What I Bought in the Christmas Sales

I was lucky enough to receive some money for Christmas so I decided to treat myself and buy some things which I would have loved to receive at Christmas. At midnight on Christmas Day, I was on Space NK waiting for the half price sale. I think I managed to pick up two really good deals and I cannot wait for them to arrive and start using them (after I've photographed them of course!) As well as purchasing a newbie which wasn't in the sale but I needed a new cleanser. 

Firstly, I bought my very first Diptyque perfume which I am extremely excited about and I managed to get it for £34 instead of £68! I actually chose it without smelling it which I think is very brave of me but the description sounded beautiful and I couldn't resist. Do you own L'ombre Dans L'Eau? What do you think of it? My second Space NK purchase was my very first Laura Mercier product(s). I managed to grab the Creme Brulee Bath & Body set for £15 instead of £30. Bargain! I cannot wait to have a luxurious bath when it arrives. Lastly, I needed a new cleanser so I decided to have a look at what Space NK had to offer in terms of skincare. REN is a brand I haven't tried before but I've only heard good things. I decided to pick up the Rosa Centifolia Foaming Cleanser. It wasn't in the sale but I decided to give it a try anyway. 

Next up, on Friday, I braved the crowds and headed to The Trafford Centre. I obviously headed to Boots for the infamous half price sale. I have to say, I was fairly well behaved as I had spent £62 on Space NK. Here's what I managed to pick up from Boots, Lush and Cath Kidston. 

From Boots, I picked up this delicious smelling candle and diffuser set in the scent mulled wine and cinnamon. I was going to save it for next year but I have already displayed them in my living room, I couldn't resist. I haven't lit the candle yet but if I want to, I won't stop myself. It was only £7.50 in the sale for both. I also picked up a real bargain from Origins! I'm actually so excited about this find! It was the last one in Boots and I'm not surprised. It's the Merry Moisturisers set, which contains Make A Difference Plus + Rejuvenating Moisturiser which is £34 alone, Make A Difference Plus + Rejuvenating Treatment Lotion, Make A Difference Rejuvenating Hand Treatment and Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask. I'm so excited to try everything in this set and I got a real bargain at £19 instead of £29! Finally, I picked up a 2014 diary in the form of this adorable Winnie The Pooh design. I am going to use it to plan blog posts and I have already made a start! 

My next stop was Cath Kidston where I picked up a large zip wallet to store make up products in my handbag and a glasses case as I recently got some new glasses and the case that Boots gave me is uninspiring. My final destination was Lush where I managed to pick up a Magic Wand Bubble Bar for £2.47. I haven't used this before but it smells amazing and is making my whole house smell incredible. 

I enjoyed the sales this year but I do wish I had the patience to raid rails as I could have done with some new clothes. Oh well, maybe next year! 

What did you pick up in the sales? Did you get any serious bargains?

Rachel x
Lost In Lipstick

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August/September 2013 Favourites

Dove Hair Nourishing Oil Care Leave-In Spray // Nivea Sun Invisible Protection SPF30 // Lush Light Yellow Colour Supplement* // Sleek Face Form Contouring and Blush Palette // Kiehl's Skin Rescuer* // La Roche-Posay Effaclar A.I. // La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo

Dove Hair Nourishing Oil Care Leave-In Spray - I use this to add a bit more moisture to my hair and to banish those tangles. It's a great detangler and combined with my Tangle Teezer, they are the perfect weapon against tangles! When I first bought this, I was worried that it was going to make my hair greasy but I have not had any problems. Sometimes, I accidently spray too much and my hair just absorbs it all. An extra bonus is that it can be used on wet or dry hair, perfect for those in between days when my hair just needs an extra moisture boost.  

Nivea Sun Invisible Protection SPF30 - I didn't go to a hot sunny country this year but we have been very lucky with the weather in the UK. Only this year has the importance of SPF been at the front of my mind and I think that's with the help of blogging and reading blogs. I always wore SPF when I was sunbathing, not necessarily just 'out' in the sun and I never went about 15. Now I wear it daily on my face either SPF 30 or 50 and on my body when it's exposed with at least factor 20. It's so important to protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. I picked this up in Morrisons for £6 as we were buying picnic supplies one sunny day. It's perfect for on the go as there is no mess and it's non greasy. Spray, rub in and go!

