Clinique Chubby Stick in Bountiful Blush Review

Tinted Lip Balms have been around for a long time, but a while back Clinique started a rage with their Chubby Sticks, a tinted lip balm in an oversized-crayon form.  Soon after, drugstore brands (Revlon, Covergirl, etc.) started making their own versions of the Chubby Sticks.  Although, I'm a massive fan of the dupes out there (hats off to Revlon), there's just nothing quite like the original.

The Clinique Chubby Stick in 'Bountiful Blush' ($16) is something I bought last July and barely looked twice at.  I opted to leave it in the US when I moved to Germany in September and didn't even consider bringing it back until I had a clear out of my left-behind makeup and came across it again.  Although I wasn't completely convinced I liked it, I opted to bring it back to Germany with me anyways, and I am SO glad I did!

This has been my most used lip product since January and I have no doubt in my mind that before I leave Germany, I'm going to finish it up.

Bountiful Blush is described as a 'sheer dusty rose', which is absolutely true.  It may not be the most pigmented lip color in the world, but it creates a really natural shade on the lips, very MLBB.  It's slightly darker than my natural lip shade, so it's always my go to color for a natural, everyday look.

It lasts about as long as an average lip balm, 2-3 hours, but that's to be expected.  Also, it shows up nicely on my averagely-pigmented lips, but if your lips are more pigmented than average, the Chubby Sticks may not show up on you, so I would definitely recommend trying them on if at all possible.

Once I run out of Bountiful Blush (and I will) I will definitely be repurchasing it along with a few other shades, too!

Longevity: 3.5/5

Pigmentation: 3.5/5

Packaging: 4.5/5

Texture: 5/5

Application: 4.5/5

Value For Money: 4.5/5 

Overall Rating: 8.5/10

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NARS Laguna Bronzer Review

The hype got to me on this one..

NARS Laguna Bronzer ($36) has got to be one of the most hyped-up products by NARS.  Everyone and their mother seems to own it.  So, when I came across a 15% off sale on cosmetics at El Corte Ingles in Madrid a few weeks back, I decided I needed this in my life.

Please ignore the horrendous smudging!

As someone with very fair skin (NC15), finding a bronzer that doesn't look too orange or too dark is a task within itself, but this one ticks all the boxes.

Laguna is a warm brown with some shimmer.  The fact that it's not orange-based makes it a good choice for just about everyone.

Some might think the fact that there's shimmer running through Laguna makes it a no-no for contour; however, I have found that it works well for contouring despite the shimmer.  The shimmer is also really nice for when I opt to use Laguna in place of blush, eliminating the need for a highlighter on those occasions.

The texture is so smooth, I think it's even smoother than most of my NARS blushers!  It blends easily and lasts about 6 hours on me, which I think is decent (it seems to be about the average for blushers and bronzers for me).

Although Laguna isn't cheap, you do get a lot for your money.  It's significantly larger than one of the NARS blushers (8g vs 4.8g) for only a few extra $.

So, if you're looking for an all-purpose bronzer, give Laguna a swatch!

Longevity: 4/5

Pigmentation: 4/5

Packaging: 4/5

Texture: 5/5

Application: 4.5/5

Value For Money: 4.5/5 

Overall Rating: 8.67/10

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YSL Volupté Sheer Candy 02 Dewy Papaya Review

Spring has sprung, and the first order of business for me during the warmer months is to replace the 'My Lips But Darker' shades for something a bit lighter in coverage, such as a Tinted Lip Balm.  And for me, choosing a tinted lip balm is as easy as heading to the nearest YSL counter.

I oohed and aahed over the YSL Volupté Sheer Candies for a good 6 months before I finally took the plunge and bought one: 02 Dewy Papaya ($32).  

HEAVILY Swatched

A sheer peachy color, applied to the lips, it gives some super hydration along with almost no color.  I'm not going to lie, I'm kind of disappointed in this product.  I have averagely pigmented lips, but for some reason this gives no color payoff on me.

