Firstly, apologies for the quality of these pictures. Have you seen the daylight lately? No, me neither.
January, it’s probably the one month of the year you shouldn’t shop. We’ve overspent in December and we’re stocked up form Christmas but there’s something about this miserable month that makes me want need to shop! It’s also the perfect month to spend those loyalty points “earned” Christmas shopping for others and weigh in the Christmas gift cards.
Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage SC3 £26 here
There’s a reason this features in every makeup artists’ kit and I’m about to find out why! It’s been on my lust-list for a long time thanks to Queen Lisa (Eldridge) who used this in just about all of her makeup tutorials, so I weighed in my Birchbox loyalty points, which by the way are easy build up if you complete the monthly surveys. I’ve had a quick play with it and the texture is very stiff/solid, which is strange but man, do they pack a punch. As if by magic I developed a nasty spot on my chin the next day and with this and a bit of pin-point concealer – spot be gone! A full low down will follow soon.
OPI Avoplex Cuticle Oil to Go £9.60 here
So this ended up in the same Birchbox order because I had £30 of points to redeem. I’m a big fan of OPI Avoplex but it is a tad annoying the way the oil runs down the fingers. The on the go version has more of a gel like texture which is applied with a handy pointed brush. In the handbag it goes!
Liz Earle Botanical Fragrance No 15 £49 John Lewis
I have wanted this perfume since the minute I smelt it. The girl at the Liz Earle counter was smelling ah-maz-ing and I thought it was Tom Ford Vanille and Tobacco (which I adore but could never justify the £145 price tag). When I asked her, turns out it was Botanical Fragrance No15. I decided then and there I’d save my points up and go back when I had enough. Fast forward around 6 months and I finally had the points I needed, £50.02 to be precise. I will say I’m a little confused. The bottle in the store is cream and opaque, but when I opened my box the bottle is clear? Still, it smells exactly the same, which is wonderful and intense and sexy and... yep, I love it. I don’t however love having 102 Boots points.
Liz Earle Brow Brush & Liner Brush £12.50 John Lewis
I didn’t go looking for another brush; it just caught my eye whilst I was paying for the perfume. I’ve nailed my Dipbrow application – Anastasia Brush no.12 is perfection, but I’ve been struggling for a powder counterpart. The MAC 266 brush used to do the job but lately it hasn't been giving me the precision I've needed. I wanted something smaller – step forward Liz Earle Eye & Brow Brush, which is smaller and has firmer bristles.
I may have been growing my eyebrows back for what feels like an eternity, but no matter how hard I try, some stubborn patches will not grow back. Praying, PRAYING this works! Will report back... in up to 6 weeks!