Drugstore Gems | Recent Finds...

As a blogger, it's very easy to get sucked in to the luxury product hype - swishy packaging and the lure of a glitzy high-end counter certainly have the power to sway a purchase.  Whilst I'm not denying that you do sometimes get what you pay for (some of my high-end favourites simply cannot be beaten in my opinion) - I do think there's plenty of 'drugstore' products out there that perform just as well as - if not better than some of the high-end brands. I've become such a bargain hunter just recently (just call me David Dickinson) and I seem to have uncovered a small selection of fabulous 'drugstore' products that I absolutely love - I've been on a roll!  Of course, I often find cheaper products I enjoy and use on a regular basis, but these 6 most recent finds have seriously impressed me -  they're much more than fleeting favourites.  We're a fickle bunch, us bloggers, so to say that this little collection of my latest 'drugstore gems' top the mark as some of my most recommended is saying something! Here's why I think they're jolly good contenders to rival their higher-end versions...

Seventeen | Falsifeye HD Mascara | £6.99 | Link

I'll kick off with my most favourite shall I?!  If you've been reading my blog for a while, you'll know I'm rarely impressed with mascaras - I'm ridiculously fussy.  I've been using Maybelline's 'The Falsies' for a good 5 years or so now and I never really vary from this (Benefit's 'They're Real' is my only other 'go to' but I use this as more a 'treat' because it's quite expensive). It's fair to say I'm very stuck in my ways when it comes to mascara.  However - I think I may have discovered my new obsession in the form of Seventeen's Falsifeye HD Mascara.  It's seriously amazing. First impressions were good before I even left the store as it actually comes in a box - and we all know how much bloggers love their boxed products... It didn't stop there though.  I was blown away as soon as I applied it - it coats every.single.lash. The wand doesn't look anything special but trust me, it works a charm at coating even the smallest eyelashes and it's so easy to use. Usually, with volumising 'false lash effect' mascaras, the wands can be quite cumbersome but this one is just perfection.   It reminds me of a simplfied version of Benefit's 'They're Real' whilst being easier to use. 

The formula doesn't clump at all - I can easily apply 3 coats without my lashes clumping together and it also holds a curl really nicely. My lashes look fuller than ever and incredibly defined, and even though it's not waterproof, it doesn't smudge, flake or crumble.  I must admit I don't use it on my bottom lashes as the only mascara that doesn't smudge on me is Clinique's 'Bottom Lash Mascara' - but I can't sing this product's praises enough. I definitely think it's a good rival for Benefit's 'They're Real'. I think I'll be buying this from now on instead of the Maybelline one I've been using for 5 years... that's how much I adore it.

Seventeen | Instant Glow Bronzer in Medium Bronze | £4.49 | Link

Seventeen really have upped their game the past year or so! I'm loving the brand at the moment and their new image is definitely a winner in my books. This is another one of my recent purchases but as it's already featured twice on my blog so I shan't get in to it too much - you're probably sick of the sights of it! I picked this up on a whim at the airport before a holiday and my goodness, am I glad I did! It's such a good 'all rounder' bronzer and works so well for all over bronzing and subtle contouring. It's the perfect shade to add warmth to the complexion and even though it's pigmented, it's virtually impossible to over-apply as it blends like a dream.  I've been applying it even though my skin is paler now and it just gives the most incredible healthy glow without looking like I've piled on a shed load of bronzer.  I really loved Guerlain's 'Terracotta' bronzer earlier this year but I have to admit this one has had much more use.  It's matte so it provides a really lovely, natural finish and gives a nice bit of definition to the facial features.  I posted about it in a summer beauty haul here, and also in a recent favourites post here.  My love for it is still going strong...

MUA | Power Pout Lip Crayon in 'Rendezvous' | £3.00 | Link

I had to re-use a photograph I've taken of this product for a past post because my camera ran out of battery just before I'd finished this one - but trust me - this lip crayon is very well loved.  It's lived in my hand-bag since the day I bought it and it's not making a move out of there any time soon! I really love MUA's lip crayon offering - this colour is just the perfect every day shade and I've been using it over some of my Mac favourites just recently.  It's super moisturising, yet long-lasting and easy to apply on-the-go. I really don't think you have to spend the earth if you want a good quality lip crayon - I can't see why this one isn't just as good as some of the more expensive versions I've seen on the high-street.  I have a full post about the product here.