However, I will say that it's not the YSL Sheer Candies in general that are like this, it's just this shade in particular that's a bit underwhelming.  I've swatched what is probably all of the shades and this is the only one that doesn't seem to appear very much.  Although, I swatched it at the store and it applied to my hand nicely, it doesn't transfer to my lips.

Everything else about this 'Tinted' Lip Balm is spot on, though.  Gorgeous packaging, a scent to die for, and some mega hydration almost make up for the lack of pigmentation in this product.

I will continue to use this, as I do like the barely there peachy tint for my basic makeup days, but I really can't get over the horrible payoff on this one...

Longevity: 3/5

Pigmentation: 1/5

Packaging: 5/5

Texture: 5/5

Application: 5/5

Value For Money: 2/5 

Overall Rating: 6.67/10

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YSL Effet Faux Cils Mascara Review

High-end mascaras were never something I was wooed by.  I've always been happy going to the drugstore and getting a $5 tube of almost anything!  However, after I decided I wanted to try a colorful mascara (blue in particular), the drugstore failed me for the first time in my mascara hunt.

Looking for a blue mascara (or any color besides black or brown, really) at the drugstore is a scavanger hunt, and one I did not accomplish.  So, when I came across a blue mascara from YSL at the Duty Free shop in the Madrid Airport a few weeks back, I closed my eyes and handed over my debit card because I knew that would possibly be my one and only chance!

I picked up the YSL Effet Faux Cils Mascara in 6 Deep Night ($30) and despite the steep price and the never-ending hunt, this baby was worth the wait.

It's a blue color, but it's more of a deep blue than a punch-in-the-face cobalt blue.  Because it's more of a subdued color, I feel like it looks more natural on the lashes, which is something I'm more comfortable with.  Indoors it looks like a regular black mascara, very no-nonsense; but once the sun hits your eyes, the true blue color really appears and brightens the eyes.

What impresses me even more than the gorgeous color? The mascara itself!  It's basically everything I look for in a mascara: seperating, lengthening, defining, and not a clump in sight!  This might even get bumped up to repurchase worthy (both in black and blue? Who knows...).

Finally, need I even mention the packaging?  YSL has their packaging down.  It's probably my favorite brand in terms of packaging alone.  The sleek gold tube looks luxurious and is something I always gravitate towards when choosing my mascara in the morning.

In the end, if you're looking for a colorful mascara (or not, they have black, too!) or a really luxurious lengthening mascara and you can afford the price tag, I would definitely recommend this!  Looking for something a little more volumizing?  Try the YSL Shocking Mascara (review here).

Longevity: 5/5

Pigmentation: 5/5

Packaging: 5/5

Texture: 4.5/5

Application: 4.5/5

Value For Money: 4/5 

Overall Rating: 9.33/10

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MAC Warm Soul Mineralize Blush Review

A couple of months ago, I walked into MAC and left with my first ever MAC blush.  I decided to get 'Warm Soul', one of the Mineralize Blushers.

Warm Soul ($25) is a shimmery, nude color that warms up your cheeks and adds a natural flush, as well.  MAC describes the color as a 'mid tone beige with gold pearl'.  Although this shows up beautifully on my NC15 skin, it might not show up for anyone above an NC30.

Something that is really nice about this blush is that it's buildable.  You can add only a small amount just for a bit of color, or you can layer it to create a more emphasized cheek.  Also, because of the gold pearl running through the blush, the need for a highlighter is eliminated!  Who doesn't love a 2-in-1 product?

The longevity on this blusher is also pretty good.  I would say it lasts just as long as just about every other blush out there - 6-8 hours, which I don't have any issue with.

The texture is also something I like about this blush.  It's not chalky, at all.  It also blends really easily!

The packaging, on the other hand, is nothing short of boring.  Although it's simple, for $25 I expect more.  if it didn't say MAC on it, I would think it was one of my drugstore blushers.  Seriously MAC, update your packaging - it looks a bit cheap.

