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!

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 Dior Star Foundation

Last month I was changing my makeup on an almost daily basis, this month I have been pretty much sticking to this look everyday. Sometimes its nice just to use your tried and tested, favourite products, that you know you love.

Face

Foundation

Dior Star

This foundation has really grown on me. Initially I was unsure as it wasn't what I expected. 

I was expecting a high coverage, flawless finish but the coverage is actually a lot lighter. Its a medium coverage foundation, which has a very natural demi matte finish. 

Concealer

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

I use the Bobbi Brown corrector on my dark circles with the Josie Maran crayon on top to brighten. The crayon is too creamy for any spot concealing, so this is where the Collection concealer comes in. 

Powder

Charlotte Tilbury Air Brush Flawless Finish Skin Perfecting Micro Powder

Very sad to say I have finally finished this powder :( This was the best powder I had ever found, it felt like velvet, provided a little bit of extra coverage and kept me shine free all day. I feel bereft now its gone!

Blush 

MAC The Perfect Cheek Blush

This was released in MAC's Marilyn collection a few years ago and is no longer available, but I have heard that MAC's Cubic is almost identical and in their permanent line. 

This is one of my all time favourite blushes because its so easy to wear and is perfect for the whole 90s makeup revival that is going on right now.

Highlight

Kevyn Aucoin Celestial Powder in Candlelight

Reunited and it feels so good! My favourite highlighter, gives you a serious but natural glow.

Eyes

Eyebrows

Soap & Glory Archery in Brownie Points and L'oreal Brow Artist Plumper

As well as my powder, I have now also finished this Soap & Glory eyebrow pencil. If you are looking for a cheap eyebrow pencil this is the only one I would recommend and although I have gone back to my beloved Hourglass pencil, I would definitely purchase this again in the future.

Eyeshadow

By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Misty Rock

This eyeshadow is just a fail safe for me, you cant go wrong. Its so quick to apply, I literally just colour in my whole eyelid and then blend the edges. It takes no effort or time but I always get lots of compliments and I just love the metallic mauve/taupe colour. 

Mascara

Tarte Lights Camera Flashes and Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

My favourite mascara combination, doesn't smudge, budge or flake.

Lips

Lip liner

Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in Pillow Talk

This is a very natural shade, perfect for adding fullness to your lips. The colour would work well all over the lips but when I tried this, I actually found it to be quite drying and after about an hour found myself frantically searching for lip balm! 

Lipstick

MAC Lipstick in Bad Girl RiRi

Another discontinued MAC item, sorry but I just love this brown taupey nude. If you don't have this but want to try something similar, try MAC's Velvet Teddy which is another favourite of mine.

Eyeshadow Sticks

Although I wear eyeshadow every single day, I'm kinda lazy with it. For everyday I have a strict one colour only rule, which is why I love cream eyeshadow sticks. They are super quick and easy, I literally colour in my entire lid and blend out with my finger, or a brush if I'm feeling fancy. 

I find that cream eyeshadows have more dimension to them then powder shadows and it looks like you put in way more effort than you actually did. 

I didn't realise till recently but I have built up quite the collection of cream eyeshadow sticks, so I thought I would share my favourites on here.

Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon in Champagne Diamonds (For Blue Eyes) 

My camera does not do this justice, its so glittery in real life it makes my eyelids look like they belong to Edward Cullen! I love Charlotte's concept for these pencils, there are two colours for every eye colour, a day and a night version. Champagne Diamonds is the day time colour for blue eyes and I have to agree, it does emphasise blue eyes very well. Like I said these are super glittery but don't worry the glitter doesn't stray. Call me a rebel but I actually really want to get Amber Haze, which is the shade for brown eyes. 

I think these would make great Christmas presents for your friends. My only complaint is that for the price, they don't self sharpen.

Available from Charlotte Tilbury £19.00

GOSH Forever Eyeshadow Stick in Light Copper

GOSH isn't normally a brand I pay much attention to, I don't know why but I'm just never drawn to the GOSH counter. I think all those bright orange blushers put me off! I randomly swatched these on my hand in Superdrug, not expecting anything special and was amazed at how smooth and metallic they were. I had to stop myself buying three shades and ended up opting for Light Copper, which I knew I would get the most use from. This is the cheapest of all my eyeshadow pencils but I honestly don't think you could tell a difference.

Available from Superdrug £5.99

By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Misty Rock

If I had to pick a favourite, this would be it. I just love the taupe/purple colour, its so unique and it makes a change for me from wearing brown! This is super metallic and almost has a glossy finish on the lids. I always get quite a few compliments on my eyeshadow whenever I wear this, so I know its a winner! It lasts all day and its just a fail safe for me, I cannot recommend this enough.

Available from Space NK £28.00

NUDESTIX Magnetic Eye Colour Pencil in Angel

NUDESTIX are a relatively new brand who have a range of eyeshadows, lipsticks and concealers, all in stick form. I really like their concept of easy, practical makeup. 

Angel is a peachy gold shade, a more subtle version of the Charlotte Tilbury without the glitter.

The other thing I really like about NUDESTIX is that your stick comes packaged in its own tin, the idea being that you can keep all your sticks in one place and each stick comes with its own sharpener.

Available from Space NK £24.00

Trish McEvoy 24-Hour Eyeshadow and Liner in Topaz

Apart from the font, this has identical packaging to the By Terry Ombre Blackstars. They must be made in the same factory or something because even the eyeshadow itself is the same, high shine, metallic and long lasting. I cannot tell a difference! Topaz is a gold tinged, metallic brown which looks great on its own all over the lid, but also works really well used in the crease with one of the lighter colours like Angel. As for the whole 24 hour thing, I cant say and I don't plan on testing that ;) but I can say it lasts a good 9 hours +

Available from Liberty £24.00