Hauling #3

This post has been a long time coming, since I've been back in England (in other words duty free) I've had a thing for premium beauty, and when there's money off I can't find an excuse not to buy it! So the mixture of Boots discount and duty free both sides of the Atlantic have resulted in some serious harm to my bank account. Some of these items are relatively new, and some literally brought this week so a review may be coming your way soon!

This haul consists of twos... two mascaras, two foundations and two lip products... Lets start with the foundations. I love a good bargain and these two were picked up at the staff shop where I work. First up is the Lancome Photogenic Lumessence in the shade 01. I've been using this this week and I can already say I'm a fan. The shade, texture and durability are all great positives, though I wouldn't quite agree with 14 hour wear, however it does come close! It also has SPF 15 so means your skin is covered against the harmful rays from the sun. The next foundation is one from Dior, Dior Skin Forever Fluid Foundation in the shade 010. I haven't used this yet but I'm very excited to, it claims to last all day, have great blendability and creates a smoother, more even complexion day after day. I also loveeee the packaging on this - I know, not something which should determine whether I buy a product or not but don't worry it wasn't the only factor which persuaded me to buy!

Next up are the mascaras, I've been waiting agessss to buy Benefit's Rollerlash in full size ever since I got my free sample in Elle, so the wait is finally over! I love the formula of this mascara, its not too dry and the curl you get with this wand is probably one of the best I've seen. The other mascara in the pipeline is Lancome's Hypnose Mascara, again, I haven't tried this yet but very excited to test it out.

Finally the lip products, I've wanted both of these for ages and I was able to get them while on holiday. First, the Clinique Chubby Stick Lip Balm in the shade curvy candy. This is quite a sheer pink, perfect for day to day wear and the texture and wear is really good. Then there's the Dior Addict Lip Gloss in Rose Surprise, haven't had a chance to wear this yet but I love the corally-pink shade.

So that's my premium beauty haul! Are there any premium products you have your eyes on?

Emma xx

Hauling #2

So this week I headed to Boots for some cotton wool pads, toothpaste and shower gel, however somehow I left with a lot more than that! I picked up quite a few new purchases, and  of course  the essentials mentioned above! I've also realised there are loads of new products coming out at the moment... so I'm sure another trip will be happening very soon!

I think my favourite item out of this lot has to be the Maxfactor Creme Puff Blush. This is a new product launched by the company and is said to be a really good dupe of the Hourglass version at a fraction of the cost! There are six shades to choose from - which was a very tough decision (I was standing in the aisle for ages until I decided!!), however I chose to go with Lovely Pink. Now in general me and baked blushes get on like a house on fire, and from what I've seen so far, the Maxfactor version is no exception. It's lasting power is strong and the formula is beautiful - soft, buttery and goes on perfectly.

Next up is another recent addition to Boots and many other drugstores - the Maybelline Dream Flawless Nude. This is another budget buy dupe - a water based foundation - not dissimilar to the L'Oreal Nude Magique Eau De Teint or the Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua. The product is air whipped with the same velvety, feather-like texture of the Dream Matte Mousse and claims to be 12 times thinner than your average foundation. It's got great buildability and offers a flawless, natural looking finish and also has SPF20 in - which isn't a bad thing!

A few repurchases included my trusty Stay Matte Powder by Rimmel in Translucent, the Maybelline Instant Anti Age Eraser and the Deep Sleep Pillow Spray from This Works. I only discovered the eye eraser this year but I absolutely love it! I'm already running low on my first tube so a repurchase was definitely necessary. As for the Deep Sleep Spray, this is another product I first purchased towards the back end of 2014 and again, fell in love and wanted to get the full size version as soon as I could. I know it's just a spray but it honestly helps me relax, so something I will be taking away with me next month, especially on the plane!

A new discovery for me -- yes, I've probably been hiding in a hole to have missed this -- is the Brow Drama from Maybelline. This 'sculpting brow mascara' has been the perfect addition to my make up bag. I have quite big eyebrows -- kind of Cara Delevingne/Tanya Burr-esque -- they're a statement piece and I use them to sculpt my face so this product is doing a good job so far for me, however I have heard negative reviews, especially over the round brush, which doesn't seem to a hit with those girls who have smaller eyebrows. So something to have in mind if you're thinking of purchasing!

Next I found Soap and Glory's Bright Here Bright Now Instant Energy Balm. I've heard mixed reviews on this so was a bit cautious to try it, but it's been a few days and I haven't seen any negative side effects! It's meant to give you a nice glow and works sort of as a moisturiser for when your skin needs that extra pick me up, like mine has this week while I've been suffering from a cold (boo!).

Finally, a little treat for my nails from Sally Hansen -- The Complete Care extra moisturising 4 in 1 nail treatment. You can use this as a ridge filling base, strengthener, growth treatment and glossy top coat. It's a little on the pricey side but for all of that I'm not going to complain!

There were of course a few other items including the bog standard cotton wool but also a few holiday products which I kind of hinted at a bit in the post... more details on that very soon!!

Emma xx