Collective Beauty Haul

It has been such a while since I wrote a blog post and I absolutely miss blogging. I really hope to find my balance soon. I am active on Instagram so please follow me on there if you are not. Happy New Year to everyone even though it is almost the end of January!! In December, I bought quite a few things because they were great treats and I wanted to stock up. I am not sure I have mentioned this  here yet but I moved to Scotland in November and I still miss London. I came back to London in December for two weeks and I just had to get all the things I wanted. I started off with World Duty Free and was so delighted to see By Terry was sold there. When I got to London, I went to Boots, Harvey Nichols, Fenwick, etc. So here I am sharing my haul and I have tried a few of the products already so I will be throwing in mini reviews as well.

 The Ordinary Haul //from £5.00

I am sure The Ordinary is a brand anyone who loves beauty products particularly skincare would have heard about. I got sucked into the hype last year and I have to say I am impressed by majority of the products I have tried. I popped into House of Fraser in Oxford Street but their stock was pretty low. I was signposted to their counter in Fenwick Bond Street and I was in heaven. They had a massive selection and of course, I went crazy which is allowed because it is an affordable brand. I purchased mainly Vitamin C products and products for Hyper Pigmentation. I also stocked up on some old favourites. I got the Salicylic Acid 2% Solution, Hyaluronic Acid 2% +B5,  5% Alpha Lipoic Acid Concentrate, Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA , Azeliac Acid Suspension 10% , MagnesiumAscorbyl Phosphate 10% (MAP), Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%, etc. I actually made two trips and came out with products I had on my wish list for ages. If you prefer in-store shopping and you are after The Ordinary, I will highly recommend checking out the Fenwick Bond Street counter/stand.

Duty Free Haul

I already mentioned that I was pleasantly shocked to see By Terry products being sold in the airport (Duty Free) and I was so delighted I could finally get some money off. It is quite difficult to get the products I want discounted from By Terry except during Christmas Sales in Space NK. I purchased my all time favourite lip product- The By Terry Velvet Rouge in Pause Cappuccino. I also picked up my favourite mascara which is YSL Beauty Baby Doll Mascara and I have so missed it. I have tried other mascaras but it will always remain number one until I find something better.



I also made another By Terry Haul although it was not at Duty Free instead it was from Space NK Sales. I got the Terrybly Densilis Compact Powder in the shade Amber Beige. Its RRP is £66 but it was down to £16.50 in the Space NK Sales so I snapped up one (and picked up another shade too because why not?). I unboxed my haul on my Instastory and I talked about how the pictures were not a true representation of the powders at all. The shade Desert Bare looked super dark (like a contour shade) but I checked google images and it was nowhere that dark. I can get away with the shade Amber Beige but if it were any lighter, it would have looked super ashy. However, it is such a great powder with a finely milled texture. I absolutely love it which is why I went ahead to pick the darker shade for summer when I may get darker.




Makeup Obsession London Haul //Link //from £2.00
I popped into Boots as you do to see if there were any new launches I was interested in. I did not find any new launch that tickled my fancy but I came across the Makeup Obsession brand. It's not a new launch obviously but I had not seen it in store in a while. I was attracted by their affordable price and the free palettes they were giving out with the purchase of any 6 eyeshadows. I ended up buying 18 eyeshadows in 2 different trips and I got 3 palettes. The eyeshadows themselves are very affordable at £2 each. Their quality is great for the price and I love the shade range.



The palettes are absolutely gorgeous and come in various colours including silver, rose gold, black and pink. I love the way the eyeshadow pans slot in securely into the palettes and the mirrors are a good size. I use the Rose Gold palette more and I popped in all the eyeshadows I love in there. The best part of the palette is that you can see the names of the eyeshadows under the palette which I find really handy especially for bloggers and vloggers. Apart from eyeshadows and palettes, they also stock highlighters, contour powders and duo eyebrow powders. I picked up one of each and they all fit into my palette. This is now my new everyday palette and I love it because I put together all the shades I love.