Another disappointment about this product is the fact that there's only 3.5g of product.  The MAC Powder Blushers have 6g of product and are $4 cheaper.  But, to be fair, I've never hit pan on a blush before, so I'm sure this will last a long time.

Longevity: 4/5

Pigmentation: 4/5

Packaging: 3/5

Texture: 4/5

Application: 4/5

Value For Money: 4/5 

Overall Rating: 7.67/10

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CHANEL Rouge Coco 05 Mademoiselle Review

The CHANEL Rouge Coco Lipsticks have got to be some of my favorite formulations of all time.  The lipsticks seem to glide onto the lips and last for hours without need for reapplication.  Even the floral scent seems so luxurious, I just can't help but feel amazing when I use one of them.

The most recent addition to my (very) small Rouge Coco Lipstick collection is 05 Mademoiselle ($34).  Mademoiselle is a rosy, brick red color.  It's definitely a warm-toned lipstick, and it looks stunning on.  It's one of those shades that you could wear during the day and it would look nice, but if you wore it at night, it would look perfect, as well.  

It's what I would call a Satin finish, meaning that it has the longevity of a matte lipstick, but it's more hydrating than a matte lipstick, and a lot more forgiving on the lips, too!

Ever since I bought this in February, I can't seem to put it down!  If you can only afford one CHANEL Lipstick, I would definitely recommend this one!

Longevity: 4.5/5

Pigmentation: 4.5/5

Packaging: 4.5/5

Texture: 5/5

Application: 4.5/5

Value For Money: 4/5 

Overall Rating: 9/10

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NOTD: Barry M Peach Melba

I really can't say enough about Barry M Nail Paints: they're long-wearing, they apply easily, and best of all they are super cheap!

I picked up 'Peach Melba' last month while I was in London along with 'Blueberry' (post here).  I wanted to get so many more of these, but I can only bring back so many to the US this summer, so I needed to limit myself!

Peach Melba is a gorgeous, pastel-peach shade that is absolutely perfect for Spring/Summer.  It's not the most flattering shade for my skin-tone (peach often looks a bit off on me), but I don't care, it's a stunning shade!  

Moving onto price - this is such good value for money, at only £2.99 it doesn't make you cringe when you head to the till (but that really depends on how many you decide to get ;)! ).

My only disappointment with Barry M is that it's not the easiest to get hold of in America, but I know ASOS stocks some of the shades!

Overall, I would definitely recommend this shade if you're looking for a peach nail polish :)

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MAC Painterly Paint Pot Review

As Spring comes closer, I start to embrace it through my beauty regime.  I paint my nails in pretty pastels, I switch the wine lipsticks for coral hues, and I tone down my eye makeup for something a bit more natural.  This is where the MAC Paint Pot in Painterly (£14.50/$18.50) comes in.

I got my hands on Painterly last month while I was in London, I had heard a lot about the Paint Pots and Painterly in particular and wanted to try them out for myself.  I couldn't be happier with my choice.  

Painterly is a beige color (MAC calls it a 'nude beige', which is definitely accurate), that can be used as a base for other eyeshadows or as an overall wash of color on the lid.  I've generally opted for the latter, as I have very noticeable veins on my eyelids.

It has a creamy consistency and is very easy to blend (though I just smear it all over my lid and call it good - no blending required!).

Hopefully, you can see the swatch, it's very similar to my skin-tone!

As a base I have no problems with creasing; however, if I use this as my only eyeshadow and don't put a powder eyeshadow on top, it will crease about 6-8 hours into wear, so I generally use a primer for those occasions (NARS Smudge-Proof Eyeshadow Base, review here, is my primer of choice).

As far as cream eyeshadows go, I really like this one.  I think it's easier to apply and blend than the Maybelline Color Tattoos, and it doesn't crease as easily as the Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadows do.  I also find it to be a better base for eyeshadows than both the Maybelline and Benefit cream eyeshadows, as well.

If you're looking for a new cream eyeshadow, definitely head to MAC!