Collection | Illuminating Touch Brightening Concealer | £4.99 £3.99  | Link

Currently on offer for just £3.99, this concealer is my most recent discovery.  Now, I have to admit that my ultimate holy-grail favourite is Estee Lauder's Double Wear Concealer and I don't think I'll ever find anything else to rival it - but since it's so expensive (£21.00 a pop!) I wanted something to use under my eyes on those days when I'm not wearing a great deal of makeup.  I wanted something a little more brightening than Collection's 'Lasting Perfection' (another drugstore gem) as I mainly use concealer underneath my eyes to conceal dark circles. I've been blown away by this one! I was so amazed at how well it hid my dark circles - it's literally like a brightening version of their Lasting Perfection. The formula is quite thick (similar to L.P), so it's a little more hard-wearing than other brightening concealers I've tried before.  I've also used YSL's Touche Eclat in the past and prefer this cheaper version by a mile!

Bourjois | 123 Perfect CC Cream in '32 - Light Beige' | £9.99* | Link

I was actually sent this product a while back but as soon as this tube runs out (and it's getting rather low) I'll be purchasing another straight away.  As much as I love my Nars Sheer Glow foundation, it can be a little heavy for everyday wear and I sometimes crave a slightly lighter coverage. My high-end 'go to' for a dewy base is YSL's Touche Eclat foundation but for a cheaper alternative, this Bourjois offering is fantastic. It does everything it promises - the colour correction really does seem to work and I instantly look more awake when I've applied this.  The coverage is so impressive and comparable to a light-medium foundation - so don't let the fact it's a CC Cream as opposed to an actual foundation base put you off.  If i'm ever having a 'dry skin day'  I use this because its a little more hydrating than an average foundation.  It evens out the complexion in an instant and looks virtually undetectable, especially when I've applied it with my RT Buffing Brush. I have a review of it here, and it also featured in a favourites post here.

Look Beauty Eyeshadow | Shade 13 - 'Luxe' | £4.00 | Link

Ok. So this isn't exactly a recent find - I've had this shade in my collection for quite some time now but it's definitely a re-discovery! If you're looking for pigmentation, 'Look' Statement Eyes Eye shadows really are amazing - they put some high-end brands to shame. This eyeshadow has to be one of the most pigmented shades I own and it gives that statement metallic lid look - perfect for the upcoming festive season. It's so creamy and buttery-soft to the touch and the gorgeous antique-gold colour is so flattering. Admittedly, due to the fact it's so pigmented you do get a little bit of fallout but it's easy to overlook- I just protect my under-eyes with a tissue and 'dab' the shadow on with an eyeshadow brush. 

Swatches L-R // Collection Concealer | Bourjois CC Cream | Seventeen Bronzer | Look Eyeshadow | MUA Crayon

So there we have it, some recent drugstore finds that I've been seriously impressed with.  Of course, I have plenty of other favourites but these are products I've discovered in the past few weeks/months.  Do let me know if you'd like me to do a post on some of my other drugstore gems - I have a fair few that definitely rival their higher end versions.

Have you found any drugstore gems recently? Let me know!

Benefit 'They're Real' | Push-Up Liner and Remover

I might be a beauty blogger but I'll be the first to admit that I'm absolutely bloomin' useless when it comes to eyeliner. Let's face it, it's the devil of the makeup world isn't it? Many a time I've found myself rushing to be somewhere on time simply because I had a bit of a kerfuffle getting my 'flicks' even.  Yes. I hold my hands up.  To all of my dear friends who I know read this blog, it's never the bus that's to blame for my shoddy time-keeping despite what I might tell you - i think it's time to come clean... It's not the number 44. It's the eyeliner.  So when Benefit released their 'Push-Up' Liner as part of the 'They're Real' family, said to help make applying gel-liner a little bit more of a doddle, I was interested to give it a whirl...

