Mini Haul.

Recently I went shopping. Nothing major, just a little nosey around Sheffield City Centre. I picked up a few things, some new and some repurchases (as you know if I repurchase a product it means its something special). So i thought I would show you a few of the things I bought. 

My first stop was The Body Shop. I'm currently really liking The Body Shop products, their really making my skin happy and I'm not getting as many spots as I would normally, which is a great thing. The main reason I went in was to repurchase their Seaweed Clarifying Toner, I wasn't too sure I would like this when I first bought it, mainly because I was worried it would be a little too much for my skin. However, its alcohol free and my skin seems to be really liking it. I use it morning and night and it really helps to remove any cleanser I haven't washed off properly or any pesky make up thats still remaining on my skin. I also find it really refreshes and cleanses without stripping or overly drying out my skin. I also picked up this toner in a miniature, its really great for taking traveling or when I'm going away for the night/weekend. Whilst there I thought I would also repurchase their Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter, I did originally just use this on its own as my face cleanser, however I didn't always feel it did enough for my skin. Therefore I just use it to remove my makeup (which it does amazingly) and then wash my face with my Cetaphil Cleanser which I'm really loving. The new thing I picked up whilst browsing around the store (bad idea), was the Seaweed Day Cream, which is what I originally wanted a few months ago, however due to not being able to find it online or in-store I bought the Aloe Day Cream instead. I do really like the Aloe Day Cream, however sometimes I find it a little too heavy, especially if its really warm outside. Therefore I thought I would buy this whilst it was in stock and give it a go. Its got so many rave reviews online and its aimed to Matte the oily areas of the skin, however moisturise those areas which are dry, which sounds perfect for my skin. I still think I'm going to carry on using my Aloe Day Cream on those day where it looks really cold outside, when my skins really quite dry, or on those days I'm not leaving the house and having a makeup free day just to keep it really calm and moisturised. 

My second stop was to Superdrug, somewhere I don't always go. However, I had heard about the new Bourjois Instant Dry Nails drops, and I was incredibly intrigued to try them, and their not yet released in Boots. Its basically aimed to help your manicure dry faster without distorting or weakening the topcoat of your polish. The bottle says one drop on each nail and your polish dries twice as fast, which is pretty good. Also recently I'm having trouble  with my top coat of choice taking ages to dry, so I thought it would be a really good time to try this little product out. Whilst at the Bourjois stand I thought I would also repurchase their Magic Nail Polish Remover. My last bottle completely died due to the black foam on the inside ripping away due to using it to take off glitter polish. I have definitely learned from my mistake and will be using foils to take my glitter polish off first and then just using this to get rid of any remaining polish. I had so much left in the last one, it was just so messy to use due to bits of the foam coming off all over my fingers. Seriously anyone who wears nail polish needs to go out and buy this, its definitely a life changer. I can't wait for the new one to be released which allows you to remove your toenail polish as well, without disturbing your already perfect nail manicure. 

Lastly, I nipped to the Toni&Guy salon to pick up my Label.M Large Round Brush which I ordered. I had hoped it would come with my amazing Redken Guts 10 (amazing product, you should really read my review on it here) as I ordered them at the same time, but there was a problem with stock, so it came a week later. Its made of both Nylon and Bore bristles which are really good for your hair, Bore bristles really help keep your hair healthy and shiny. I haven't used this brush yet, so I have high hopes. 

All the new products I've bought I'm hoping to write individual reviews on when I've tested them out.

Have you bought anything recently which I should really give a try?

Lip Battle.

So. Two of my favourite brands have just released two amazing lip products. Both of them have been incredibly hyped up, but from what I've read they're definitely living up to the hype. I'm only wanting to choose one, however I have a feeling I'm going to end up getting one of each...let me know your thoughts.

ROUND 1: Dior Addict Fluid Stick

'Dior Addict Fluid Stick enables a flawless application in a single sweep: the high-impact colour and long wear of a classic lipstick, combined with the shine of a gloss, all in a thin film that delivers sensational comfort. Colour and shine come together as one for maximum impact with intense, longwearing lip stain pigments directly encapsulated in spheres of gloss.'

Ever since I heard these were being released I’ve been counting down the days till they come in store for me to try out. As of yet I haven’t been able to go to my local Debenhams and swatch them all out yet, but my boyfriend nipped in the other day to pick up his suit and he nipped passed and he says they look pretty amazing (well trained or what!). So now I really want to go try them! The colours seem amazing, they seem to have something from everyone whether you love nudes, pinks, reds or deep purple wine colours. From the swatches online they looks amazing; the colour pigment looks incredible and the shine on them is just mesmerising, not to mention the fact their meant to stain the lips, which makes them perfect for them long nights out.

ROUND 2: Lancôme Lip Lover

Lip Lover is our first all-in-one lip perfector. Its hybrid formula gives the comfort of a balm, the eye-catching colour of a lipstick and the enhancing shine of a gloss. All it takes is a stroke from one corner to the other and back to apply just the right amount your chosen Lip Lover shade. The arrow tip can also be used to perfect the corners and define the contours. Your lips' new best friend, Lip Lover leaves lips utterly kissable.

This is just one of those all rounder lip products that is just amazing for all occasions. I love Gloss in Love, which is the lipgloss sister to this, but when I tried this in store I just fell in love. Its like the ultimate lip product, its hydrating, it gives soft lip colour and the creamy sheen of gloss is amazing. It felt super balmy on the lips and you could really feel your lips becoming more hydrated. There are 18 shades of pink range from icy baby pink, nudes, bright pinks, coral pinks, fuchsia and purple based pinks. Something for all tastes and skin tones.