Longevity: 3.5/5

Pigmentation: 4.5/5

Packaging: 5/5

Texture: 5/5

Application: 4.5/5

Value For Money: 4.5/5 

Overall Rating: 9/10

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YSL Shocking Mascara Review

After a lot of oohing and aahing over colored mascaras, I decided to get one, or at least what I thought was one.

I placed an order back in February for the YSL Shocking Mascara in 5 Cherry Black ($30), which I thought was going to be purple.  It wasn't.

Despite my initial disappointment, I fell in love with the mascara.

This was my first ever high-end mascara and I very possibly could have been converted (let's hope not completely).  

The wand has short bristles, which make creating volume very easy (however, it makes creating clumps easy, too, if you aren't careful).  Despite the short bristles, I find creating length easy enough, too.  I do recommend going through your lashes with a lash comb/brush thing to get rid of clumping if you aren't used to volumizing mascaras, though.

The YSL Shocking Mascara comes in 7 different shades, all different shades of black.  No. 5 Cherry Black is a warmer black, which I really like pairing with warmer eye looks, as it has a red/purple tint to the black.  However, some of the shades are not as pretty as others.  I was looking at No. 4 Sea Black, which has a blue tint, and it just looked like a dark grey.  Maybe it works for some people, but looking at the shades in mascara is something I would definitely recommend!

As for longevity, I find that this lasts really well throughout the day, I have never had to reapply this, except before going on a night out.

The mascara is definitely a good one, but I'm not sure if I will purchase it again or not, just because of the hefty price tag.

Longevity: 4.5/5

Pigmentation: 4/5

Packaging: 5/5

Texture: 5/5

Application: 4/5

Value For Money: 3.5/5 

Overall Rating: 8.67/10

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NOTD: Butter London Yummy Mummy

As the snow drops onto the streets, as I curl up in my warm, comfy clothes with a cup of Peppermint Tea in hand, there's only one type of nail polish that works for this type of cold, winter day - a nude nail.

Now, I know what you're thinking - winter? It's March!

Yes, it is, which means that it should be a serious crime to be embracing anything except pastels and flowers and green grass.  However, Germany has decided that it's going to be cold and snowy, so rather than fight it, I'm embracing it.

I brought 'Yummy Mummy' with me from the US last summer, as it was one of my favorite nudes of the time.  Yet, once I arrived in Germany I never used it - there was always something else that I wanted to use.  So, when winter decided to come back to stay, I opted to use it for the first time in about 6 months.

'Yummy Mummy' is a warm, beige shade that has a slight shimmer to it (though you can't see it, except in certain lighting).  It lasts a good week on me without any major chipping and it applies evenly, and with a really nice thickness.

I've heard that this is meant to be a universal nude, so this should look good on everyone; though, I'm not sure if that's true or not.

Butter London polishes cost $15 each and are worth every penny.  They're definitely the best nail polishes I've ever tried (though Barry M and Essie are pretty fantastic, too)!

Overall, if you're considering buying this, go for it!

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MAC Pinch Me Powder Blush Review

In February, I went a bit MAC crazy (see post here) and bought an unreal amount of makeup.  I've never been MAC obsessed, but we all go through a MAC phase, right?

Well, during that phase, I picked up a new blusher - Pinch Me ($21).

I hadn't done any research on it prior (bad Bryn) and bought it on a whim.  It looked like a beautiful, medium pink shade (MAC describes it as a 'medium, dirty rose coral').  My blush collection isn't the largest and I thought this would be a nice addition to my growing collection.

Pinch Me is a sheertone, which is meant to be the sheerest of all the MAC blushers, and it definitely is. I apply a heavy amount on my cheeks and it barely shows up on me - and I'm about as pale as it gets (about an NC15).  What's especially weird about it is that when I touch my brush to the blusher, it picks up what looks like a lot of product, as the brush head turns bright pink.  Yet, somehow the color doesn't transfer onto my cheeks without a heavy hand.

HEAVILY Swatched!

It's a shame that this isn't the easiest to apply, as it's a beautiful shade in the pan.

