December Beauty Wishlist

Another day, another wishlist...

Despite having two finals tomorrow morning, I still can't muster up all of my motivation.  With those words in mind, I opted to create a little list of a few things that I desperately want to add to my beauty collection.  Let's get started!

Stella McCartney 'Stella' EDP
For the past six months or so, I've stopped buying perfumes and have decided to use up all of mine first.  However, six months down the road and my perfume collection is dwindling.  That being said, this rose-scented beauty is seriously taunting me!  Once I finish up another perfume or two, I'm definitely going for this perfume.

Charlotte Tilbury Eyeshadow Palette in 'Dolce Vita'
I've been DYING to try out Charlotte Tilbury makeup ever since it's launch; however, it's beyond hard to find in the US, so I'll just have to wait until next summer when I'm finally back in the UK before I can get my hands on this baby!

Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Fortifying Hydrator
As it's winter, my skin is begging for a really rich moisturizer, and this looks like the one for me!  Very hydrating and sinks into the skin? Yes, please.  However, I have a strict policy with moisturizers - I won't buy a new one until I'm out of the old one.  So, this purchase will have to wait a bit.

rms Beauty Living Luminizer
I really don't need this.  But it looks SO PRETTY.  This extremely expensive splurge ($38!) will have to wait a few months before it can be justified.

Bobbi Brown Powder Brush
Do I need another brush? No.  Do I want another brush? Yes.  Seriously though, I have an obscene amount of brushes that many family members and friends have commented on in the past.  However, I can't resist Bobbi Brown's brushes - they're pure heaven!


Have you been craving any new beauty bits this month?  Have you added any of these items to the list?  Or rather, should I be adding anything to my list? Let me know!

bloglovin' l shesaidbeauty | twitter | instagram

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Blog Sale! | YSL, Burberry, Chanel, Dior, MAC, NARS, Escentric Molecules, Etc.

I'm having a clear out of my make-up.  Everything here has been carefully cared for and gently used.  Everything has been disinfected, as well.

Please take a look and see if anything catches your eye!  I'm a college student, so anything purchased will be a massive help towards textbooks/food/etc.

PRICES HAVE BEEN LOWERED!

But here are a few RULES first:

• This is a first come, first serve basis!
• I won't hold any products for you, so if you want something, you'll need to grab it sooner rather than later.
• All prices are in US Dollars
• There is a MINIMUM purchase of $10, so please keep that in mind
• Please comment below with the names of the products you want, along with your paypal contact e-mail address OR send me an e-mail!
• I am also open to price negotiation, but ONLY if you send me an e-mail at beautybasicsxx@gmail.com
• I will send you an invoice via PayPal.  Sorry, I only accept PayPal!
• I expect payment within 24 hours of the sent invoice, otherwise I will sell it to the next person interested!
• I will be shipping via USPS (shipping prices listed below) within 3 business days of accepted PayPal payment
• All products have been disinfected, and have been used carefully!
• Sorry, I don't accept returns or exchanges!
• All high-end products that normally come with sleeves (eyeshadow, blush, etc.) when originally purchased will also be included (unless otherwise stated)!
• If you have any questions, please e-mail me at beautybasicsxx@gmail.com

Shipping Costs:

• I will be shipping via USPS within 2 business days of accepted PayPal payment
• I DO ship Internationally
• All US shipments will be sent with tracking
• The Shipping Costs are as follows:
• United States: $4 plus $0.50 for each additional item
• Canada: $6 plus $0.50 for each additional item
• International: $10 plus $1 for each additional item

Happy Shopping Everyone!

Laura Mercier Mineral Powder SPF 15 in Warm Sand (used 4-5x)
$18

YSL Crème de Blush in 02 Powdery Rose (see use above)
$20
Tarte 12 Hour Amazonian Clay Blush in Natural Beauty (used 2x)
$18
NARS Blush in Sin (see use above)

Estée Lauder Pure Color Eyeshadow Duo in Vanilla Pods (used 3-4x)
$20

Edward Bess Ultra Luminous Eyeshadow in Intimate (used 3-4x)
$12
Chanel Ombre Essentielle in Taupe Grise (used 2-3x)
$12

Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Secret Service (used 2-3x)
$8
Stila Eyeshadow in Cloud (swatched 1x)
$8
Stila Eyeshadow in Diamond Lil (swatched 1x)
$8

