♥ MAC Haul #1

Pretty ambitious isn't it, calling this number one (of hopefully many) MAC hauls. I've fallen head over heels for the brand and after buying my very first lipstick (Twig, right before Christmas) I've been desperate to try more of the products they have to offer. I recently turned the ripe ol' age of twenty and I thought as a little present to myself I would splurge a little on some items that I'd been lusting after for a while.

♥ Maybelline Colour Tattoo Eyeshadow: Permanent Taupe

It's no surprise the name 'colour tattoo' intrigued me. I'm covered in tattoos and for a brand to ambitiously name a product a colour 'tattoo' and insist it has 24 hours worth of wear in it is quite a claim - and though I can't say it absolutely does last 24 hours, I can confirm these little pots are worth all the ranting and raving that surrounds them.

♥ My Five Favourite Youtubers

Zoella and the likes have completely blown up in the past few years. Youtubers are coming out with books left, right and centre and though that makes me a little annoyed (some of us are actually doing degrees to end up with this rather than being handed publishing deals by penguin and given ghost writers) it does prove how mad the world has gone for internet sensations.

♥ High End vs High Street

Make up brands that you find in the drug store are coming out with products that rival those by more luxurious brands here, there and everywhere lately. A few weeks ago I came across a product exactly like Benefit's Porefessional primer in a Boots store and just had to pick it up. I've gotten through a few tubes of sample size Porefessional and always love it on days where my skin just needs smoothing out a little - but I've shied away from splurging on the full size product. L'Oreal Paris have bought out a product that is just like it and costs only £9.99! It's not the cheapest alternative on the market, but it's the first I've seen that is so ridiculously close to its expensive older sister! L'Oreal are part of the same company as The Body Shop (who offer Instablur) and Maybelline who have a few primers in their repertoire. It's easy to see how all these products pan out and cater for different audiences and budgets and it's a clever way to make big money.

♥ Recent Repurchases

Once I find an item I really like I tend to stick with it for quite a long time. I'd rather invest in something that I know is going to work for me, than spend money on something that might end up being awful for my particular skin type. These are the items I've recently bought again and the reasons why:

Rimmel's Stay Matte Powder - Transparent - £2.99
I bought this ages ago and ended up breaking the lid so just kept it at home in Birmingham. I decided to get it again and I believe it's because Tanya Burr uses this powder and her make up is always perfect. It doesn't add any colour, it just sets make up nice and matte. I top up around my t zone throughout the day and I always use my Real Techniques Duo Fibre Face Brush  to apply as it gives such a lightweight dusting of powder.

Nivea Hydro Care Lip Balm - £1.58
I bought this in August when I moved back to Falmouth as I was suffering with super chapped lips and I've been having the same issues recently so I really needed it in my life again. I used my first tube up completely and I did try to repurchase a month or so ago - but ended up accidentally picking up a pink Nivea lip balm instead. I've also been trying a tin of Vaseline too, but nothing is quite the same. It's so lightweight and really sinks into the skin without the greasy kind of look Vaseline has to it and I noticed the difference in how moisturised my lips were after a few hours. This is my absolute favourite lip balm and I'm pretty sure it always will be!

Nivea Gentle Facial Cleansing Wipes for dry skin - £2.99
Nivea again, these are my favourite face wipes to pick up. I try to avoid using them but for when I'm travelling between Cornwall and Birmingham they've just perfect for refreshing my face before I get to the other side. I'll also take them with me if I stay out and won't be able to take my usual cleansers. Like the lip balm these are super moisturising on my skin and just leave it feeling nice and fresh.


What products do you always return back to? Let me know in the comments!

Em x

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