Soap and Glory Haul 
The main reason I went to Boots was because I wanted to pick up my all time favourite brow pencil - Soap and Glory 2-in-1 Brow Filling Pencil //£8.00. It is so difficult to find the shade Hot Chocolate which is my current shade so I was delighted when I found it in-store. If you love the Anastasia Brow Wiz, you will totally adore this brow pencil. Since I discovered it, I have not had cause to repurchase the Brow Wiz because this works as a great alternative. At the time I made this haul, there was a free gift with a £15 purchase on Soap and Glory. The free gift had the Super Cat Eye Liner and Thick & Fast Mascara which I have always wanted to try. They are both great and handy to have although not my favourite.


Beauty Blender Haul 
Last year, I was so lucky to get sent some lovely Beauty Blender Sets which I love. It still did not prevent me from stocking up on a few items from Beauty Blender which I had my eye on. The first product is the Beauty Blender Liquid Cleanser //£15 (found it for £10 here) which is amazing for cleaning beauty blenders and makeup brushes. It is quite pricey at £15 so I use it sparingly because I want it to last as long as possible. It really keeps my beauty blenders so clean and I love the way the liquid is dispensed from the bottle. The second product was actually a gift from my friend when we went shopping in Harvey Nichols. She got me the Beauty Blender Pro in Black// £16 which I had my eyes on for ages. I was so delighted because it looks so classy, great quality like the other beauty blenders and easy to clean. So pleased with my Beauty Blender Haul and now I can use one beauty blender for one day because I have quite a few to last me for a week.



Fenty Beauty Haul //Link 
After my first Fenty Beauty Haul which you can find here, I made a few other tiny purchases because I seriously can't get over the brand. Back in October, I purchased two products from their Holiday Collection- The Galaxy Collection. I picked up two lipsticks at £16 each (I got both at different times)- Sci Fly and Super Moon.

I also picked up the Galaxy Collection Eyeshadow Palette//£39 (sadly sold out now) which has such gorgeous shimmer shades. It is strictly a shimmer eyesahdow palette so you do need to use it with another eyeshadow palette for a wearable look. I absolutely love the packaging of the eyeshadow palette.



From the regular collection, I picked up two makeup tools- The Precision Makeup Sponge 100 //£13 and the Foundation Brush 110// £26. I had my eyes on these tools because I heard they were great quality and I agree. The only issue I have with the brush is that it is difficult to clean and I have to use slightly stronger brush cleaning liquids for it. Other than that, I love all the products from Fenty Beauty haul and I am looking to get some of the Mattemoiselle lipsticks.


Real Techniques Haul 
Without doubt I think I can safely say that one of my favourite brands for makeup brushes has to be Real Techniques. I have tried almost all their brushes and I love them all. I am looking to try their newest collection but each time I am in Boots I just tell myself I have way too much brushes and I step aside. Last month, I wanted a few back ups of some of my favourite brushes. I picked up another Setting Brush, Real Techniques Core Collection, Dual Ended Expert Sponge, Expert Face Brush and a Mini Expert Brush. I believe they were on offer at the time and I strongly recommend keeping an eye out for offers. I always check Boots and Superdrug and buy from wherever there is an offer. If all fails and I am desperate, I try Amazon.




Stila Haul //Link 
I was kindly sent the Stila Christmas Collection All Day Liquid Lipstick Set*which has remained my most used lip products since I got them. I was drawn to the entire Christmas Collection and went hunting for the Written in the Stars Liquid Eyeshadow Set//£20. It was sold out everywhere until it miraculously came back in stock on the Marks & Spencer website and I snapped it up. I love the mini sizes as they are just perfect!! Inside the set you get Kitten Karma, Diamond Dust and Smoky Storm. They are exactly the same quality as the full size but just in miniature size. I know it is annoying that they are sold out but they were such good value at £20 which is not even up to the price of the full size. I have loved playing around with them especially during the weekends which is when I have time to experiment more. They are not messy at all and give off great and long lasting pigment.