Items Sold:
MAC See Sheer Lipstick
Dior Lip Jelly in Carioca
YSL Rouge Volupté Shine in 17 Rose In Tension
Anastasia Brow Wiz in Medium Ash
Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette
MAC Plumful Lipstick
Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro in 500 Blush
Soap & Glory Lid Stuff in What's Nude
NARS Sin Blush
NARS Portobello Eyeshadow Duo
MAC Cream In Your Coffee Lipstick
Sleek Au Naturel Eyeshadow Palette
theBalm Nude Tude Eyeshadow Palette
Dior 5 Colours Eyeshadow Palette in Grege
Escentric Molecules Escentric 01
Burberry Lip Cover in 04 Rosewood
Burberry Lip Cover in 13 Heather
Burberry Lip Cover in 14 Prune
Urban Decay Naked Palette
NARS Madrague Eyeshadow Duo
theBalm Mary Lou-Manizer Highlighter
Sleek Storm Palette
MUA Heaven & Earth Palette

Thanks!

What's in my Travel Make-Up Bag #2 | Canada, Eh!

It's been over a year since I posted my last What's in my Travel Make-Up Bag post.  Last time, I was on my way to London; however, this time I'm on my way to somewhere much less exotic - Toronto.  Despite living quite close to the Canadian border, I've only ever ventured up there once.  But with a long weekend looming in front of me, I've decided to head up north again to visit a friend, and eat some donuts and maple syrup and whatnot.

Let's jump into what I'm taking along for the journey.

As you can see, I've kept my options limited.  I'm not checking a bag ($25 each way? I think not), so I've had to carefully select each liquid product, only taking the bare necessities.  For my base, I opted for my most travel-friendly foundation: By Terry Sheer Expert in 2 ($65).   This will also be a good reason for me to start using this foundation, I've had it for months and have used it maybe three times!  I also decided to bring along the Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer in Porcelain ($23), as it will cover both under my eyes and any blemishes that may arise during the weekend.  Finally, I've chosen my well-loved Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in Translucent ($5).

For eyes, I've given myself a few options, filling up my MAC eyeshadow quad with my current favorites: Grain, Era, Sable, and Brun ($10 each in pan form). My eyebrows also wouldn't be complete without my beloved Anastasia Brow Powder Duo in Medium Brown ($23).  I've also chosen to bring along the Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Damsel (part of the Stila in the Light Palette for $39), for any eyelining that may be required.  Finally, I'm along this teeny tiny Fresh Supernova Mascara sample ($25 for full-size), which I'm very curious to try out!

I'm also bringing my favorite contour shade - Burberry 'Light Glow' Blush in No. 07 Earthy ($42), which is so perfect for fair skins, but it also works well as a very natural blush.  However, I couldn't just leave myself with one blush choice, could I?  At the last minute, I threw in the Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Color in Spiced Cider ($26) - possibly the best named, and perfect for Autumn blush I own.  As for lips, I decided to bring one of my all-time favorite lipsticks, the Clinique Chubby Stick in Bountiful Blush ($17), as it will cover any and all needs I'll have lip-wise.  Finally, I'm brining the Marc Jacobs Daisy EDT Rollerball ($20) with: my travel-scent of choice.

Are you travelling anywhere soon?  What will you bring with?

Recent Favorites #1

Since starting back up at college, I haven't had time to post monthly favorites - being far too busy to set aside time for it at either point over the last two months.  That being said, I just couldn't wait to share some of the products that I've been loving recently!

First on the list is Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation in 2 ($60).  This is one of my most expensive bases; however, it's also one of my favorites.  I bought this about a month ago and I can't stop using it.  It's a gorgeous match for me, and the light-medium coverage and natural finish are exactly what I look for in a foundation.  I've also recently fallen for a higlighter - the Burberry 'Fresh Glow' Luminous Highlighting Powder in No. 01 Nude Radiance ($48).  Although not the most shimmery highlighter, it gives a subtle glow that is just so natural - no disco balls here!

As for eyes, I've been sticking to some tried favorites - MAC Eyeshadow in Era (easily my favorite MAC eyeshadow) all over the lid for a simple, natural look, and MAC Eyeshadow in Brun to line my upper lash line, again for a more natural looking eyeliner ($10 each in pan form).  Anastasia Brow Powder Duo in Medium Brown ($23) has also been my weapon of choice for my brows.  I use the lighter shade for a more natural, defined brow - plus this powder seriously lasts, you can't fault it! 

Finally, I've been reaching almost daily for an all-time favorite lipstick - Chanel Rouge Coco in 05 Mademoiselle ($34).  Chanel's lipsticks are definitely my favorite high-end offerings, with a creamy texture and good lasting powder, they can't be beat.  This particular shade is supposed to be special, as it's meant to appear to be a slightly different shade on everyone (I'm not sure whether that's entirely true or not).  All that being said, it's a warm, natural rose shade that's perfect for everyday wear.  You can read my full review on this lipstick here.