Firstly, I love the concept.  As someone who has never dabbled in gel liner before, (I favour the more simple option of a pencil or felt-tip styled product) I thought it was a spiffing idea to combine the long-lasting quality of a gel liner and the convenience of a pen into one - essentially making application quicker, easier and much less of a faff.  You simply twist the bottom of the pen and you're good to go.  However, don't expect this to solve all of your eyeliner woes. It won't.  It has taken me a good few tries in order to nail the application of this stuff - it can be quite tricky at first to know how much to twist the pen, how much pressure to apply and exactly which angle to hold it at in order to get it right.  On the occasions where I have got it right, the effect has been great.  The pigmentation is amazing - the strong, matte black is long-lasting and has that lovely 'vintage' quality to it that compliments the 'cat flick' look. It stays put all day, and I haven't noticed any smudging or transferring onto the lids whatsoever.  You do have to be fairly quick to apply this - I've noticed it dries quite quickly so it's definitely a product for those of you who are already rather nifty with the eyeliner. The 'They're Real' remover is a great product to have in my bathroom cabinet.  As a fan of the 'They're Real' mascara (featured on my blog here and here) , which can be notoriously difficult to remove, it's handy to have and it does do the job very well. It doesn't feel greasy or heavy and removes all traces of makeup without having to scrub away for ages.

Overall, I wouldn't say I'm blown away at the moment.  At £18.50*, the Push-Up Liner isn't cheap and as someone who never really goes beyond a simple flick here and there, I can achieve my desired look with cheaper options on the market and I think I personally favour a liquid liner or 'felt tip' style.  If you love gel liner, are really are big on creating flicks and dramatic eyeliner looks, and want something that's going to stay put and resist fading, it's well worth looking in to - I won't deny it's incredible pigmentation and staying power! I just think, at the moment, it might be a little too hit and miss for me to use on a daily basis.  If you're going to buy anything from the They're Real range, I'd go for the mascara. It's honestly one of the best ones I've ever used (considering I usually hate splashing out on mascaras this is saying something!). 'Push Up' is indeed a fabulous product, and yet again Benefit have hit the nail on the head with the idea and concept, but for the time being, I think I'll stick to my trusty felt-tips! Watch this space though, I'm persevering with it... You can read up more about it and the rest of the range on the website here.

Have you tried anything from the 'They're Real' range?

Bourjois | 1 Second Volume Mascara

When it comes to mascara, I'm not the most experimental of the blogger bunch.  I stick to what I know and I've repurchased the same mascara for yonks. I have long lashes but sadly, I wasn't blessed with curly, swoopy ones and if I didn't attack them with my trusty lash curlers on a daily basis, I'd be stuffed. As soon as I find one that actually manages to hold a flutter, I'm sold - but so far, only a handful have managed to impress me.  It's fair to say I never really hold out much hope for mascaras and I never feel compelled to try the newest formula on the market simply because once I find one that works, I'll stick to it. However, when I first heard of Bourjois' new release - the '1 Second Volume' - I have to admit I was rather intrigued. The idea of a 'roller' inspired brush to inject volume and definition to your lashes was something I really fancied trying, so when it arrived on my doorstep a few weeks ago, I couldn't wait to give it a bash!

The unique wand design with it's 'spherical' bristles means that lashes are coated in a 360 degree motion. This paired with the standard bristles makes for a spiffing combination and I have to admit I really do like it.  The brush is undoubtedly quite large - if you're not a fan of larger brushes then I'm not sure you'd get on with it as it can be a little bit cumbersome if you're not concentrating - however, for me, it works perfectly and I really like how easy it is to apply.  It separates every lash whilst providing amazing definition - I definitely agree with the 'clump-free' claim as there isn't a spider-lash to behold - yippee! This is definitely helped by the fact the brush is plastic - if you've ever tried Benefit's 'They're Real' (one of my faves) then I find that this feels rather similar to apply. But - the big question is... did it hold the curl? A mascara can separate, volumise and define all it likes but if it doesn't help to lock in the 'swoopiness' then it won't float my boat.  I was actually really happy with this - it really does seem to hold a curl very well and my lashes stayed in place all day. Result.