Lush Light Yellow Colour Supplement* - I can't get enough of this little tub of foundation. I stopped using it for a week or so as I had no way of getting down to the bottom but then I managed to get hold of a mini spatula, which I use to apply the product to the back of my hand. The light yellow shade is the perfect shade for my skin tone and it blends in easily so it's almost invisible but it leaves a more flawless base, ready for the rest of my make up. It helps to disguise my blemishes and the little red scars that have been left behind by spots. I love the finish that the foundation gives, it's in between a dewy and matte foundation but more on the matte side which is my preferred finish.

Sleek Face Form Contouring and Blush Palette - I accidently picked this up as I was actually after the Face Contour Kit. However, I am so glad I made the mistake. It includes a contouring powder, a highlighting powder and Rose Gold blush, which is beautiful. The contour powder is completely matte, which makes it the perfect contour shade whilst the highlighting powder contains beautiful shimmer to highlight your best features. I love the blush in Rose Gold. It is quite glittery but the colour makes up for this as it is gorgeous. The palette is the perfect size for travelling and fits in any make up bag.

Kiehl's Skin Rescuer* - I received this at the Kiehl's launch event and I've been loving it ever since. Jen, the PR for Kiehl's, told me how she used it just in time for her wedding and it really improved her skin during stressful times in her life. I have been using it since I got my hands on it and I love everything about it. My spots definitely look calmer after application and I don't have any red patches on my face. I find I have to leave it a little longer than my usual moisturiser to soak in before applying my make up but it's not very long and not a problem. I'm going to continue using it on a daily basis but as my wedding's in august, I may have to repurchase it when it runs out!

La Roche-Posay Effaclar A.I. - La Roche-Posay is a fairly new brand to me. I've been using products for a few months now and as I have oily/combination skin, the Effaclar range suits my skin. I read a few reviews online and what Effaclar A.I. was for, and decided it was for me. It helps to calm my breakouts as its a targeted breakout corrector. I apply it to my spots and it works by 'purging imperfections in-depth to accelerate their resorption and prevent residual skin marking'. Scars are one thing that I do suffer from and I want to prevent any more appearing so I can deal with the current ones. 

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo - This is my second tube of Effaclar Duo which I use as a moisturiser. If I use it at night, I double up and apply an additional moisturiser once it's soaked in. During the day, it provides me with enough moisture under my make up but at night, I look for an extra moisture boost. It helps to improve the overall appearance of my skin by 'reducing the appearance of imperfections and purifying the pores'. It leaves my skin feeling smooth and looking clearer, while also moisturising my face. 

What have been your favourite products this month? Have any of my favourites made your list?

Rachel x

Lost In Lipstick

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Everyday Make Up #4

Primer - Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch

Foundation - Lush Light Yellow Colour Supplement*

Concealer - Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Light (review here)

Under Eye Concealer - Collection Illuminating Touch Brightening Concealer in Natural 

Powder - Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Transparent (review here)

Bronzer - Rimmel Sunshimmer Bronzing Compact Powder in Light Matte

Highlighter - Sleek Face Form Contour Kit in Light

Blusher - Natural Collection Blush in Peach Melba (review here)

Eyeliner - Rimmel Scandal Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner in Black

Mascara - Seventeen Doll'd Up Mascara

Eyeshadow - MUA Undress Me Too Palette (review here)

Lipstick - Topshop Lipstick in Innocent

My last Everyday Make Up post was written back in March. A few products have changed since then so I thought I would update you with the products I'm currently reaching for everyday. 

I have been using the Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch Primer most days since I bought it and I love it! However, some days when my pores resemble mini craters, I reach for Benefit's Porefessional. Silicone based primers are definitely my favourite as they even and smooth out my skin making it ready for make up. 

Lush Light Yellow Colour Supplement* - I received this in a Lush goodie bag when I attended the Sheffield Meet Up. I absolutely love it. It evens my skin tone and helps to conceal imperfections. I also find that it doesn't oxidise and it blends beautifully on my skin.  I do think the price is a bit steep but I will probably repurchase when I run out as it matches my skin tone so well. 

