Keeping it simple

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Another week, another haul

It seems like every week I have another haul to post.  Keeping a blog is making me appreciate how much shopping I actually do - especially as I thought I hadn't bought that much this month.  Best not to dwell on that point I think!
So onto the fun stuff

I've been in need of a new mascara for a couple of weeks so I thought I'd try something different  - Clinique was a good mid-priced baby step into the high end.  I picked up the lash doubling mascara in black which was a total impulse buy based on the wand and not on any prior research and reviews.  I've been using this for a few days now and a full review will follow. 

As I was waundering around Boots I also stumbled across some new autumn offerings from the 17 range (based on jewel toned colours) which is one of my favourite affordable brands.  I picked up two new eyeshadow solos: on the left in the pictures is violet rock - it's a lovely plummy mauve shot with a subtle hot pink shimmer - pretty similar to a satin finish in mac terms.  On the right is rose quartz a metallic pale lavender pink.  The quality of these eyeshadows is really good - excellent colour pay off and they last all day for me when used with Urban Decay Primer potion.  I'd definitely encourage you to check them out if you have the chance.  As 17 was on 3 for 2, I thought I try one of the loose eyeshadows and chose an Eye Dazzle in Midas Touch.  For use with this I bought a 217 dupe the No. 7 eyeshadow blend and contour brush - hopefully something a little fluffier should minimize fallout!

My absolute bargin of the day though had to be some earrings from New Look.  There were two pairs of very simple hoops (gold and silver) for just £1 - they weren't even in the sale!  For that price I'm happy to buy and replace when they tarnish!
What has been your ultimate bargin this month?

Twenty Questions

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A Long Distance Love Affair

miu miu @ net a porter

I do not need these. They are not a practical choice.

They are bloody lovely though.

Mac Fabulous Felines Haul

Well it's more of a mini haul really.
When I first saw the promo images for this collection I was seriously excited.  Mac collections over the last few months haven't really done it for me - but this bumper selection of autumnal neutrals was right up my street.  I had a mental list compiled of the products that would make it into my online basket on release day - mostly drawn from the Palace Pedigreed line.  Unfortunately my online research then turned up a much more exciting proposition - Mac does Disney!!!!
MAC DOES DISNEY, people!
My basket immediately emptied as I realised I could live without feline inspired loot if it meant getting my hands on some Evil Queen blush! Of course this didn't account for an impromptu wander around my Mac counter the day after Fabulous Felines launched.  So whoops I did make a tiny purchase

Mac lipstick in Of Royalty and Plushglass in Ample Pink

I have been lusting after snob lipstick for a while so I swatched this and Of Royalty side by side in the store and the colours weren't a million miles away but I definitely prefer the cremesheen's glossy finish. Sold. 

And, in a complete impulse buy just because I have been loving my plushglass in Fulfilled, I also picked up Ample Pink.  Say hello to my new favourite lip combination!

top: Of Royalty, bottom: Ample Pink

I've hauled a few other things this month that I'm currently playing with.

 

A Gosh Velvet Touch eye pencil in 006 Bananas and the Sleek Face Contour Kit (light). 

What have you been buying and loving this month?

The Best Things in Life - edition two

Over the past few months I have gotten into a very naughty habit ...

I buy myself a copy of In Style, some chocolate and I spend hours and hours (over several days) reading every single word and pouring over every single picture.  This to me is bliss.  In style magazine has become essential monthly reading  for me.  I love the fashion, the beauty and the celebrity interviews and whilst I have tried to love other magazines none quite compares.  What are your small monthly rituals that help you get relaxed and inspired.

And yes that is a ma-hoo-ssive bag of supersized chocolate buttons!

Ending the suspense

You may remember I was raving on about what a good friday I had a few weeks ago. Part of the reason for my enviable good mood was the few little goodies that made their way home with me.  I treated myself to a lovely paisley silk scarf from accessorize and picked up a pretty pink opi polish.

This is Heart Throb. In real life it is much brighter, in fact I'd describe it as a very grown up highlighter hued pink, unfortunately the British weather is failing to cooperate and grant me decent light in which to photograph it!  I spent the past week wearing this on my toes in homage to the end of summer and was really impressed with the quality.  I only have one other opi polish and both have proved pretty chip resistent in my experience.  In fact I like the formulation so much that I wish I had spent longer browsing the display shelves.  Hmm, I think I might have to investigate their new a/w '10 collection. 

What are your opi must haves?

Don't you hate it when...

I admit it I had caved - all my will power had deserted me.  All my determination had evaporated.  So what if I didn't need it, I wanted it.  The day before payday after topping up my savings account and finding there was still money in the bank I found myself stopping off at House of Fraser on my way to work.  Urban Decay Naked palette would be mine and Santa was just gunna have to suck it up and surprise me.
So imagine my horror when I strolled over to the UD counter to find it completely deserted.  And no I don't mean in the go straight to the till without waiting kind of way.  Or, sorry we have sold out and are awaiting a delivery kind of way.  Not even in a we are having a refit and normal service will resume shortly kind of way. Deserted as in no more, gone! 
Gone and not coming back. 
My nearest mac counter isn't that close and urban decay has been know to fill the gap. Where am I going to get my fix now???????