What have you been loving recently?

bloglovin' l shesaidbeauty

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Beauty Haul: Kevyn Aucoin, Bioderma, L'Oreal, Rimmel

I've cut down my beauty spending by a lot over the past couple of months.  After returning to the US, some costs came up that weren't necessary for me in Germany (re: gas for my car, more expensive food, and cell phone bills that are larger than €10 a month), so I had to rearrange my budget to accommodate, naturally making my frivolous beauty spending the first thing to be cut!  However, after a month of being good, I thought it was finally time to treat myself!

The first thing I decided to splurge for was the Kevyn Aucoin The Sculpting Powder in Medium ($44).  I've been wanting to try this for months, and when I saw it for sale on a blog sale, I immediately picked it up.  I've only used it once so far, but let me say that my cheekbones have never looked better!  A full review will soon follow.  The other item I splurged on was a new bottle of Bioderma.  I actually have a full bottle lurking at my parent's house, but I couldn't seem to find it when I was last there, so a quick eBay search was in order.  This 500ml beauty doesn't come cheap (mine was around $30 including shipping), but it works like a dream!  You can read my full review of this here.

Today, I also lurked the aisles of Walgreens, initally looking for pens, but leaving with much more than that.  The first thing I grabbed was the L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara ($8.49).  I currently don't have any non-colored mascaras in my stash, and I decided that needed to be changed.  This seems to be a mascara that everyone and their mother has tried, but I've always stuck to Maybelline for my drugstore mascaras, so I'm curious to see how this one will go.  I also decided to grab two nude lipsticks: the L'Oreal Color Riche Balm in Nourishing Nude ($8.29) and the Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in To Nude or Not to Nude? ($7.29).  I've never really found a nude lipstick I've liked, so I thought I'd try these two out and see if either (or hopefully both) will work.

Have you tried any of these before?  Have you picked up anything new recently?

bloglovin' l shesaidbeauty

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Daily Make-Up #2 | Job Interview

I had my first job interview today (Senior in college, let the fear take over), and along with the fear and nerves that go with the entire process, I still had to figure out the best make-up look to wear!

However, after some serious thought (I may or may not have spent all week planning today's make-up), I think I came up with a very natural, very appropriate job interview make-up look.

I have quite a stash of foundations, but I wanted to wear something that I knew matched me perfectly and only gave a little bit of coverage, so I opted for an old favorite - the Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation in Porcelain 0 ($47).  Although it's by no means the cheapest foundation I own, it is a perfect match for me, and it literally looks like skin.  I then used the Dolce & Gabbana The Concealer Perfect Finish Concealer in 2 ($37) underneath my eyes, which creases like no other (not too impressive for the price), and the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in 1 (£4.19), which I will forever love.  I then set everything with the Burberry Sheer Powder in Porcelain No. 01 ($45).  

I kept it very simple on my eyes, doing a very basic, but natural look.  I put a base on my lid using the MAC Painterly Paint Pot ($20), which I used to not care for, but have since grown quite fond of.  Then I used the Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette ($27), using Foxy and WOS all over the lid, and putting Naked 2 through the crease, using Faint and Crave (mixed) as a liner, and then using WOS as a brow and inner-corner highlight.  I then used the Rimmel Scandaleyes Liner in Taupe ($4.49) on my waterline, and then used the Laura Mercier Long Lash Mascara ($24) on my upper lashes, which is nice, but nothing special.  As for brows, I used the tried and true MAC Omega eyeshadow ($10 in pan form), with my favorite MAC 266, and then set it with the MAC Clear Brow Set ($16).

I then used the Burberry 'Light Glow' Blush in No. 07 Earthy ($42) to contour, and used it as a 'barely there' blush.  For highlighter, I made sure to use something subtle - the Diorskin Nude Shimmer Illuminating Powder (£32) was thus chosen and added the perfect amount of glow!  Finally, I added lipstick, which was probably the hardest decision to make out of all the products I chose.  I ended up picking one of my all-time favorite lipsticks - Chanel Rouge Coco Lipstick in 45 Caractère ($34), a natural rose with gold sparkle, which looks absolutely stunning on the lips!

Is this something you'd wear to an interview?  Random question alert:  What's your favorite drugstore mascara?  I really want a new one!

bloglovin' l shesaidbeauty

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Products I've Finished: Empties #4

I've finished off another batch of products.  Prepare yourself, it's a long one...