Makeup Revolution Haul //Link //from £3
Unless you are not a beauty fanatic but I bet if you are reading this you may be and would have heard about the new Makeup Revolution Conceal & Define Concealers // £4. They did such a great job in releasing a sensible shade range that spans from very light to quite dark and we have to commend them for it. I do have to say that they have always been quite sensible when it comes to shade ranges and for a drug store brand, particularly a UK one, we have to give them a resounding round of applause. From all the numerous videos I watched, I could tell C12 will be a great shade for me and it totally is. It works great as an under eye highlighter for me and will possibly work as a foundation shade for me. It applies smoothly with minimal creasing and it lasts all day. I love the wand/applicator as it picks up the right amount of product and allows you apply the product in an easy way. Whilst I was on the Superdrug website, I also picked up an old favourite- The Vivid Baked Highlighter. I got the shade Rose Gold Lights and it works as a hybrid of a highlighter and blush for me.



Urban Decay Haul 
I have been falling back in love with Urband Decay Eyeshadow palettes especially since their Naked 3 Palette and Naked Heat Palette (my current fave). When the Heavy Metal Palette launched I was intrigued because it was a different design but the colour collection captured my eyes. I thought the price tag was a little steep at £43.50 but thinking back, it does seem like good value because you are getting more eyeshadows for £4 or so extra to what you would pay for the regular Naked Palettes. Of course, it could be argued that the pan sizes are different but that's by the by.


Anyway, I waited ever so patiently until Selfridges finally had it on offer for £28.50 (phew!!--sold out now though) and it made its way over to my collection. I have to say it is absolutely gorgeous. I did not know if I would love the design and to be fair, I did not get on with it at first. However, I am totally loving it because I can apply my eyeshadows closer now because of the unique design. It has such beautiful pigmentation although the colour pay off is so much better with a wet brush. It is mainly a shimmer and metal palette so you do have to use it with another matte eyeshadow palette which I don't mind at all.



Essence & Collection Haul //Link 
I innocently popped into Wilko to buy a few home and beauty essentials because Wilko is my go-to store. I love their cotton pads, Q tips, face towels, shower caps, etc. I also love that it is one of the easiest places to stock up on some Essence Cosmetics and other affordable brands like Collection and Wilko's own brand. After stocking up on my cotton pads and wipes, I picked up the Essence I Love Stage Eyeshadow Primers //£2.50 which will always remain my favourite eyeshadow primer ever because it just works so well. I stocked up this time around and I also picked up the Wilko Kiss Light Reflecting (Smooth & Mattifying) Primer //£3.00 which is also one of my absolute favourite primers to.


I had seen the Essence Metal Shock Liquid Eyeshadows //£3.50 and decided to try them out. I picked one shade 04 and fell in love with it. I picked up the remaining 6 shades and I have been having fun with them. They are £3.50 only but they are apply well and have good pigmentation (not as much as other liquid eyeshadows like the Stila and TouchinSol ones though). For the price, I think they have done a great job. From Collection, I picked up my favourite under eye setting powders-


The Collection Pressed Powders //£1.99 in 03 Translucent and 02 Misty Beige. I have used these for years and they work so well. I hope you enjoyed this post and I know it was a little long but I have been picking up some great finds. I will try and add links to where these products can be found at discounts. Can you believe I am still putting together my 2017 Beauty Favourites? I know so very late but I still want to share them on here so fingers crossed it is all ready to go this week. Have you tried any products above? Let me know in the comment box below..xx
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Drugstore Haul (Boots and Superdrug)

