body Shop Honey Bronze Bronzing Powder

Pretty much the only item I have tried from The Body Shop's makeup range and I am seriously impressed. If you have pale skin you should check out their shade range as they go pretty light. If I had to compare this to a Guerlain bronzer, which is three times the price I couldn't spot the difference.

Blush

Physicians Formula Happy Booster Glow and Mood Boosting Blush in Natural

And the award for longest blusher name goes to.....

I can't comment on the mood boosting but this is a very pretty colour with shimmer, which acts as a blush and highlight in one. 

Eyes

Eyeshadow Primer

NARS Pro Prime Smudge proof Eyeshadow Base

My favourite eyeshadow primer.

Eyeshadow

Charlotte Tilbury The Vintage Vamp Colour Coded Eyeshadow Palette

I hardly touched this eyeshadow palette in the Summer but now we are back in the colder months I have been reaching for it a lot. These Charlotte Tilbury palettes are expensive but the quality and shades are beautiful, definitely worth the splurge. I would describe The Vintage Vamp palette as wearable purples and the shades are so easy to transition from day to night.

Eyeliner

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

I can vouch for this lasting all day and the fine nib allows you to draw a really precise line, one of the best liquid eyeliners I have tried.

Mascara

Tarte Lights Camera Flashes Mascara and Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

Still absolutely loving this mascara combo, on my second tube of Lights, Camera, Flashes now!

Lips

Lipstick

Revlon Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie

My Revlon Lip Butter obsession has died down in recent years but whenever I use one again I'm reminded of why my obsession began. Berry Smoothie is a really pretty pink, its also really glossy and looks more like a gloss than a lipstick.

Face of the Day with L'oreal Glam Shine Balmy Gloss in Sin for Peach

This has been one of my go to makeup looks all month long. Its quite a 'girly' makeup look for me as its quite pink but I actually love this look. There's a lot of added radiance in here as well because trust me I need it right now!

Face

Foundation

NARS Sheer Glow in Fiji

Concealer

MAC Prep & Prime Highlighter in Light Boost

My first weapon against dull and tired Winter skin! This brightens up my face but doesn't look artificial.

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Medium

Because using a highlighter on your spots isn't the best idea!

Bronzer

Guerlain Terracotta Moisturising Bronzer in 00 Makeup Artist

I like to use a bronzer in the Winter not only to add warmth to my face but to also give it dimension. 

Blush

Physicians Formula Happy Booster Glow and Mood Boosting Blush in Natural

I love this soft pink colour against pale skin, plus it has a tiny bit of shimmer in it which helps add to the overall glow of this makeup!

Highlighter

Kevyn Aucoin The Celestial Powder in Candlelight

Now, this is where 99.9% of that natural glow is coming from. Honestly the best highlighter I have found, well worth the money.

Powder

Ben Nye Luxury Banana Powder

Like Light Boost, this is yellow toned so brightens dull, sallow skin....just what I need right now!

Eyes

Eyebrows

Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil in Soft Brunette

Illamasqua Brow and Lash Gel

Eyeshadow Primer

Benefit Stay Don't Stray

Eyeshadow

L'oreal Infallible Eyeshadow in Amber Rush

Featured in my January favourites, which I posted yesterday. This is one of those one wash colours, where you can use it all over your lid and don't need to worry about using a separate colour in the crease.

Mascara 

Lancome Hypnose Star Mascara

Very sad to say this mascara has now come to the end of its life. I probably won't repurchase it again any time soon, as I'm pretty fickle when it comes to mascara but it was good while it lasted.

Lips

Lip colour

L'oreal Glam Shine Balmy Gloss in Sin for Peach

I spied this in Boots and thought it was a very 'me' colour. I love this natural, rose shade and these Balmy Glosses feel lovely on the lips. I still will always prefer a lipstick over these new wave of lipstick crayons but the formula's have really impressed me.

January Favourites

I've only got a few favourites this month, mainly because I have been using pretty much the same products all month long. I'm happy with my condensed selection though, these are all amazing beauty products.

MAC Prep & Prime Highlighter in Light Boost

A long term favourite of mine, I use this highlighter under my eyes, in the middle of my forehead and down the centre of my nose. I love that its yellow toned rather than pink toned, as it really does brighten up sallow looking skin. I think I'm on my second one of these, so you know its good if I repurchased it!

Givenchy Hydra Sparkling Magic Lip and Cheek Balm

Another long time favourite, to say I'm obsessed with this lip balm would be an understatement! Its the prettiest rosy pink colour and it sorts my dry lips out a treat. This is my second pot and I have another pot somewhere else which is almost finished, so technically its my third! This has also been in both my 2012 and 2013 beauty favourites, I will never be without it.

L'oreal Infallible Eyeshadow in Amber Rush

Like some of the best things in this world, you can only buy this particular shade of eyeshadow in America :'( The Infallible eyeshadows are available in the UK, we just don't have a particularly great shade range. I bought this in Chicago in September and I'm so happy I got it. These shadows are really metallic so they give this beautiful sheen to the lids, plus this colour looks beautiful with blue or green eyes. If you are going to America anytime soon put this on your wish list!

Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow in Camel

The newest addition to my Bobbi Brown eyeshadow family and quickly becoming the favourite. Don't be put off by the fact its the same colour as the end of cigarette! This looks amazing if you just use a matte cream colour all over your lid and run this through the crease, a tiny bit of winged eyeliner and you're done!

Physicians Formula Happy Booster Glow and Mood Boosting Blush in Natural

I'm sorry to put another American product in my favourites but I did actually buy this from Amazon, although its a lot more expensive on there! I love my Happy Booster blush in Warm but I think I actually prefer the Natural. Its pinker than I expected but it just looks (as the name suggests) very natural once applied. Every time I look at those little tacky hearts it makes me smile!

Oribe Apres Beach Wave and Shine Spray

Behind Moroccanoil this is my favourite hair discovery ever, just a shame its also ridiculously expensive! I spray this in my hair when its about 80/90% dry and leave it to air dry. It leaves me with natural, beachy waves but with no stickiness at all. Love it.

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Fiji

My latest and greatest foundation. I feel like I have spoken about this foundation a lot this month, so I wont repeat myself now but i just love how this makes my skin look!