MAC & Clinique Haul

When I was in Liverpool I made it my mission to pick up all of the things I had been putting off buying. As mentioned, I bought a Philosophy facewash that I adore so needed to finish off my new face routine. As well as that I got two make-up items that filled an empty space in my makeup routine!

I went into MAC with the intention of picking up a light under-eye concealer. I explained to the MUA that I don't have any discolouration issues, I just wanted something to lift the area. I was glad that I was recommended MAC Prep and Prime highlighter in Light Boost, basically MAC's answer to YSL Touche Eclat at a much smaller price. There is no visible iridescence but it does very much brighten my under eyes, it can be also used above cheekbones as a highlight so I will try it out. (£17.50)

To go with my new Philosophy cleanser, I needed a new moisturiser. After sifting through your recommendations on twitter and blogger I settled on Clinique Dramatically Different. This definitely leaves my skin moisturised and fresh, this may sound silly but I feel the metal cap gives the product a little more of a cool feeling, I love it! (£17 for 50ml)

MAC 210 Precise Eye Liner Brush: I had been intending on picking up a liquid eyeliner brush for quite some time as I have 2 MAC fluidlines, yet absolutely no brush to use them with! I'm finding it much easier to use than anticipated which is great. (£17)

MAC Gently off Eye and Lip Makeup Remover: To complete my makeup removal routine I needed an eye makeup remover as I have a slight soap-in-eye phobia. I'm liking this so far, my mascara is left without a trace and the area doesn't feel like any residue is left behind, plus it's back 2 MAC-able, always a bonus! (£14)

xxxx

Topshop/Hollister/Jack Wills/H&M Haul

Earlier last week I went to Liverpool for a shopping spree. As I am now officially Job hunting I need to make a capsule 'working wardrobe', however as the search is still on I also needed some casual clothing for running errands etc, as that is what I am doing during most days. I also had a little MAC spree, that haul will be up in the coming days.

1. H&M Love this 3/4 sleeve cream lace top, it would look dressy with skinny trousers and heels or casual with jeans (£14.99)

2. H&M As much as I've lusted over embellished Peter Pan collars, I had been yet to make a purchase. This plain black t-shirt shape top fits perfectly with the contrasting cream collar embellished with pearls and diamante's, love!

3. Hollister I love these casual tops from Hollister, I sound like my Mum but they wash really well so I don't mind paying a little extra for them. (£16)

4. Hollister I have a similiar one of these that I paid full price for (grrr) quite recently. I love the grey variation as I adore layering up light jumpers in the autumn. (£22.60)

5. Topshop I adore the peplum trend! This top was great value and a great core piece, on the look out for a cute collar necklace to go with it as well. Definitely going to buy it in cream too next time I go shopping. (£18)

6. Jack Wills This top was a bargain in the sale (down from £69!!!!!) however when I got home I realised it is 55% silk and dry clean only, disaster! I am contemplating returning this as I don't want to ruin it by hand washing it- any tips will be greatly appreciated. (£24)

7. Jack Wills I bought a similar top to this in a different print (again, full price. Rage.) last month and I was happy to see it in a more wintery colour scheme. (£12)

8. Jack Wills I love cosy tracksuit bottoms for lounging and running to the gym. These are a little different to ones I have already as the ankles are cuffed but I am pleased they look cute with converse. (£49)

xxxx

This Weekend #1

I never usually post on weekends, however I thought it's a perfect time to do a little mish-mash of what I've been up to, loving and feeling in a little personal post. Plus as my Pinterest and Instagram addictions rapidly snowball, it'll be fab to have somewhere to share it!

Thinking...

                                                                              Source: google.com via Hannah on Pinterest

Wishing...

Source: marcusdesigninc.blogspot.com via Jamie on Pinterest

I decided I'm going to buy myself a substantial Graduation present as so much has gone into my 3 years at Uni. I've lusted over all things Louis Vuitton for as long as I knew what they were and I think it will be perfect to commemorate the occasion. I'll be purchasing in the next couple of weeks ahead of my Graduation on October 22nd.

Loving...

John Mayer! Since I've bought my MacBook my old iTunes has been wiped so I've only just got around to rediscovering the music that I loved so much, John Mayer has one of those voices I could happily listen to all day long. Gravity is one of my favorite songs by him and contains one of my favourite quotes ~ Keep me where the light is.

Inspired by...

Source: rolferoo.blogspot.com.au via Sue on Pinterest

The way Nicole Richie has styled her Alexander McQueen scarf to enhance simple outfits. I've lusted over these for quite some time and always thought I'd go for the black/white option if I ever was to purchase however I'm currently adoring this deep magenta shade.

Instagramming...

Sash the Norwegian Forest cat made a beeline for my shopping bags after my shopping splurge earlier on in the week!

follow me on intsagram

Posting...
New MAC goodies from my first CCO trip
MAC lipstick giveaway
Luscious skincare from Alison Claire Beauty
A Philosophy skincare purchase

What are your plans for this weekend?
xxxx

My new skincare Philosophy

I recently decided to take the plunge and invest in some decent skincare. Philosophy had been a brand I had heard raved about on blogs and YT, however I wasn't sure about it's availability in the UK. This was all until recently I was delighted to see a big new display in Debenhams. 

Philosophy 'Purity' one-step facial cleansing wash - Debenhams, £17 for 240ml

To sample the brand I decided on the Purity one-step facial cleanser. I am quite sceptical of brands that claim to cleanse/tone/moisturise/removemakeup/eveneyemakeup but I can honestly say that this one lives up to at least some of its claims. This is undoubtedly the first facewash that just melts away my full makeup without leaving anything behind, even eye makeup. Despite this I have a bit of a soap-in-eyes phobia so I will be buying an eye makeup remover, it is nice to know this works though, in the case of an emergency! It is a moisturising wash, however there is still a definite need for a moisturiser after- saying that I do suffer from dry skin. I haven't noticed this breaking me out in the past 2 weeks of use, nor particularly clearing up my skin. I could be going through a purging phase though, overall I am very impressed!

The lady at Debenhams saw me eyeing up the rest of the skincare range and kindly filled my bag with some more goodies.

Hope in a Jar moisturiser: Generous sample that I have now finished. Seriously considering buying the full size of this although it did sting my eyes a little, however this could just have been my clumsiness.

I haven't used my Eye Hope eye cream or The Microdelivery Exfoliating Facial Wash yet, I will include them in another post when I get round to it.

To finish off my new facial routine, I need some advice from the beauty-savvy girls that read this. Can any of you recommend me any amazing moisturiser suitable for normal to dry skin? I don't mind a splurge!

xxxx

Alison Claire Beauty: review

I recently recieved a couple of generous samples from Alison Claire, a company specialising in hair and skincare products. As someone with endless trouble with sensitive skin, any natural products are an absolute bonus!

Foot creams aren't something I often use however this generous sample will last me quite some time due to the rich and creamy texture. Peppermint is the default scent for foot creams however the Witch Hazel gives it a nice edge as well as the healing properties included. My favourite way to use this is before bed with a pair of fluffy socks on overnight! I've used this a few times but today I cannot believe how smooth my feet feel, lovely. (£12 for 200ml)

This was my absolute favourite product, one that is on my 'must buy' list. I can honestly say that I have never had such a deliciously scented product (this just tipped my fave Palmers Cocoa Butter off the podium). Mango and Coconut seemed like a strange combination yet once I tried it the scent was unmistakable. Tropical Solero.. yum!! Wonderfully moisturising with an amazing scent- winner! (£12 for 200ml)

Check out the website- Alison Claire bio-natural beauty

Samples sent for review consideration.

xxxx