Boots Haul 015

After watching one of Vivianna's latest videos, I decided that I needed the Rimmel Lasting Finish Nude Foundation in my life so I picked it up in the shade Ivory which I'm hoping will not make me anymore pale than what I already am. As I'm starting to branch out more into eyeshadow, I noticed that Maybelline had released new additions to their Colour Tattoo range so I couldn't resist buying Barely Branded which is a beautiful, neutral shade that just evens everything out with a hint of colour. After swatching a few of the Max Factor Excess Shimmer Eyeshadows, I knew that I would be leaving with the shade Copper which will be perfect in a bronze, shimmery smokey eye.

As it was three for two across all makeup, I needed to pick up a few items that were similar in price and as if I didn't need anymore mascaras, I picked up the new Rimmel Wonderfull Mascara which has argan oil to help nourish the lashes. Whilst at the Rimmel stand, their new Glitter Bomb top coats caught my eye and I spotted that Disco Diva would be perfect teamed up with a rose gold nail varnish that I had already. Lastly, I remembered that I've been lusting after the Collection Lipstick in Sweet Tart which is a beautiful pink shade that will look even better when paired with a tan.

Have you bought anything recently from Boots?

November Favourites

Throughout November, I've found myself using an oldie but goodie in the form of NARS Laguna Bronzer which I still have mixed feelings about which is partially down to the fact that I can only wear it for a few days straight before it breaks me out. It's infamous across the blogging world as the perfect bronzer to contour with and I do agree with that although sometimes it can come aross as looking a little patchy and muddy especially when not having a good skin day. Regardless of what it does to my skin, I love how it looks on the skin and I will continue to use it for a few days a week at a time atleast.

As I've been running about all over the place at work, I've needed a base that will last so I've been using the Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation every day almost. I use the shade Bone which matches me perfectly and when mixed in with Bourjois Radiance Reveal Healthy Mix Foundation and Revlon Photoready Skinlights Face Illuminator in Pink Light, it creates the perfect full coverage dewy base without looking cakey or overdone. A little definitely goes a long way and despite having just over half a bottle left, I may or may not have treated myself to a new bottle as an early christmas present. In order to apply my foundation, I've been looking no further than the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge which makes applying foundation a breeeze, as you simply bounce it on the skin to blend and buff it in. I personally have three on the go at the moment as I use one for two days straight before moving onto a clean one with a futher three in backup to be used in six months time.

As double wear is quite a full coverage foundation, my skin has been looking a little dry especially when teamed up with central heating at home, the cold winter air outside and the constant aircon at work which means that I can never win. In order to combat the dryness and to keep my skin in tip top shape, I've been using Hydraluron constantly which I'm currently on my fifth tube of as I cannot get enough of the stuff! It acts like a magnet with your moisturiser and helps draw it deeper down in your skin to keep it hydrated and when used twice a day, your skin will appear plumper in no time. As well as my skin looking a little dry, my lips have been looking and feeling worse for wear so I've been applying an eos lipbalm multiple times a day which has been helping to keep my lips moisturiser. I currently have five on the go, all in different locations, as I seriously cannot get enough of them and I made sure that I stocked up on lots of different scents whilst out in America.

November Empties

I've used up a bottle of Alpecin which helps my hair grow which I've already repurchased. I've finished up a bottle of the Argan Oil Hair Treatment which helped keep my ends hydrated but I won't be repurchasing. I've used up a Original Source Shower Gel in Lime which smelt so good and will be repurchased when I next see it on offer. I've finished up another bottle of the Soap & Glory Clean On Me Shower Gel which will forever be repurchased as I use it as a shaving lotion. I've used up a bottle of Imperial Leather Bewitching Bath Creme which created an okay amount of bubbles but sadly is now discountinued. I've finished up another Femfresh Daily Intimate Wash which is a must have for all woman and will forever be repurchased. I've used up a Herbal Essences Bee Strong Strengthening Intensive Mask which did an okay job as an intensive conditioner but I won't be rushing out to buy anytime soon.