Soap & Gory Sugar Crush Body Scrub (£10)

I really liked this scrub, it was really moisturizing and smells amazing.  Especially for Summer.  However, I used it up quite quickly, I think because it's more oily than some other Body Scrubs I've used.  Also, I think I prefer the Breakfast Scrub from Soap & Glory over this one.  That being said, I still may repurchase this (if it ever gets released in the US, that is!)

The Body Shop Pink Grapefruit Body Butter ($18)

This was kind of underwhelming.  I've heard so much about the Body Shop Body Butters, and this wasn't anything special.  I needed a lot to moisturize my entire body, so it ran out quite quickly.  I don't think I'll be repurchasing this anytime soon.

Caudalie Divine Oil ($49)

Another underwhelming product.  This was a nice product, and I like that I could use it on my hair, body, or face (although it was best for body), but it's just way too expensive for what it does.  I won't be repurchasing this.

REN Morroccan Otto Rose Body Cream Sample ($44 for full-size)

This was an amazing body cream.  It was very hydrating, and I didn't need too much to moisturize my whole body, so it was pretty good in terms of value for money.  However, it's quite expensive, so I'm not sure yet as to whether I'll repurchase the full-size or not.

John Frieda Full Repair Shampoo & Conditioner ($6 each)

This was a really nice set of shampoo & conditioner.  I'm not sure how much repair it actually did, but it worked well for cleaning my hair, and definitely didn't damage it any further.  I would definitely consider buying these again, especially at this price point - bargain!

John Frieda Sheer Blonde Colour Renew Shampoo & Conditioner ($6 each)

This was another nice set.  Although my hair isn't blonde, it does go brassy quite easily, so this worked well to help counteract that as much as possible.  I think it worked quite well and I will definitely be repurchasing these soon!

Redken All Soft Shampoo ($14.50)

I finished the matching conditioner in my last empties post, and once again, I was underwhelmed by these.  This isn't a bad shampoo, but it's no better than something I could get from the drugstore.  I won't be purchasing this again.

Redken Color Extend Rich Recovery ($16.50)

I really enjoyed using this hair mask.  I used it about once a week, and I really feel like it helped to make the color last longer in my hair.  However, it wasn't a miracle worker, my hair did eventually start to fade back to a brassy blonde color, but that was really inevitable.  As much as I liked this, though, I won't be repurchasing it, mostly because I've decided to stop coloring my hair, so it would be kind of pointless.

Tresemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray ($4)
Standard Heat Protectant.  It does the job, and it's not ridiculously priced.  It sprays really evenly, as well.  I've already repurchased this and I will probably continue to do so.

Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Tri-Wheat Leave In Conditioner ($17)
I love this stuff.  It's an amazing detangler, plus it hydrates my very dry ends, as well.  I will definitely be repurchasing this very, very soon!

Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray ($25)
I'm in love with this product.  It doesn't dry my hair out too much (unlike the shampoo and conditioner version of this), and leaves me with a matte, beachy look.  I've already repurchased this, and will repurchase it again after I finish that one!

L'Occitane Immortelle Precious Cleansing Foam ($27)

This was a nice cleanser; HOWEVER, I will not be repurchasing this, as it has SLS in it, which is bad for your skin.  I will look further into this particular line and see if there is anything more suitable for my skin, but this is definitely a no-go for me.

Emma Hardie Amazing Face Natural Lift and Sculpt Moringa Cleansing Balm ($55)

I've already proclaimed my love for this cleansing balm, so I won't go on again.  It's on the repurchase list, but I have other cleansers to get through first!

REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask ($55)

Beautiful mask.  I used this once to twice a week after exfoliating, and I really felt like this did something for my skin.  I will be repurchasing this, but I'm waiting until I have 10% off of Sephora before I buy it, since it is so damn expensive!

Clarins Sun Wrinkle Control Cream For Face SPF 30 ($32)

Another amazing product.  I really love this sunscreen, my only gripe is that it peeled a bit after application, which I found really annoying.  I'm working through a different sunscreen at the moment, but I may go back to this after I finish my current one!

NUXE Reve de Miel Lip Balm (€7)

I didn't actually finish this product, but I did throw it away with pleasure.  I know it's a cult favorite, but it dried my lips out so badly, for multiple weeks.  I hate this more than words can describe.  I definitely wouldn't recommend this product.  Although, I know many people swear by it, so I may just have had a VERY bad reaction to it.