Overall, I have to say I've been impressed with this mascara and I'll most certainly make a purchase on it in future.  I was really happy to discover that they offer a waterproof version too as I usually wear water-resistant mascaras on a daily basis (saying that, I never noticed any smudging or flaking with this one - another big plus point!).  Although the brush is a little on the large side, I was sold on the unique design and the way in which it's so easy to apply - literally a few sweeps and you're sorted. If, like me, you have fairly straight lashes and struggle to find mascaras that hold a curl, it's well worth trying this one - it defines every single lash, is quick and easy to apply without the need for endless coats and it holds your lashes in place once you've curled them.  For £9.99*, it's reasonably priced too. You can find it on the Boots website here.

Have you tried this mascara? Are there any others from Bourjois that you'd recommend?

A Selection of Bourjois Goodies...

Bourjois really are pulling out all the stops just recently with lots of new releases - it's no surprise that many of their products are being propelled swiftly into the blogger limelight! I'm particularly fond of their range of lip products and you can often find me having a good ol' swatch sesh at their stand - so I was really chuffed to have the chance to try out a few of their liners and, of course, the ever famous CC Cream! It's received one heck of a lot of praise amonst the blogger community just recently, hasn't it?  As the warmer weather seems to be creeping around the corner (albeit extremely slowly), it's good timing for this little tube to arrive on my doorstep.  I'm all for a dewy, light coverage as soon as the lighter nights start drawing in...So what did I reckon to this bunch of lovely Bourjois goodies? I shall get cracking with the nitty-gritty... 

123 Perfect CC Cream | £9.99* | Link
This clever little colour correcting base is filled with a selection of pigments in order to counteract dreaded dark circles, redness and dark spots. Been out on the tiles one too many times over the weekend? Fear not, this CC cream makes you look fresh, dewy and awake in a flash.  I'm all for a light coverage as soon as spring/summer rolls around, and although I must admit I'm not quite ready to put down my trusty bottle of Nars Sheer Glow yet, this CC cream has been my answer for those days where you just want a little bit of coverage but don't want to go all out with the foundation. It's so lightweight and blendable, and actually has a pretty good amount of coverage to say it's a CC cream - it counteracts any redness with ease, covers any blemishes or dark spots and even does a jolly good job at knocking out those pesky dark circles (and by heck - have I got a lot of those just recently!).  In the past, I've often found BB/CC Creams can lean much too pink or orange for me - but this little beauty matches my Simpson-esque yellow-toned skin perfectly! Hooray! It's almost undetectable and it doesn't look like I'm wearing anything at all - I love it!  If you do suffer with a little bit of redness (I don't tend to get a great deal of it so I can't vouch too much for this aspect) I can imagine it would be a great option to try due to the pigments it contains and the fact it leans a little more yellow.  Oh, and to top it all off, it also smells really nice and fresh - just what you want from a lighter coverage base.  The CC Cream comes in 4 shades, however, it's worth swatching in store - I have the shade 'Light Beige' and it seems to match my skin perfectly as it has more of a yellow undertone. Overall, I have to say I am very much in the rave camp when it comes to this product...Pat on the back, Bourjois. You have suitably impressed me.

Liner Feutre in 'Moka' and 'Violine' | £6.99* | Link
When it comes to liquid liner, I'm very much stuck in the 'black and nothing but black' rut - I know, call me boring - but I just stick to what I know.  However, these coloured options have certainly shook things up a little of late.  I've discovered I'm actually rather partial to a pop of subtle colour across the upper lash line now and again, who would have thought?! I love the purple because it really sets off the green tones in my eyes, and the brown version puts a neutral twist on my usual liquid-liner.   It's good to mix things up sometimes, right? I love the shape of these liners - they're very much my cup of tea and are so easy to get a good 'weight of line' going on. The felt-tip style works in their favour and they're super easy to apply and last pretty well too.  Yep. These are right up my street. 