I've finished up the Nspa Ultimate Cleansing Tonic which removed makeup really well but I felt that I went through it far too quickly. I've used up the No7 Hot Cloth Cleanser which is a brilliant budget cleanser and have already repurchased. I've finished another Garnier Simply Essentials Soothing 2-in-1 Makeup Remover which will forever be repurchased as it's a brilliant budget makeup remover and is always on a 3 for £5 offer in Boots. I've used up the Sanctuary Radiance Exfoliator which helped exfoliate and brighten my skin which will be getting repurchased as soon as I've used up a few more exfoliators. I've finished a big bottle of the Wilko Hand Sanitiser which is a must for on the go and applying makeup! I've used up the No7 Eye Makeup Remover which left a residue on my eyelids and didn't remove eye makeup very well and would never repurchase again. I've used up a Nivea Essential Care Lipbalm which helps hydrate my lips and will always have one on the go. I've used up the No7 Fanomenal Lash Serum which at first I really liked but towards the end, it started stinging my eyes but it does really work. I've finished up another Pretty Perfect Twist & Out Instant Nail Polish Remover which I urgently need to stock up on as it's brilliant for removing nail varnish.

I've used up four packs of the Wilko Maxi Oval Cotton Pads which will always be featured in a monthly empties as I go through them so quick but they're cheap as chips. I've used up two packets of the No7 Quick Thinking Wipes which I use for everything but removing facial makeup. I've finished a Revlon Photoready Skinlights Face Illuminator in Pink Light which I mix in with my foundation to create a dewy base which I've already repurchased. I've used up a Natural Collection Corrector Stick in Green which did an okay job at reducing the appearance of redness on my face but I wouldn't rush out to repurchase.

November Birchbox Review

As the days are getting colder and the need to wrap up warm, the Cosy at Home theme of the November Birchbox is more than welcoming. I love nothing more than getting home from work and jumping straight into my onesie, taking off my makeup and settling down to watch some rather festive movies such as Home Alone for the billionth time already this year. There's quite a variety of products in the November box covering skincare, bodycare, haircare with an added bonus of chocolate which already gets a thumbs up from me.

The most exciting product for me is the full sized Dr. Jart+ V7 Balancing Toner (£18) which is the first product that I've tried from Dr. Jart+ which is surprising as almost everybody has tried something from the range. It promises to improve skin's youthful quality with it's advanced enhancing systwem whilst soothing and refining the skins texture. This is right up my straight as I love anything that claims to sooth and refine the skins texture. As I'm a huge fan of bronzers, I'm excited to see a generous sample of Lord & Berry Mini Bronzer in Sienna (£19) which is a super finely milled matte bronzer that helps acheive a bronzed glow without the shimmer. The shade is actually perfect as it doesn't look muddy or dirty on the skin.

I find that during the cold, winter months, my hair gets more tangled and frizzy so the Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle (£14) has arrived in perfect time. Once sprayed onto clean, damp hair it helps to detangle the hair, minimise frizz, protect colour as well as add some much needed shine which I can't wait to start using! I haven't tried anything from Weleda so their Wild Rose Body Oil (£19.95) is a welcome addition. It's a musky rose scent which doesn't smell artificial which whem teamed up with enriching jojoba and sweet almond oils, it helps to nourish and protect the skin whilst leaving it soft, supple and smooth. 

I'm not a huge fan of floral fragrances although the English Laundry Signature For Her EDP (£60) smells absolutely beautiful! It's inspired by classic country gardens with rose floral top notes with a hint of musk. I doubt I would ever purchase a fragrance this expensive but I will cherish this little sample vial. Finally, I've already munched on the Montezuma's Mini Bar (£2.39 for 100g) but it is one of the best chocolate bars I've tried and will be one that I'll be stocking up on for sure.