Algenist Overnight Restorative Cream Sample ($90 for full-size)

This was a nice, rich night cream, but it wasn't nice enough to merit the $90 price tag, so I won't be purchasing the full-size.

Caudalie Grape Cleansing Water Sample ($28 for full-size)

This was a fine cleansing water, but it doesn't hold a candle to Bioderma, so I won't be buying the full-size of this, either.

Melvita Rose Floral Water Travel-Size ($23 for full-size)

This was a really nice toner, just as nice as the LUSH one, if this one is easier for you to get your hands on.  I'd definitely consider buying the full-size of this, but I need to get through what I own first!

Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Dark Circle Eye Roller ($13)

I really liked this for mornings.  It has a slight tint, which helps to cover the dark circles, and it was really cooling, which helped with my puffy morning eyes.  I don't think it really helped with my dark circles beyond slightly covering them with the tint, but I did like the product overall.  I may repurchase this, but it's not something I'm going to rush out to the store for.

Burberry Sheer Concealer in No. 01 Light Beige ($40)

This is probably my favorite concealer I've ever tried.  It gives the perfect amount of coverage, and never feels heavy on the skin.  However, I'm trying to work through the concealers I have through first before I repurchase this, but we'll see how long that lasts, to be honest...

Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara ($5)

I liked this mascara, but it's not something I'm going to rush out and buy.

Diorshow Lash Plumping Serum ($28.50)

This is a really cool product - it lengthens and gives volume to your lashes by applying this before your mascara.  I really liked this, and definitely noticed a difference.  However, it's more of a luxury than a necessity, so it won't be on the repurcharse list for a while.

Maybelline The Rocket Mascara ($6)

This mascara grew on me.  I initally hated it, but now I actually kind of like it and may consider buying it again!

Maybelline Mega Plush Mascara ($6)

I also really like this mascara, it's good for volume, and for a really natural look, but I'm not going to rush out and get it again, though I may repurchase it again one day.

Maybelline The Falsies Mascara ($6)

My pick of the bunch.  This is such a good mascara for volume, and it's at the top of my list for repurchasing!

Sally Hansen Double Duty Base & Top Coat ($4)

My base coat of choice.  It does the job, and it's only $4.  I do really hate the packaging, though.  After about halfway through the bottle, it starts to get gloopy and the brush can't really reach the product well anymore.  However, I will still most likely repurchase it.

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Top Coat ($4)

My top coat of choice.  I have the same gripes with packaging as I do with the base coat, but man does this stuff dry quickly!  After about 30 seconds, my nails are dry, it's fantastic!

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment Sample ($22.50 for full-size)

After the horror of the NUXE Reve de Miel Lip Balm, this was the only thing that saved my lips.  I already repurchased this, and will continue to, despite the steep price!

Ouidad Moisture Lock Leave-In Conditioner Travel-Size ($9)

This is a nice leave-in conditioner, but I don't think it's any better than a drugstore leave-in conditioner, so I won't be purchasing this again!

Essence Nail Polish Remover (€0.85)

A standard Acetone-free nail polish remover.  I won't be purchasing this again, since I just moved back to the US and we don't have Essence products, but it's a perfectly fine nail polish remover.

Rituals Under A Fig Tree Candle (€17)

I wasn't a big fan of this candle.  It smelled really nice when I stood right over the candle; however, when I was 5 feet away or more,  I couldn't smell a damn thing.  I do plan to get my money's worth out of this and convert it into a brush holder, though!

NEOM Complete Bliss Candle (£15)

I love this candle (see full review here)!  It smells just like roses and I can't get over how great it smells and how easily it fills up a room.  If I had easier access to NEOM products, I would continually repurchase this.  Unfortunately, they're a UK brand and it's quite difficult to purchase their products internationally :/

YSL Volupté Sheer Candy in 02 Dewy Papaya ($34)

I had a massive change of heart on this product.  I initially hated it, I though it gave no pigmentation to the lips and felt like I had wasted my money.  However, I recently started to use it and fell head over heels in love.  It does only give slight pigmentation, but it gives such a beautiful peachy-tint to the lips.  I'm definitely going to be purchasing this again!

Caudalie Lip Conditioner ($14)

This is another winner in my books.  This is a very hydrating lip balm, and would last quite a while on me.  However, I still ended up going through this entire tube in one month!  It also doesn't have an SPF, which is upsetting. So, I'll probably be sticking to my Fresh Sugar Lip Treatments from now on!

Congrats if you made it through that huge amount of products!  I've been putting off this post for a few months, so everything really accumulated.

bloglovin' l hellocotton

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US Beauty Haul!