I feel like it's been a moment since I shared  a drug store haul. I purchased all these products towards the end of last year but I had no time to talk about them.  The advantage is I have used most of them so I can write mini reviews of them. I usually treat myself every month once I have taken out all my bills and savings from my pay. I always pop into Boots or Superdrug and check my wish list which would have been created from all the blog posts and Instagram posts I have been inspired by. I only actually buy products that have been on my list for a long time as I usually delete some I am no longer feeling.  Majority of these products were from Boots using my Boots Advantage Points which I love. I got a few products from Superdrug because they give Student Discounts (which I now have...hurray!!). However, their loyalty points are terrible (like you have to spend £100 to get £1 off and I think that's insane). Once in a while they do have bonus points but there are far and few. Anyway, that's by the by and let me show you what gems I have been picking up from the drug store.


Super Facialist Una Brennan // Link // from £6.99
I think the Super Facialist range from Una Brennan is one of the best in the drug store and it does not feel like drugstore quality at all. I have quite a few products form her range and they all work so well. I had my eyes on the Vitamin C+ Brighten and Renew Cleansing Oil for ages because I had heard so many good things about it. Immediately it went on offer in Boots I snagged it up. It is the perfect cleansing oil for removing my makeup as it's not too greasy and effectively removes my makeup. It also smells incredible and it's definitely one I would recommend. I also picked up the Probiotic Micellar Cleansing Water (as if I don't have enough already) which I am very impressed with. I heard about this from Lily Pebbles video/blog and I made a mental note to try it. On days when I feel like using a micellar water, I often reach for it because it does not leave my skin stripped at all. It removes my makeup really well and I have no complaint at all. The bottle really looks cute as well.


Real Techniques Brush Cleanser// Link // £6.99
I picked this up from Boots because I think they had a deal of 3 for 2 or something like that. I know I did not actually pay for it per say. I was excited when Real Techniques announced they were launching this makeup brush cleaner. However, I have used it a few times and I can't say I am overly impressed. It does a good job but I think it can do better. The thing is I use Dr Bronner's Magic Liquid Soap to wash my brushes and I have not come across any brush cleaner that beats it. You can imagine why I am a little underwhelmed with this RT brush cleaner. I also have to mention that it works best if you follow the instructions on the bottle. I still use it but I won't be repurchasing.


Boots Botanics All Bright Range// Link // from £3.99
You all know how much I am a fan of the Boots Botanics All Bright range. Sometimes, I can't get my head around how affordable it is with the amazing quality. I repurchased the Radiance Concentrate Serum which comes in the cutest little bottle complete with a pipette. I tend to use this in the morning and I love the way it sinks in and gives my face a nice glow. I would continue use it and report back on if it gives a brightening effect on my skin over a longer time. I also picked up the Radiance Balm which I am most impressed with. It's very difficult for us oily girls to get away with a glow but I use this under my makeup (in some areas) for a nice glow under my mattified powder foundation. After a little while, you can see the glow coming through. I absolutely love it and I picked it up on Ummbaby's recommendation. You can win these products via the Giveaway I am hosting here.

Maybelline Color Tattoo // Link // £4.99
I noticed that Maybelline had launched a few new shades to their Color Tattoos which has been
rumoured to be dupes for the MAC Paint Pots. I had to give them a try especially as they were on offer and they are one of the best cream eyeshadows I have tried in a long time. I picked up Creme de Nude, Creme de Rose and 24K Gold (not newly launched). They are almost always on offer and I have never paid full price for any of them. I have given all of them a good go and they are really nice. I have not tried any of the MAC Paint Pots yet so I can't compare on their similarities but I can tell you they work so well. They act as both a base and a primer for my eyeshadows and I am impressed with them as always. I have a full review of my previous collection here.