Mega Liner | £7.49* | Link
Ok. I'm still a little undecided about this one.  I love the colour - the intense black shade really does crank up the definition and the staying power really is unbelievable. Honestly, could I get this swatch off my arm? No. No I couldn't get this swatch off my arm. It was the same story for my eyes - this stuff stays put - and it doesn't fade easily either. So if intense, long lasting black-ness is what you're searching for, this is well worth looking into.  However, I just can't seem to get on with the shape of the nib.  I very much prefer a tapered, felt-tip styled tip and if you have a tendancy to be a little cack-handed (even slightly) - you might find this will drive you up the wall. It's easy to achieve a variety of weights of line and it's quite good for getting a good flick going on - but it might take a bit of getting used to. If you're the type to think 'aint nobody got time for that' when it comes to fiddly things, then you might prefer the Liner Feutres featured above (much easier to get on with in my opinion!)

Beauty'full Volume Dark Kohl Mascara | £7.99* | Link
I'm extremely, extremely fussy with mascaras.  I can only think of 2 I actually love and repurchase on a regular basis - to say I'm a blogger and therefore try a great deal of different mascara offerings, that's saying something isn't it? It takes a lot to impress me. I must admit I do like the wand - the hourglass-typed shape really works at getting all of those piddly little lashes coated and it's quite good at getting into the inner corners of the eyes. I'm a big fan of Benefit's They're Real and one of the selling points of that one for me is the little 'spines' (is there a technical word for those things?!) at the tip of the wand - this one is quite similar in that aspect.  I also like the 'fullness' it provides my lashes with and it does give an intense black look.  I do like this mascara, but I'm not head over heels in love as yet. However, I always prefer mascaras once they're dried up ever so slightly, so I shall reserve judgement until then. It has good potential.

Overall, a fab selection of products from Bourjois and I wasn't disappointed with any of them. Personally, the CC Cream has to be my favourite of the bunch - it really is as good as everyone says (believe me I tried to fault it - I can't - shucks!) The 2 coloured liners are also really lovely - I like the fact they aren't too bright or 'in your face' - they provide a subtle pop of colour that's very wearable for daytime wear (even for a colour-phobe like me!) 

Have you tried any of these Bourjois products? What did you reckon?

'The Perfect Selfie' Look | with 'World Duty Free'

Product Selection from World Duty Free*

Even at 23, I must hold my hands up and openly admit that I'm not opposed to a selfie or two - who says it's just for the young'uns?! I would bet my lipstick drawer that a large percentage of you reading this WILL snap a cheeky selfie over the next couple of weeks whilst adorning some form of Christmas attire (festive onesie, anyone?) If not, a massive pat on the back to you for refusing to hop on the over-sharing bandwagon!  When the lovely bunch at World Duty Free offered me the chance to take part in their 'Perfect Selfie' challenge, I thought I'd give it a whirl! They sent me a lovely little package full of goodies to create my perfect 'selfie' look and I swiftly got to work.  Since the festive season is well and truly in full swing, I thought I'd create a little party look. I went for smokey eyes and a bold red lip - something I don't often put together - but at Christmas, it's perfectly acceptable to break the 'eyes or lips' rule, right? Plus, red lips and a little bit of definiton around the eyes always photograph nicely!

 

To create my 'selfie' look, I first applied Benefit's Porefessional Primer - concentrating mainly on my t-zone to help mask any obvious pores.  I then applied the Estee Lauder Daywear all over the face using my buffing brush.  Usually, I'd wear foundation for a night out look but I was really pleasantly surprised with this.  I had a little bit of Clarins Liquid Bronze on at the time, and it allowed that lovely glow to show through without completely masking my face. I'm a massive fan of Estee Lauder and their products always seem to 'mesh' well with my skin - I was really impressed with how smooth it made my skin look for a lighter coverage product.   I applied the Elizabeth Arden '8 Hour Lip Balm' to prep my lips ready for lipstick (really loved this!), and applied a small amount of the Guerlain 'Terracotta' bronzer into the hollows of my cheekbones and around my jaw line to contour - as well as a light dusting on my forehead for an extra bit of bronze! To finish the subtle contouring effect I used YSL's infamous Touche Eclat around the under eye area and tops of the cheekbones, down the centre of the nose and a little in my cupid's bow to enhance my lip shape. I've never used Touche Eclat before - so I was really excited to be able to try this cult beauty fave! I then used Benefit's Brow Zings to enhance my eyebrows.  I have very light brows and often struggle to get brow products to look completely natural as I do like a bit of definition - especially around the arch.  Brow Zings made it a complete doddle and the wax really helped to keep them in place.