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Light  - This probably doesn't come as a surprise. You would probably find this concealer in every beauty blogger's make up bag. I have repurchased it over and over again and I will continue to for a long time to come. I have wrote a full review on my blog, which you can read here. 

Collection Illuminating Touch Brightening Concealer in Natural - I have been using this concealer for a while too. I use it to conceal my under eye area as I feel the Lasting Perfection Concealer is too thick for this area. It does a great job at concealer any dark circles while helping to highlight my eyes at the same time. 

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Transparent  - Another firm favourite with beauty bloggers. I have wrote a full review here so you can read in more detail what I think. A perfect example of a great drugstore bargain! It helps to set my make up and make it last longer without looking cakey. 

Rimmel Sunshimmer Bronzing Compact Powder in Light Matte - I have been using this bronzer for about three years now and I have been saying I want a new bronzer for quite a few months. To be honest, I don't know why. Why fix something if it isn't broken? It does a great job of adding a bronzed glow to my face and it's actually great to contour with as it doesn't contain glitter. 

Sleek Face Form Contour Kit in Light - I actually picked this up as a mistake as I was after the Face Contour Kit but I'm glad as I love Face Form. It includes a contouring powder, a highlighting powder and Rose Gold blush, which is beautiful. The palette is the perfect size for travelling and fits in any make up bag.  

Natural Collection Blush in Peach Melba  - I recently reviewed this blush on my blog and you can read it here. It's a great everyday blush as it leaves a natural flush of colour on the cheeks which is buildable if you fancy wearing the shade in the evening. 

Rimmel Scandal Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner in Black - I bought this shortly after it's release and I have been using it almost everyday since. It's a lovely soft eyeliner which glides on smoothly and and evenly. Perfect for beginners. 

Seventeen Doll'd Up Mascara - I cannot believe I picked this up for £2! It's an amazing mascara which creates curls, separates my lashes and gives great length and volume. I cannot sing it's praises enough. I have to make sure my lashes are dry before blinking, but it doesn't take too long. 

MUA Undress Me Too Palette  - I love MUA eyeshadow palettes, they're super cheap and high quality. I have reviewed this palette here in more detail. I love to mix and match from my palettes so each day I have a slightly different look. 

Topshop Lipstick in Innocent - Altogether, I have three Topshop lipsticks. This is a perfect daytime shade and it's so easy to wear and apply on the lips. I love the formula and the finish of all Topshop lipsticks and if you haven't tried them, what are you waiting for?

Which products are you loving this month? Do you have any recommendations for me?

Rachel x

Lost In Lipstick

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June 2013 Favourites

Liz Earle Eye Bright Soothing Eye Lotion - I got this in Autumn and I am still on the same bottle, although it has almost finished. It's not a product I use everyday though. In winter, I hardly ever used it, only if my eyes are tired and puffy. However with the arrival of Summer, we also say hello to hayfever. One of my symptoms is itchy eyes and when I wake up in the morning, my eyes are so puffy. I apply Eye Bright to two cotton wool pads and hold on my eyes for 5 minutes or so. The difference is amazing. I have already repurchased! 

Anti-Blemish Skinetica and La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo - I have been using these together as new additions to my skincare. I am 25 and I still get spots but I'm pretty sure that it's hormonal acne. I have tried a lot of lotions and potions in my life but I've had no luck. However, about a week after using both of these products together my skin looked so much better and I only had a few small spots instead of the large red spots filled with pus that I'm used to! (Sorry for that image!) I'm not sure if it's a combination of both products or one in particular. All I do know is that I am going to continue to use both products as I love my clearer skin. I am thinking of doing a blog post about my spots and all the different things I've tried, would you like to see that? 

Lush Light Yellow Supplement - I have been using this for a couple of months now. I received it in a goodie bag from the Lush workshop I attended at the Sheffield Meet Up. I have been absolutely loving it as a foundation. We were told, if we wanted, we could mix it with our moisturiser and use it as a tinted moisturiser but I like a heavier coverage (due to my spots). There are several shades but I was matched to light yellow. It's a perfect match. When I apply it, it appears to disappear but my skin looks a lot even and some of my spots are hidden. I have one negative. Because of the size and shape of the pot, I am really struggling to get the product out now it is half empty. Has anyone got an tips for me?