I know this and the Dior Addict Fluid Stick seems very similar, however a girl can never have enough lip products…can she? 

I definitely think this Lancôme one is more for daytime use, due to its balmy moisturizing properties, whereas the Dior one is more of a nighttime lipstick/stain/gloss. It’s also important to note there is quite a big price difference between the two. The Lancôme Lip Lover retails for £18, whereas the Dior Fluid Sticks are a whopping £26. 

Which do you think wins the battle?

Perfect Topping.

MAC -

Mineralise Skinfinish in Perfect Topping

Ok. I'm not going to lie; I'm not the biggest MAC fan. I don't know why, but nothing from them ever makes me like 'OMG I GOTTA HAVE THAT', which is what happens contently on the Dior counter (bows head in shame). However, I like to have a nosey at their limited addition ranges when they release them to see if anything grabs my attention...and this little beauty definitely did that!

Everyone say a big Hi and Hello to Perfect Topping!

Perfect Topping is described as a “pale pearlized pink”, and part of their Fantasy of Flowers collection. My eyes were instantly drawn to the Perfect Topping Mineralize Skinfinish because of it’s gorgeous champagne, bronze and purple veining. The colours aren’t overpowering in the slightest and it gives a stunning natural glow to the skin. I love to sweep this on the tops of my cheekbones, on my nose and on my cupids bow which just gives a really nice illuminated appearance to the skin without looking overdone or frosty. I’ve also known me to sweep it over my blusher when I’m in a hurry just to give my skin more a glow if I don’t have time to do much else. Its also important to note, unlike some highlighters I have used in the past, this doesn’t sit or highlight pores…yey!

I do have to note that Mineralize Skinfinishes can differ from pan to pan, as it is a mix of different shades and veins, so sometimes there is variance, therefore when you look at different pans, they may look different and therefore may transfer a little differently on your skin.

I am really happy that I picked this up because it’s been great to use on an everyday basis since it isn’t frosty or glittery. This Mineralize Skinfinish comes with 9g of product and I know will last forever.

Guts.

Redken -

Guts 10 Volume Spray Foam

Recently I had my hair cut and coloured. Nothing too extreme, just a good cut and high and low lights to help it look fresh and healthy. Whilst their my hair dresser put an usual foam thing on my hair, I don't usually pay much attention to what she puts on my hair because were usually too busy talking about something else. However, afterwards I couldn't stop looking at how full and volumised my usually limp, lifeless and super fine hair was. The best bit is not only did my hair look amazing after leaving the hairdressers, my hair looked amazing the next day too. Therefore I had to find out what she had used in my hair, and thats where this little beauty steps in. I haven't ever used anything like this before in my hair, I was always worried that it would weigh it down and make it all sticky, but you can't actually tell that this is in your hair and the results are just amazing. 

The description on the Redken website highlights this spray foam ‘boost up hair with flexible fullness and bold, gutsy style. Directional spray allows for precise application. Lift up the roots or apply all over for volumes of attitude. Providing a lasting, natural and flexible feel.’

After washing and towel-drying my hair, I brushed out my hair with my tangle teezer, making sure not to pull too much. Then I applied the Redken Guts 10 spray foam to my roots all over my head, even on the underneath parts. The spray foam is kind of a different experience but I like it. You have to be careful with the spray because it can get messy if you aren't cautious about how you are holding the can and it will go EVERYWHERE!

Anyways…afterwards I dried my hair. If I’m feeling lazy, I just flip my head upside down and try my hair that way. If I’m going out or if I have a bit longer to dry my hair, I use my Toni&Guy medium round brush to dry sections of my hair, giving it even more volume. I really felt my hair lifting and thickening up. The results were amazing!

After using this I can say I really don’t think I’ll ever not use it! I love how my hair looks and feels when I’ve used this. If you love volume without the sticky feeling, or want something that works then this is definitely something to try. It does cost around £15, but its 300ml and totally worth it!

Eternal Beauty.

Color Club -

Eternal Beauty

Color Club is a brand I haven’t heard of nor tried. I think it’s mainly sold in the US, however I saw a swatch of their holographic polishes and just had to buy one to try. It arrived yesterday and I just can’t stop looking at my nails now it’s on, it’s just incredible, super unusual and stunning.

This polish is called Eternal Beauty and is cool-toned, violet purple with holographic shimmer. I don’t have anything like this – not even this type of purple. It is super pretty, even in natural lighting, and it looks so rich and vibrant in the sun/under direct lighting! I wasn’t expecting it to be as amazing as it is, mainly because with these sort of polishes they look so amazing in the bottle they tend to be a little of a let down when its actually on your nails, however I’m beyond impressed with this polish. 
I seriously apologise for how much of a shocking condition my nails are in, I don't usually do swatches of nail polish. One of the photos is with the flash, which shows just how intense the holographic shimmer is, the other shows what the colour looks like without any harsh light.

The polish applied beautifully–absolutely no issues with application. In fact, the formula applies incredibly well in my experience.  It’s not too thick or too thin in consistency, and it goes on fluidly, evenly, and streak-free.  The color payoff was fully opaque in two coats. Using a topcoat does seem to dull the holographic look a little, but it gradually returns to full strength the longer you wear it. I have read many reviews that state they can get incredible wear out of these without a top coat, so I might actually give it a go and see how it wears.

Due to only just putting it on, I can’t comment on the wear time yet, however I will be writing a little catch up review on the wear time of the polish.

I just had to show you how stunning this polish is!