Monday 25 February 2013

Dainty Doll Haul: First Impressions


So, if you were incredibly quick off the mark last week you may have been lucky enough to snap up Nicola Roberts' make up range, Dainty Doll, at some unbelievably discounted prices on certain cosmetic websites. I'm talking £1.99 and £2.99 per item, when the RRP's of some of the products are normally £20+. Sounds crazy, right? So naturally I had to snap up a few select items as Dainty Doll is a range I've never crossed paths with before and I was indeed curious.  


I have a complicated relationship with foundations, but for £2.99 I thought I'd give this a whirl as Dainty Doll is designed specifically for very fair skin tones such as mine. Liquid Foundation wasn't available in shade Light, which I thought would be ideal for me, so I took a risk and ordered Very Light, with the thinking that I could always use a tad more bronzer or just save for the winter months when I'm having a very pale period.


So yes, this foundation is VERY light, as you can see. On my first try with it I wasn't too sure, but after setting with my usual powder and applying my usual blush and bronzer, I actually like the flawless finish it creates. I'd say this is a medium coverage foundation, so I'll probably save for when I'm having a good skin day. 


The next item I got was Concealer Hot Pour in 002 Light. I've yet to try this as I'm still using my HG MAC Studio Fix Concealer and am positively addicted, so let's wait and see.


I still have a strange relationship with cream blushers, I need to be in the mood and have time to perfect them. But after 'Orange Country Girl' was dubbed as the 'cream version of NARS Orgasm' I just had to see for myself.


And it actually went on like a dream with a beautiful sheen. Sold! 


I picked up a few powder blushers (I could have ordered all 4, but restrained myself). The first is 'My Girl', a candy pink and is a great everyday colour. I don't own many this bright pink so thought I'd try something a little different. 


'Money Talks' looked such an interesting colour, I just had to have it in my collection. I'm still trying to decide if I should save this for contouring or light bronzing, but nonetheless it's a great winter blush as it's such a muted colour.  


Again, I could have snapped up the entire collection of lipsticks, but decided my purse would appreciate it if I didn't. I stuck to the one, 'Baby Love', as it looked a perfect pinky-nude to compliment the 'Money Talks' blush. I've yet to wear this and give it the all day test but on first impressions it's extremely moisturizing, however the colour pay off doesn't seem great.


Have you tried Dainty Doll?


Monday 18 February 2013

Illamasqua 'Encounter'

As part of my (inevitable) mega overspend on Illamasqua in their January sale, I picked up lipstick in 'Encounter'. Described as a 'classic brick red, matt finish', it's simply just that. It's the perfect red with an irresistible matt finish suitable for any occasion, and needless to say it's kicked off a red lipstick obsession and I've been loving wearing it for weeks now. I love Illamasqua lipsticks for their durability, I can put this on at the start of the night and there's no need for any touch ups after sipping drink after drink. What's not to love?





 



Did you pick anything up in the Illamasqua sale?


Wednesday 13 February 2013

Nails Inc. & Orly haul (that cost £4.50!)

No, your eyes do not deceive you, £4.50 I said. For all these.

Now, I don't have the best luck in the world, but I certainly did last Saturday. I just so happened to be stumbling around boots buying my essentials, when I reached a lovely little reduced make-up section. And as I stood there perusing the Nails Inc. and Orly polishes that were reduced to £5.50, a lovely Boots employee turned up and started stickering said polishes at 50p - happy days! Admittedly  one or two of them aren't in the best condition, but this can easily be solved.


From left to right: 

Nails Inc, 50p each: St. John's Wood, Hoxton Crackle Topcoat, Fishnet Magnetic in Piccadilly, Warwick Avenue, Designer Matte Finish in Heathrow, Lanesborough Place and Montpeller Square.
Orly, £1: Mani Mini Lacquer Trio: Beach Cruiser, Skinny Dip and Glowstick.

Has anyone else picked up any absolute bargains recently?