After completing my base, I moved on to the exciting bit - my eyes.  I used the Yves Saint Laurent 'Black Edition' Palette to create a soft, smokey look.  This really is such a beautiful palette - it's something I'd definitely take with me when travelling away from home - the large mirror and selection of brushes included make it a lovely compact - especially for the festive season as the colours are so wintery! They all compliment each other perfectly and I instantly fell in love! I used the brown shade all over the lid. It contains small flecks of gold without looking overly glittery so it's perfect for sweeping across the eyelids.  I then used the white colour in the very inner corners to open my peepers a little and give them that 'wide awake' look, and then blended a bit of the black shade into the crease and outer corner. Really simple and quick to create!  I then curled my lashes and applied a few coats of Benefit's 'They're Real'.  I actually have a full review of the mascara here if you wish to have a read up on it - it is without a doubt one of my favourite mascaras I've used. It really opens up the eyes and makes your lashes appear fuller without clumping - perfect! Of course, no look is complete without a dash of lippie! Bobbi Brown's 'Hollywood' is the most amazing pillarbox red shade. I adore it. It really does live up to it's name, that's for sure! It's such a striking red - and doesn't lean too blue or too orange.  If you're after a true red shade - I'd really recommend this one.  I'll definitely be treating myself to another shade from the range - it was a dream to apply, the pigmentation is amazing and it wasn't at all drying.  Et Voila - look complete.

Overall - an amazing little package from World Duty Free.  As a blogger of all things beauty, there's nothing more I love doing when I'm going abroad than having a mooch around the beauty bits - I always treat myself to a new product or two before I jet away! World Duty Free have some fabulous bargains - it's worth having a check on their site before you jet away - you can even select your airport/terminal for a more tailored selection!  There's also some exclusive palettes and beauty goodies on there (it's hard to find the YSL palette online at the moment) - there's nothing like owning something that's hard to get hold of - it just feels that little bit more spesh. Of course, I have lots more to say on these lovely goodies so if you're particularly interested in a specific review - let me know! 

Any of these products take your fancy? What would be in your perfect selfie kit?!

Benefit | They're Real Mascara

Benefit | They're Real Mascara (mini) - £9 (link)

Mascara is one thing I'm extremely fussy with. I either love them, or hate them. It's never an in-between 'ahh well I suppose you're alright' kind of jobby..it's either one extreme or the other (mascara is very much the 'Marmite' of the cosmetic world for me!) Over the past couple of weeks, I've fallen in love with Benefit's They're Real mascara.. I wasn't expecting to if I'm honest - I've never had the best of relationships with plastic brushes, I'd convinced myself it was overpriced and that it was something I could go without. Well, I eat my words...

I figured I'd opt for the miniature version to begin with - spending £9 seems better than splashing out £18 if you aren't going to agree with a product. At first, I'll be honest, I wasn't reaching for it as much as I thought I would and I felt a little bit indifferent towards it. I thought I'd give it a few more attempts - and a couple of weeks on I found myself applying it everyday. My lashes are long, but they never really hold much curl - they're pretty much straight and no amount of eyelash curling gets them to hold a good 'swoop'.. Benefit's They're Real gives the illusion that I have curlier, and indeed somewhat 'swoopier' eyelashes and makes the most of their length.  The wand is actually really fabulous, it picks up every single lash - even the thin little piddly ones.. it grabs eyelashes I never knew I had and visibly lengthens. The little ball at the end of the wand can be held vertically and used to coat lashes on the outer and inner corners of the eye - providing much more scope for application. The colour is also JET black - it looks dramatic and dark, and the mascara just fans out your lashes and frames your eyes perfectly. 