I came home to the US about 2 weeks ago and since then, I've definitely taken advantage of the cheaper beauty products.  I made orders to MAC, Sephora, and Nordstrom; leaving the sites with my checking balance low, but my expectation high.  Let's start off with MAC...

The first things I got were two of the new palettes (although, they're not so new anymore).  I like that they have a clear top, which I think will help me to gravitate towards it more than I did with the plain, black top of the old palettes.  I decided to get the 15-Eyeshadow Palette ($18) along with the insert ($9) and then a 2-Eyeshadow Palette ($9) for Omega and Charcoal Brown Eyeshadows for my eyebrows.

I also decided to get four new eyeshadows, which means I now have a completed MAC palette!  I decided to get Brun, Sable, Grain, and Malt ($12 each in the pan).  Brun is a dark brown, almost black shade; Sable is a bronzey-red shade, which looks so gorgeous with any beige-toned eyeshadows; Grain is a warm-beige shade; and Malt is a matte, pinky-beige.  I'm totally in love with all of these shades, so I'm so happy with those!

I also picked up the cult-classic: MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack ($16).  I've never tried gel eyeliner before, so I was very apprehensive about ordering this.  However, I've found this so easy to work with, so long-lasting, and definitely easier to apply than liquid liner - I'm officially converted!  I also picked up the MAC Kohl in Coffee ($16), as it's always so popular online.  I haven't used it yet, as I haven't been able to put down the gel eyeliner, but I'm very excited to give it a go!  I also got the MAC Brow Set in Clear ($16).  I've never tried a brow gel before, so I sort of just threw this in at the last moment.  Once again, I'm very happy with this purchase.  It makes my brows look so much nicer: more natural, also they last longer, too, which is always a plus!

Finally from MAC, I picked up MAC Fix + in the mini-size ($10).  Again, I've heard a lot about this, but have never tried it, so I was simply curious.  The spray is a little heavy for my taste, but it is really refreshing, and it does help to counteract over-powdering.  I also picked up two brushes, the MAC 209 Eye Liner Brush ($20) for the gel liner (golden), and the MAC 266 Small Angle Brush ($20), which I use for filling my brows in with powder.  Both brushes are fantastic, and decently priced (at least, for MAC). 

I also made an order from Sephora, and that's what happened.  

Firstly, I picked up the Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm ($28.50).  This is Caroline Hirons approved, and was about half the price of the Emma Hardie one, so I thought I'd give it a go.  It's fantastic.  It's maybe not quite as good as the Emma Hardie one, but you really can't beat the price - ballin' on a budget (not really), am I right?

I also picked up the Origins No Puffery ($25).  I was looking for a cooling gel to use on my eyes in the mornings, and this looked like a good route to take.  Then I added the Clinique Super City Block SPF 40 ($22).  I needed an SPF for my face, and I wanted something stronger than the Clarins SPF 30 I was using, and this looked like something I would enjoy.  I do like it, my only gripe is that it's kind of small, you only get 40ml, so I feel like I'm going to use it up quick, which is annoying.  I also got the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment ($22.50), as it saved my lips a few months back and I recently ran out of the Caudalie Lip Balm (which I also like).  One other slightly random purchase I made was the Sephora A Step Ahead Foot Smoother ($12).  My feet are in need of a little TLC, to say the least, so I figured this was a pretty cost-efficient way to work on that.  I have tried it, and it was fantastic.  It really smoothed out my feet, so I'm quite impressed with this!

I also couldn't not purchase a bit of make-up.  I decided to get the Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Natural Beauty ($26).  I love Tarte Exposed and I'm hoping to love this one just as much.  It's everything I wanted Dior Rosy Glow to be (and so much cheaper).  It's the exact same shade as my natural flush, it's uncanny.  It also looks so good with Strawberry-toned lips (Clinique Chubby Stick in Super Strawberry - just sayin').

Then I threw in a couple Nails Inc. Nail Polishes in Queen Victoria Street, an emerald shade, and Green Park, a slate blue-green ($9.50 each).  They both look like gorgeous colors for this time of year.  I'm sure they'll be featured in Nail of the Day Posts soon enough!

Finally, I made an order from Nordstrom for a few new Burberry Beauty bits.  You know I can't resist Burberry Beauty.  It's by far my favorite beauty brand, high or low-end.  The quality, the scent, and the value for money even, is unreal!