Lush Emotional Brilliance Translucent Face Powder - This is another product that I received in my goodie bag. It is to be used with the colour supplements, once they are dry on your face. As with any powder, is it to set your make up and to prevent shine. In the pot it looks very pink and to be honest I was a little scared of using it at first. But I can confirm it is definitely translucent once applied to your face. It does a fantastic job of mattifying your face and setting your make up. Again, my one negative is getting the product out. I use my Real Techniqes Powder Brush to apply powder but I can't fit it in anymore now I've used half. Help please?!

Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint in Blueberry - There has been a massive hype surrounding these nail polishes and I completely understand why. This is the second one I have tried and it is definitely my favourite nail polish shade at the moment. For the first time in a long time, I removed the chipped remains and painted my nails in the same colour. I think it looks really nice with my skin tone and it's a uncommon colour so I get lots of compliments on it. Without a top coat, it only lasts a day or so longer than a regular nail polish on my nails but I work in a school and I use my hands a lot! You don't need a top coat really because the polish is called hi-shine after all but if you wanted to prolong the wear time, I would recommend a top coat too. 

Dainty Doll Powder Blusher in My Girl - I'm not sure what's happening with Dainty Doll as I got mine from Fragrance Direct for only £1.99 instead of £13.50! I had never tried the brand before so when I heard about the massive saving, I knew I had to snap one up. I actually got two shades (You Are My Sunshine as well) but I definitely prefer My Girl. It is extremely pigmented. I only need a small amount of colour to create a pop of colour on my cheeks. If I only want a subtle hint of colour, I tap off any excess before applying. This leaves me with a more natural flush of colour. If Dainty Doll has been discontinued, it is a shame as the powder blushes are fantastic quality, especially for £1.99!!

What have been your favourite products this month? Have any of my favourites made your list?

Rachel x

Lost In Lipstick

Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub - Review

Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub £5.25

My lips always seem to be chapped, especially in the colder months. It makes applying lipstick a bit of a nightmare. I used to use an old toothbrush to gently scrub my lips, which would be smothered in Vaseline.  This worked but wasn't ideal as I had nowhere to keep the toothbrush and it got quite dirty. Not very hygenic! When I first heard that Lush had lip scrubs, I had to get one. I actually bought Bubblegum a year or two ago but I lost it in November when I moved house. I searched high and low but to no avail, I could not find it. I caved in and purchased a new one. They have gone up in price since I bought my last one but I knew it was worth it and I had to have it. (Obviously since I bought my new one,  the fairies returned my old one! But it turns out it went off in September so maybe someone was telling me to buy a new one.)

Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub contains castor sugar, which is the ingredient that 'scrubs' your lips, and organic jojoba oil to moisturise your lips. It also contains flavourings to give it that delicious scent and taste! As well as colours to give it the bright pink colour. The lip scrub is suitable for Vegans and is preservative free. I apply a small amount to dry lips (it's important that you don't get water in the pot as the sugar clumps together if you do and makes it very difficult to use) and gently buff away the dry skin. It is safe to 'eat' so Lush suggest licking your lips afterwards but the very thought disgusts me as it means you would be eating the dead skin from your lips! Therefore, I use water to wash the scrub away and just lick my lips to get the remaining flavour.

This is the only flavour I have used but many other beauty bloggers love some of the other ones. I definitely recommend the Lush lip scrubs. They leave your lips smooth, moisturised and more importantly, ready for lipstick! I think it's gentle enough to use everyday and I do just that. I use it before I go to bed and pop on some lip balm before I go to sleep.

Have you used Lush lip scrubs before? What's your favourite flavour?

Rachel x
Lost In Lipstick

February/March 2013 Favourites

Hi lovelies!

I know, I know it's nearly April and I'm just getting round to posting my February Favourites! I have no idea what happened. I took these photos early in March and they've just been waiting on my camera. As it's nearly April and I'm still using these products on a regular basis, this is going to be my February/March Favourites. I've been trying not to spend as much money on make up and beauty products lately so I haven't got any new favourites for March. 