The formula is quite thick - but it doesn't clump. Obviously if you go ahead and apply coats of the stuff it's going to clog slightly but I apply two coats and that's just about right for me (not of fan of spidery-lashes! We've all been there, made the mistake and got the t-shirt..) It separates and fans out the lashes, and I notice very little smudging throughout the day - it jolly well stays put! In fact - this can be quite difficult to get off - even more so than my waterproof mascaras! So bare that in mind if you like to take your makeup off with ease - Benefit's They're Real is a little bugger to remove ;)

So.. will I be repurchasing is the question? Yes, I will, but maybe not every time I need a new mascara - the £18 price tag is a little steep and although I do think it's worth it for a high quality mascara - it's something I buy too often to justify every single time I require a new one. But I most definitely will be investing in the full-sized tube as soon as this one has seen it's day - it makes for such a lovely mascara treat! It is currently the best selling mascara in the UK.. and it's safe to say that I can certainly see why!

Have you tried 'They're Real'? What did you think? Yey or ney?

November Favourites

Before I dive into this month's favourites, I just want to apologise for my slight lag in usual blogging habits. I've had a tonne of uni work on my shoulders and as a result I had completely and utterly lost my blogging mojo. Fear not though my pretties, the blogging mojo is BACK. I found it. And I've very much missed it. What better way to kick off a month of normal blogging than with my monthly favourites?

Yves Saint Laurent | Le Teint Touche Eclat Foundation | £28 - I recently posted a full review of this product here - I've been using it non-stop since I caved in and bought it, and I really do love it to pieces. It's not the most long-lasting foundation on the planet but the finish is just incredible and it blurs every single imperfection making your skin appear perfectly smooth. It's very creamy and luxurious in texture and glides on like a dream.

Soap & Glory | For Daily Youth 6 in 1 Superboost Moisture Lotion | £12.00 - Oof, what a mouthful! I've had this moisturiser for a while and use it when my skin is in particular need of a good bit of moisture. I've had dry patches around my cheeks just recently, and this has cleared it up with ease. My skin gets slightly oily around my t-zone, so I don't like to use heavy moisturisers - this one is just the perfect in-between and just the right amount for me. It use it in the morning before applying my primer, and again at night so it can sink in overnight. It claims to help to renew the skin and boost collagen, and with regular use I often notice my skin appears smoother and brighter.

Maybelline Volume Express Lift-Up Mascara | £6.19 - I have an addiction to Maybelline mascaras. Ever since I tried their 'Falsies' mascara, i've never looked back and I just find their mascaras work for me. I have long lashes, but very straight ones that mean I have to curl them every morning to get any kind of volume. I still have to curl my eyelashes when I use this, but it keeps them in place really well, and gives an amazing bit of volume. I usually prefer my mascaras once they've dried out slightly, but this one was perfect from day one and the wand has just the right amount of curve to it. A new favourite - I hope they bring out a waterproof version.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer | £20 - Ever since I discovered Estee Lauder's concealers, I haven't touched my Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection (a very much loved concealer amongst the blogger community!) They last longer on the skin, they don't cake when reapplied and they last for ages in the tube. I did a review earlier this year on their 'Smoothing Creme Concealer' here, but I find the Double Wear slightly better for my winter skin. Honestly, if you want a really good concealer for both blemishes and under-eyes, look no further.

Mac Lipstick in 'Creme Cup' | £14 - A firm favourite in my lipstick collection. I use it through summer and winter for an everyday nude/pink lip. It's a cremesheen formula, which has to be my favourite formula from Mac - slightly more moisturising and adds a lovely finish to the lips.

Revlop Lip Butter in 'Creme Brulee' | £7.99 - I love the Revlon Lip Butters - especially now winter has crept around the corner and my lips are feeling a little bit deprived of moisture! This is my second tube of 'Creme Brulee' now - it's just the perfect addition to my make-up bag and I wear it every day without fail. I apply it like a lip-balm every couple of hours or so, and it just adds a really subtle wash of nude to the lips which is really flattering and effortless. The lip butter formula means it looks slightly glossy when applied, and it masks any imperfections.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Lip Liner in 'Spice' | £16 - I've been using this lip pencil a lot just recently, it's a slightly reddish-nude shade that manages to blend well with most lipsticks. It lasts for ages, and because it's only slightly darker than my natural lip colour it looks really natural and adds a lot of volume to the lips without looking false.

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