Maybe I got a faulty one or something, but I wouldn't recommend this unless you're looking for a 'barely there blush'.  If you're darker than me (let's face it, you probably are), I would also look for something else, as this probably won't show up on you unless you apply A LOT of product.

However, I will say that despite the lack of color payoff, the color that applies to the cheek does stick around.  After 6 hours, the color looks the same as it did when first applied (however lacking that may be).  So there are positives to this blush!

However, in the end, I just can't recommend this product, so keep looking!

Longevity: 4/5

Pigmentation: 2.5/5

Packaging: 3.5/5

Texture: 4/5

Application: 3/5

Value For Money: 3/5 

Overall Rating: 6.67/10

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My Week In Review #3

I thought I'd share some things I've been enjoying this week :)

My Best Product of the Week:  I've been trying to use my MAC Custom Palette more recently.  I've barely touched any of the shadows and I've had it for about half a year!  Woe and behold, I love the thing.  I've used it everyday this week and I keep coming up with new combinations in my mind - yay for shopping the stash!

My Must-Watch of the Week:   I have been properly obsessed with Parks & Recreation for the last couple of weeks - I even rewatched the entire series within the last two weeks - oops.  If you haven't seen it, go watch it NOW!

My Must-Read of the Week:     Everytime I post on this section, I feel like such a nerd, because I always put the nerdiest books as my picks.  But why break tradition?  I've been rereading the Harry Potter series for the past couple of weeks as a break from reading my current German book choice (currently reading Er ist wieder da, if you were wondering!).  I love the Harry Potter series, though, because it brings back tons of memories from my childhood.  Oh, nostalgia...

My Must-Listen of the Week:     I've been listening to Bon Iver like crazy this week!  I think I've had 'Michicant' on repeat for a couple days straight now...  I may be obsessed.

My Must-Buy of the Week:        After the love I've been showing my MAC Palette recently, I can't help but stare at the three empty spots I have in my palette.  I have been taken over by a huge need to fill those spots!  Top of my eyeshadow wishlist? Jest, Wedge, and Mulch.  Though I'm open to suggestions.  So, if you have a favorite MAC Eyeshadow, please let me know!  Those spots need to be filled :)

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The Sunday Session #3

It's been a while since I made one of these posts, but I thought I'd jump back into it :)

Next week, my family is coming to visit me for a week!  I'm really excited, but that means I have some major cleaning projects to achieve!  As Sunday is the most boring day of the week (nothing is open in Germany on Sundays!), I thought I would take today as an opportunity to get a head start on the cleaning.

The first thing on my list to clean? My brushes.

It's been much too long since I last gave my brushes a good, deep clean, so that definitely needs to get done today!

Of course, I'm not going to spend the entire day cleaning - that would be madness. 

I'm also planning to relax and enjoy Sundays as they should be enjoyed: with food and a film.

No relaxation is complete without a cup of tea in hand!  I'm opting for my favorite Peppermint Tea today :)

And, of course, I need a candle burning at all times!  I'm currently burning the NEOM Refresh Candle, which I'm slightly unsure about, but I'll be sure to keep you posted about that one.

Another Sunday staple is a face mask.  However, I've decided to go on a slightly different route this week, by trying out a sample of the Murad Intensive-C Radiance Peel ($49.50).  I'm excited to try it out; the name makes me think it might be similar to the REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask ($55) (review here), which I love!  I might even try them out together, just to see if I can make my skin super glowy :)

Finally, I need to mention the film I'm going to watch tonight.  I'm taking a walk down memory lane and am opting for the first Harry Potter film.  Perhaps not the greatest Harry Potter film, but you can't go wrong with a classic!

Any special plans for your Sunday?

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NOTD: Barry M Blueberry

I've been going through a bit of a blue-nail craze recently and my most recent pick has got me swooning!

I painted my nails with the new Barry M High Shine Gelly in Blueberry before I left for Madrid last week and  I can't even count the amount of compliments I got on my nails over the weekend.