L'Oreal La Palette Smoky// Link // £14.99
I picked this up in Superdrug just before it was launched because I think they accidentally put it out on display. I was so pleased to have it in my collection because I have enjoyed my other La Palette Nude palettes (Rose and Beige). I won't lie they are palettes that eventually grew on me and they now come with me when I travel because they are compact. I have not really given this a go yet but I plan a separate review on it. I also picked up the L'Oreal Superstar Super Liner because it is my favourite one from L'Oreal (and in fact the entire drug store). I was running low and looking to repurchase but it was constantly sold out in store to my annoyance. I had to place an online order because I just could not bear to do my eyeliner with anything else. I have a review of the Superstar Eyeliner here


L'Oreal Gentle Eye Makeup Remover // Link // £3.65
This is a repurchase for me because it is also one of the best eye make up removers in the drug store. It is also super affordable and I alway buy mine in Sainsbury because it is usually on offer. It removes my waterproof eye makeup well which is really impressive for a drugstore brand. It does not sting my sensitive eyes and I have not had any problem with it at all. The packaging is also super cute and compact and I travel with it (no accidents/spillage because it shuts securely). It is definitely worth a try if you are on the haunt for a good and affordable eye makeup remover. I have a full review here.


NYX Eye Brow Marker and Tame & Frame Brow Pomade // Link // £5.50
There was so much buzz last year when NYX was launched in Boots which was super impressive. I have never really had many products from NYX but I had heard so many good things about them. I went to my local Boots and of course, it was not stocked there. I think they are only stocked in relatively large Boots stores so I had to place an online order. I only wanted to try the Brow Marker and Brow Pomade which have been rumoured as dupes for the ABH versions. I have not given them a try yet but I will definitely let you know when I do. They also sell NYX in Selfridges and they have a lovely stand there too!



Sleek iLust Eyeshadow Palette// Link // £7.49
I am not sure if this is still being sold but you should totally buy it if it is. It is one of the best Sleek eyeshadow palettes in my opinion because it has the best colours for both a festive and neutral gold look. The iLust Palette is part of their Gold Standard Collection which was launched during Christmas (or before) and I love it. It has a good mixture of both cream and powder eyeshadows with such incredible pigmentation. I am not surprised at all because Sleek Makeup always deliver. A full review is in the works.


Soap and Glory One heck of a Blot Primer// Link // £10
I am so sorry for mentioning this over and over again but it is worth every hyper and more. It is without doubt the best drug store primer I have ever tried. Next time they have a deal, I am purchasing a few back ups for my stash. It goes on so smoothly without balling up or feeling too dry/matte yet it keeps my oily T-zones at bay. I really don't know how it works but it is amazing and worth the £10 price tag. Yes, it is slightly more pricey than a few other drug store primers but none even comes close to the quality. Try it out when next you are in Boots and thank me later while I thank Ummbaby for introducing me to it (she is a serious enabler). I also picked up the 2-in-1 Brow Filling Pencil which is my absolute Holy Grail and I have lost count on how many times I have repurchased it.  You can read my full review here

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum// Link // £22.50

I was kindly gifted this amazing serum by Vichy UK sometime during the Summer and I absolutely love it. I have not completely run out but I am running dangerously low. When I saw that Escentual was offering 50% off this gem (and an extra 10% which I missed because I was too fast), I had to make a super quick order. I am so pleased I now have a backup that should last me well into the year (fingers crossed). It really addresses any dehydration issues my skin may have and I love it. I have a full review here if you fancy one. You can read my full review here

Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Water// Link // £10.20

You know products you always want to have in your stash no matter what, well, Bioderma Micellar Water is that one for me. It does not matter if I have a gallon of it but if there’s a good deal, I am all over it. This was also on Escentual for 50% off so naturally it had to make its way into my basket. I only paid £5.10 which I think is incredible. I have a full review here.


Overall Thoughts
That's pretty much my drug store haul and I am glad I have finally shared them with you. I was thinking of doing a video but I am so lazy and busy (yeah, you can totally be) and I know blog posts are much easier. I hope you enjoyed this post and do let me know in the comment box if you have tried any of these products. I also have a high end haul coming your way tomorrow so keep your eyes peeled for that post..xx

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