MUA Heaven & Earth Eye Shadow Palette - This has quickly become my favourite MUA palette. However, that may all change soon, as I want the Undress Me Too palette! I'm a neutral girl through and through so this palette is perfect for me. As I said in my review, I am wearing shimmer eye shadows more often now where as I used to only reach for matte shades. You can see some closer photos and swatches in my review. You can purchase this palette from Superdrug in store or MUA online or Superdrug online. This palette is a bargain at £4 as the shadows are great quality and they are highly pigmented.

LUSH Bubblegum Lip Scrub - If you're anything like me, the cold weather has left your lips feeling dry and chapped. My solution - gently exfoliate your lips with LUSH bubblegum lip scrub before slapping tons of lip balm on every evening before bed. It works a treat and smells (and tastes) delicious! My lips are left feeling soft and moisturised (from the lip balm) the next day, ready for some lipstick. You can buy it in stores or online, priced at £5.25.

Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch - This is a product that was on my wishlist for months and months. I wasn't sure I could justify £26 for such a small pot but I got my hands on a 1 ml sample and I was hooked!  It leaves my skin feeling smooth and soft, which is the perfect base for my foundation. It does a fairly good job at hiding my pores but some days they are massive and I need some cement!!! Luckily, after Christmas the Clarins website was holding a sale which included the Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch. They were offering the standard 50 ml pot and a 30 ml tube of Beauty Flash Balm for £17.50. Before I knew it, I was checking out and selecting my three free samples to try (which, by the way Clarins, is an amazing idea as I now have more Clarins items on my wishlist)!

Collection Colour Lash All Day Colour Mascara in Clear - I have been wanting a gel to set my eyebrows for a long time. There is a wax in the MUA Brow Kit, which I use, but I hate how I have to use my fingers to apply it and there isn't a lot of it in the kit. I have seen that a few people use clear mascara to set their brows. So when I spotted this in Superdrug for £1.99, I had to try it. I'm actually liking it so far and I will definitely repurchase it. It's not actually clear any more as the powder that I use to fill my eyebrows has come off on the brush so it looks a bit disgusting! It also includes protein and I have noticed my eyebrows grow more since I started to use it. So if you're looking to grow your brows, or lashes, I definitely recommend it.

Sleek Face Form Contouring and Blush Palette in Light - I actually wanted to pick up the Sleek Face Contour Kit, which is £6.49 as I had seen so many people rant and rave about it. Every time I popped in Superdrug, it was sold out. Then I spotted Face Form, which includes a contour shade, a highlight and a blush for £10. The blush looked really pretty so I couldn't resist and bought this instead. I'm so glad I did. I use all three of the products and it's the perfect palette for travelling with. 

Avon Ultra Colour Rich Lipstick in Pout - This is the first Avon lipstick I have purchased and so far I love it! The shade is perfect and the formulation is creamy and moisturising. Application is so easy and effortless. I will definitely be purchasing more shades from Avon, I just haven't decided which ones yet! Any recommendations? The RRP of these are £7 but Avon often have offers on so keep your eyes open. I think I got this for £2.49 or £3.49. 

What have been your favourite products this month? Have any of your favourites made my list?

Rachel x

Lost In Lipstick

Mini Haul #3

I haven't done a haul post since October, yet I feel I've spent so much money on make up and beauty products! These are the products I have bought over the past month or so. I think I'm going to keep track of the beauty products that I buy and jot them down in a notebook. I'm trying to not spend as much on things I don't need as lately (thanks to blogging) I have spent a fortune on things I want! I still have a massive list of things I want! Reading blog posts and watching YouTube videos on new products, monthly favourites and tutorials are really not helping. But I can't help it! It's what I love and really is my hobby! Blogging is an expensive hobby!

Dove Hair Nourishing Oil Care Repair Mask

B. Nourished Night Serum

B. Pure Micellar Water

TRESemme Vitamin C Deep Cleansing Shampoo

MUA Heaven & Earth Palette

Vo5 Miracle Concentrate Elixir with Argan Oil

Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub

AVON Ultra Colour Rich Lipstick in Pout