Blueberry is a stunning pastel-blue shade that is definitely going to be a staple for me this Spring.

It only lasted chip-free for 4 days, which isn't bad, but isn't great.  However, I will admit that I was doing some pretty extreme stuff whilst I was in Madrid (i.e. jumping off bridges), so that might be part of the reason for that.

Plus, you can't beat the price - racking in at only £3.99, you really can't go wrong!

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YSL Rouge Volupté Shine in 17 Rose In Tension Review

Recently, YSL came out with a new lipstick formulation - the Rouge Volupté Shine ($34).  I haven't tried the original Rouge Volupté lipsticks yet, but I'm assuming that the formulation in the RV Shine is similar, just, well, shinier (but don't take my word on it, I really have no idea).

Once these new lipsticks came out, I was googling swatches like a mad man!  I ended up buying one in the shade 17 Rose In Tension after an in-person swatch wooed me over.

YSL has a lot going for them in the beauty department - the packaging of their products is impeccable and the scent of their products, well, I could smell them all day!  However, the actual products are not always as high of quality as everything else about them is.

The longevity of these lipsticks isn't amazing.  After about 2 hours, it has faded significantly - even without eating or drinking.  However, the color doesn't disappear completely, it does leave a bit of a stain behind (which I personally love).  But these are things to keep in mind before forking over $34!

The name of this lipstick in particular is also little misleading.  Although named 'Rose In Tension', it's not really a rose shade.  Yes, it's pink - but it's more of a deep fuschia than a rose shade.  However, it is still a stunning shade!

As for application, I can't say enough good things about the YSL Rouge Volupté Shines.  They're very creamy and apply very easily onto the lips.

Despite the longevity issue, I do really like the Rouge Volupté Shines and plan on purchasing a couple more shades, but there are a lot of potential issues with it that other people might not like.

Longevity: 3/5

Pigmentation: 4.5/5

Packaging: 5/5

Texture: 5/5

Application: 5/5

Value For Money: 3.5/5 

Overall Rating: 8.67/10

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Dior Diorblush Cherie Bow 659 Tender Coral Review

In my mind, Dior has definitely won the Best Spring Collection Award.  Filled with pretty pinks, bows, and (oddly enough) houndstooth prints, the Dior collection really nailed it.  Unfortunately, I couldn't get everything from the collection, I only let myself get one: the Diorblush in 659 Tender Coral ($43).

I love Dior cheek products.  Their highlighters are my favorites, hands down, and my other blush from Dior, the Rosy Glow Blush, is another winner in my mind.  So, I had pretty high expectations for this one.

Tender Coral has to be one of the most gorgeous blushes in the world. It has a houndstooth print on it and is seperated into two sections: a large matte portion and a smaller shimmery portion.  I love the design of the blush because it gives you the option to use a matte blush, a shimmery blush, or a mixture of the two (which is what I tend to do).  This design really ticks all the boxes for what I assume is everyone out there, there's just so many options with it!

The color is also perfect for spring, a coral color that is wearable, and has just the right mixture of orange and pink to work for my skin-tone (I often find corals to look weird on me)!

The texture of the blush is slightly chalky to the touch.  The pigmentation also isn't the best I've tried, but it layers well and easily, making it a non-issue.  Despite the lack of pigmentation, the staying power of the blush is superb.  After a full day of shopping and train rides, my blush stayed completely intact!

This blush is limited edition, so if you're thinking about getting it, grab it now!  It's a really steep price for a blush, but sometimes you've just got to treat yo self...

Longevity: 5/5

Pigmentation: 4/5

Packaging: 5/5

Texture: 3.5/5

Application: 4/5

Value For Money: 4/5 

Overall Rating: 8.5/10

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Yet Another Haul

Oh man, these posts really need to stop happening as often as they have been...