The first thing I opted for was the new Burberry 'Fresh Glow' Luminous Highlighting Powder in No. 01 Nude Radiance ($48).  This is basically Burberry Fresh Glow, liquid highlight/primer, but in powder form.  It's quite neutral-toned, a pinky-champagne shade, and it's subtle, but still noticeable.  Along the same lines as the Kevyn Aucoin The Celestial Powder in Candlelight in pigmentation.  It was recently released with their Summer Collection, and I would highly recommend picking this up while you can, as I'm not sure whether it's limited edition or not!

I also picked up another Burberry Eyeshadow in No. 10 Antique Rose ($29).  It's a mauve shade, with a hint of brown to it.  A gorgeous shade, that I think will look great during this time of year.  Plus, you really can't beat Burberry eyeshadows (or Burberry anything, for that matter).

Finally, I picked up the Burberry Lip Cover in No. 32 Sepia Pink ($30).  This was released in the A/W12 Collection, and I actually went on a hunt through London to find it, but it was sold out in the entire city.  So, when I saw this was in stock, I knew it had to be mine!  I thought this was limited edition, but maybe it was added to the permanent line?  I'm not quite sure, but once again, it's love.  I haven't put this lipstick down since I got it, it's darker than my natural lip shade, but I can still wear it to work without looking ridiculous, which is honestly all I look for in lipsticks these days!

Whew!  That's it for this haul.  Congratulations if you made it to the end of this post!  It was quite long, I know.  

Have you picked up any new things recently?  What's on your wishlist?

Also, if you are looking for some new beauty bits, why not check out my Blog Sale?  I have a lot of barely used products that need to go!  Please check it out and hopefully you'll find something you like.

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July Beauty Favorites

July has now come to an end, and for me it’s quite bittersweet.  I recently moved back to the US from Germany, which is something both exciting and very sad.  Although I’ll miss Germany a lot, I’m happy to be home – especially as I’m sure I’ll be back in Germany next Summer!  Now, onto the favorites…

I made a couple of naughty purchases this month, and a lot of the products have become staples.   The first new love of my life is the Stila In the Light Palette ($39) (review here).  Seriously, this palette is amazing!  Every color is wearable and blends like butter.  It also comes with an eyeliner, which is also fantastic.  It’s such a great value for money – highly recommend.  However, I’ve also come down with a bad bought of hay fever this month.  So on the days when my eyes were too sensitive for much eye make-up, I opted just for the L’Oreal Lineur Intense ($9).  I normally stay far away from liquid liner, but the fact that I can actually use this, is unreal.  I suck at applying eyeliner, so this is really saying something – though I do still need to be careful, it can still easily go very, very wrong.  I've also been loving this sample of the Buxom Amplified Lash Mascara ($19).  It's a plastic wand, which I normally hate, but the cool thing is is that it can be adjusted from a wand with more dispersed bristles, for lengthening, and a wand with bristles that are closer together, for volume, which is really cool.  I do really like this mascara, but I'm not quite sure whether I'll be purchasing the full-sized version or not.

Swatches: Left - Guerlain Bronzer, Right - NARS Penny Lane

I’ve also been enjoying using the NARS Penny Lane Cream Blusher ($29).  It’s the longest-wearing cream blusher I own, and it’s also probably the most natural blush I own.  The peachy-tone gives a really natural glow to the cheeks, and because it is so natural, it makes it quite difficult to overdo.  Not a clown in sight when I pull this stuff out.  I’ve also been setting that with the Guerlain Terracotta Sheer Bronzer in 02 Blondes ($51) (review here).  This is probably the sheerest bronzer I’ve ever used, but again, you really can’t overdo it.  This isn’t for contouring or adding definition or anything like that, this is simply for a natural, warm glow to the face, which it definitely delivers.

Swatch of YSL Dewy Papaya

As for lips, I’ve been keeping it simple this month.  It was far too horrifically hot in Europe for anything heavy on the lips (or in any make-up department really), so I’ve been opting for a couple of different options.  This first one is the YSL Volupté Sheer Candy in 02 Dewy Papaya ($34).  Although not massively pigmented, it works so well with this warm, natural make-up look I’ve been trying to go for this month.  It’s a sheer, peachy-shade, and besides the lovely color, it’s also very hydrating and smells so good!  I’ve used over half of this tinted lip balm in just this month alone!  I’ve also really been loving the Caudalie Lip Conditioner ($14).  I’ve recently discovered that my Burt’s Bees wasn’t cutting it anymore, so I decided to try something new.  This lip balm is so hydrating, and goes on so smoothly to the lips.  I definitely think this is just as good as the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatments, plus it’s about $9 cheaper!  My only gripe with it, is that there’s no SPF, which is massively disappointing and could even keep me from repurchasing.