Right before Valentine's Day, Feelunique had a 14% off code, so I felt the need to use it.  I picked up two things from that order.  The first thing I got was the Emma Hardie Amazing Face Natural Lift and Sculpt Moringa Cleansing Balm (£34) as I'm getting really close to running out of my current night-time cleanser.  I also decided to get the YSL Shocking Mascara in 5 Cherry Black ($30) as I was interested in getting a purple mascara and I thought this was going to be purple (it's not).  Despite the color mix-up I had, I do really love this mascara (I even rave about it in my February Favorites)!

YSL Glossy Stain #29 Rose Fourreau

After I got back from London, I returned a few things and then the money that I got back was burning a massive hole in my pocket.  So, I went to Douglas (kind of like Germany's version of Sephora) and bought a couple things.  I decided to get the Tweezerman Pushy & Nail Cleaner (€17) as I'm lacking in my nail care.  I also opted to get the new YSL Glossy Stain in 29 Rose Fourreau (€30), which is from the Spring Collection.  It's a gorgeous blood orange shade (the name is very misleading) that I think is going to look stunning on those oh so special occasions :)

Then I went to the pharmacy.  I ran out of my second sample of the Caudalie Vinosource SOS Serum (€28/$48) a few weeks back and I finally broke and purchased the full-size of it.  It's just such a great, hydrating product and I felt like something was missing from my skincare routine without it!  Plus it's so much cheaper buying this in Europe as compared to buying it in America, so I just had to!

Moving onto make-up. While I was in Spain, a couple of things were stolen out of my make-up bag: the Tom Ford Brow Sculptor in Taupe (review here) and the NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Rue Bonaparte ($24/€25) (review here).  I was upset that someone stole them from me (but seriously - who wants half-used products?), but I thankfully recently repurchased the Tom Ford Brow Sculptor a couple weeks ago in London, and there was a NARS counter at El Corte Ingles in Madrid, so I was able to repurchase my beloved flesh-toned eyeliner!  Of course, I also had to hit up duty free in the Madrid Airport when I was there.  I've really wanted to try out colored mascaras for a while now, so when I was at the YSL counter, I had to get myself a blue mascara!  I opted for the YSL Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils - Luxurious Mascara in 6 Deep Night ($30).  It's not a straight blue (check out #3 Extreme Blue for that one), but I thought a darker blue would look a little less...shocking on my lashes.  I've only used it once, but I liked the effect it gave (though I had to skip the brown liner that day, as I thought it would look odd together).  

NARS Laguna Bronzer

YSL Crème De Blush #02 Powdery Rose

  There was actually a 15% off of all cosmetics at El Corte Ingles, so I decided to take advantage of that and get myself the famous NARS Laguna Bronzer ($36/€36), as well.  I've only used it once so far, but I liked it when I used it, but I have very high expectations for this one! I also snatched a cream blush while at the YSL counter in duty free: the YSL Crème De Blush in 2 Powdery Rose ($38).  Oh man, I am in love with this blush.  It is so gorgeous, it blends so easily and it gives the most beautiful color to the cheeks.  I can tell this is going to become a staple.

Diorblush in #659 Tender Coral

Tender Coral swatches L-R: Matte part of blush, shimmery part of blush, both parts mixed

YSL Rouge Volupté Shine #17 Rose In Tension

Rose In Tension

I also made another naughty purchase off of Feelunique...woops.  They were having a deal, where if you spent a certain amount,  you got a certain discount, and I'm a sucker for deals like that.  I got a blush from the S/S Dior Collection.  I opted for the Dior 'Cherie Bow' Blush in 659 Tender Coral ($43).  It's more orange-than coral, but it's gorgeous, plus it has that amazing houndstooth pattern on it!  I haven't used this yet, but I'm aching to!  I also decided to get one of the new YSL Rouge Volupté Shines in 17 Rose In Tension ($34).  I tried this out recently and I'm in love with it.  It's less rose and more fuschia, but it's so stunning! 

That's it for this haul!  I've decided to go on a spending ban until mid-April when I'm off to Paris for a few days (I really just need to get through a few things first!).  So, hopefully I'll stick to it and this will be the last haul for a month of two!

 bloglovin' l hellocotton

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