My final favorite is a perfume (of course).  Since I recently moved, I packed up most of my makeup and perfumes at the beginning of the month, leaving only one or two of each type of product in my daily make-up stash.  The perfume that I left out for use was Dior Addict Shine EDT (sadly discontinued).  It is just the nicest, citrusy-fresh summer scent.  I absolutely love it, but part of me also hates to use it, because it is, unfortunately, discontinued.  I did have a poke around and still found some bottles floating on Amazon, but it’s not sold in store anymore.  Seriously, Dior, bring this back!

What have you been loving this month?  Are you also loving the natural, glowy Summer look like I am?

Also - I just want to mention that I'm now having a Blog Sale!  I'm trying to get rid of the makeup that I pretty much never use, so everything is in really good condition.  I'd love for you to check it out, if you're interested.

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Blog Sale | Burberry, Dior, MAC, Chanel, NARS, YSL, Etc.

Items Sold:

Dior Cherie Bow Blush in 659 Coral Tender (LE)
NARS Eyeshadow Duo in Isolde
MAC Craving Lipstick
MAC Sheertone Blush in Pinch Me
Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow in No. 04 Gold Trench
NARS Laguna Bronzer
Sleek Face Form in Fair
Sleek Oh So Special Palette
MAC Lustre Lipstick in Ladybug
MAC Lustre Lipstick in On Hold
YSL Rouge Volupté Shine in 13 Pink in Paris
Diorskin Shimmer Star in 001 Rose Diamond
Diorskin Shimmer Star in 002 Amber Diamond
NARS Douceur Blush
YSL Glossy Stain in 29 Rose Fourreau
Burberry Lip Cover in No. 06 Nutmeg
Sephora Ultra-Smoothing Primer
Stila Mulholland Drive Eyeshadow Set
MUA Undress Me Too Palette
MAC Velvet Teddy Lipstick
MAC Patisserie Lipstick
Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer in 52
Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Color in Lush Nectarine
Dior Rosy Glow Healthy Glow Awakening Blush

Stila In the Light Palette Review

I’m a bit of an Eyeshadow fiend – I have more than can ever be used in one lifetime, but I can’t help myself, it’s one of my makeup vices (alongside blush and lipstick that is).  I tend to flit quite easily from one eyeshadow to the next, never using one shade/palette for too long. However, one of my most recent eyeshadow purchases, see haul post here, has made quite an impression on me – the Stila In the Light Palette ($39).

Let me say this first – I’m sure there isn’t a person out there who isn’t already stocked up to the brim with neutral eyeshadow palettes, but this one is definitely one to look at, even with all three Urban Decay Naked Palettes in your stash.

The buttery formulation of this palette rivals even that of the Urban Decay palettes.  The shadows slide on easily to the lid, the brush picks up the nicely pigmented product without ever picking up too much product, and despite the heavily shimmer-friendly palette this appears to be, it doesn’t ever look like it’s too much on the eyes.  The palette comes with 10 full-size eyshadows and an eyeliner.

I haven’t gotten a chance to use all 10 eyeshadows yet, but I have used every shade except for Night Sky (but I can see myself using that for a smoky eye) so far, and I have yet to be disappointed by any of them.  The palette is made up of about 5 lighter colors, which are great for everyday wear, and then are about 5 darker colors, which are great for adding into the outer corner for a natural smoky eye during the day, or can be used together for a night-out.  I also like using two of the darker eyeshadows (Luster & Ebony) in place of eyeliner, if you want a softer way to define the lashes. Speaking of eyeliner: I’m also head over heels in love with this eyeliner!  It’s in the shade Damsel, which is a very dark brown, almost a black-brown.  It smudges easily into the lashline (if you act quick) and lasts all day!  I imagine that it would last well on the waterline, too, but I’ve never tried that, so I can’t be sure.

Here are a few of my favorite combinations:

1.       Bare, Kitten, & Bliss

2.       Kitten, Bliss, & Sunset

3.       Bare, Bubbly, & Sandstone

It really is an amazing value for money, I can’t recommend it enough.  So, if you’re in the market for a new neutrals palette (aren’t we all?), give this one a swatch!

Longevity: 5/5
Pigmentation: 5/5

Packaging: 4/5

Texture: 5/5

Application: 5/5

Value For Money: 4.5/5 

Overall Rating: 9.5/10

Have you tried the Stila shadows before? What’s your favorite Neutrals palette?

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