Haul: Beauty, Beauty And Some More Beauty

I'm back! I decided I needed a break from pushing myself to hard to be perfect both with the blog and in life in general. But now I'm back and I'm coming at you today with a haul of epic proportions. Over the last few months I've been collecting everything I've brought beauty wise for this giant haul. A lot of them are repurchases, some of them are new discoveries and a few of them are in preparation for the wedding I'm going to this month.

I'm going to kick things off with the travel sized cuties I've brought to take with me to Naomi's wedding later this month. The first thing I picked up was the IT Cosmetics CC Cream. I'd heard so many good things about this since I started my blog and I've always wanted to try it. So when I saw my local Boots were now stocking it in their newly refurbished beauty hall, I just had to try it. I've worn this a couple of times and it's amazing. I brought the travel sized to initially try it and to save some room in my make up bag when I go up to Sheffield. I can tell you now though, I'll definitely be buying the full size bottle when I get paid next.

The next new travel sized product I brought to both try out and take away with me is the Too Faced Hangover X Spray. Again Too Faced is now easier to access for me so I of course had to pick up the primer water that I'd heard so much about. I haven't tried this yet but what I really like is that this can be used both under and over make up meaning I've saved even more room in my make up bag when I pack. Will I buy the full sized bottle, come back to me at the end of the month and I'll let you know.

The penultimate item I brought for the wedding was a travel sized pot of the Clinique Take The Day Off Balm. I needed something to take to Sheffield to remove my make up off with and as I already love this balm, it was a no brainer. And I can't get over how dinky and cute this tiny pot is. I still need to buy a travel sized moisturiser so I'm tempted to go back and buy the travel sized of the Clinique Moisture Surge Hydrator.

The last thing I brought in preparation for the wedding is in fact a repurchase. The Smashbox Always On Liquid Lipstick in Out Loud is one of my absolute favourite lipsticks and it just happens to match the colour theme I've got going on for the wedding. If you've never seen Out Loud as a shade, it's a very beautiful pumpkin, burnt orange shade and ties in beautifully with my dress, shoes and bag. I've loved this shade since I brought it and mine was on it's way out so I obviously needed to repurchase one for the wedding.

Shall we move onto the plethora of repurchases I've got to share with you. Let's kick things off with the most exciting of the bunch. I finally caved and brought a full sized bottle of the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair. I absolutely adore ANR. It works wonders on my spots and helps to even out my skin whenever it's feeling a little worse for wear. A little bit of this goes a long way and whilst it's expensive, it's well worth every penny.

Boots at one point had an amazing deal on their Pixi products so I of course had to pick a fresh bottle of both my Retinol Tonic and Glow Tonic. Both of these are everyday essentials for me and have helped take my skin from a temperamental wreck to feeling like a goddess. And being only £12 a bottle at the time, I'd have been silly not to have ordered them.

Another repurchase I made was for the Nip And Fab Glycolic Fix Extreme 6%. It's my go to toner when my skin is breaking out and when the XXL bottle is only a fiver more than the small bottle, it was a no brainer for me. This will last me for ages so I don't mind paying a little more for something I know that works.

Alongside my ANR and Nip And Fab Toner, I can't live without my Palmers' Facial Oil. I normally wait until it's on a half price deal to stock up but I was close to running out and I couldn't fathom letting my skin go without it so I just brought it full price. It's not the most expensive product out there but I always like being able to save a little money where I can.

The Soap And Glory Peaches And Clean Cleansing Milk is one of my go to cleansers and annoyingly my current bottle had gotten to the point where nothing wants to come out even though there are tons of product left in the bottom of the bottle. I wish Soap And Glory would change their packaging so that I didn't end up wasting tons of product each time I buy this.

A product I always get every last drop out of is the Botanics Rosewater Toning Spray. This is a great budget dupe for the Liz Earle Skin Tonic Spritz. I tend to reach for this more during the summer months when it's warm and my skin needs to be constantly refreshed. Ideally I'd have like to have taken this when we go up to Sheffield but unfortunately the packaging is a bit to bulky for my weekend bag.

I literally ran out of sheet masks halfway through last month. I couldn't believe it, I'm usually more on the ball with repurchasing them but I completely lost track of how many I had used. So I repurchased some of my favourites including these two from Soap And Glory. The Miracle Moisture Mask is my favourite of the two as it fits wonderfully to the face, works wonders on the skin and doesn't cost the earth unlike other masks of it's type. The Radiance Boost isn't one I'd normally choose but they didn't have the pore refining mask when I brought them so it had to do.

Boots ran out of my holy grail scrub for a good two months so when it finally came back in stock I went a little mad and brought four. Yes you read that right, I brought four. There was no need to put all four in the picture but I did in fact buy four so that I don't have to worry about running out for a while. The Sugar Crush Body Scrub from Soap And Glory is the only scrub that actually makes a difference to my skin. Nothing else works as well and I was more than happy when I spotted it sitting on the shelves of my local boots.

I also brought another of the Fizz-A-Ball Bath Bombs from Soap And Glory. This post isn't sponsored, I just really love Soap And Glory products. This bath bomb isn't a luxurious as the ones you pick up in Lush but it does smell divine and adds a little bit more luxury to your soak in the bath.

A couple of months back Barry M released their Serum Mists. Different from their Primer Water and Setting Sprays, these sprays are designed to work under your make up as well as over your make up as a refresher. I'm actually already on my second bottle of the Coconut Spray as it's just divine and I end up spraying myself with more of it than is necessary. The Cucumber one is going to be an essential through the Summer months and I'm really tempted to take it to Sheffield with me even though it's got some slightly bulky packaging.

I have never been able to be loyal to a mascara. And recently none of my mascaras were doing anything for me so I went and repurchased my favourite from Loreal. The Volume Million Lashes Couture has an amazing silicone barrel shaped brush that catches every tiny lash and gives them a massive boost. It's only downfall is that Loreal mascaras are a bitch to remove but it doesn't stop me slapping a ton of this on everytime.

The Benefit They're Real Tinted Lash Primer is the only lash primer I like out of the many I've tried so when mine showed signs of running out, I snuck over to my local Benefit stand (the women there scare me) and picked up a fresh tube. I think what makes this stand out from other lash primers is that you can wear it on it's own without it being obvious. I didn't think to pick up a travel size tube of this for the wedding and I refuse to go without it so it looks like I'm going to be taking the full size with me.

If you've been around for a while then you'll know I love the Maybelline SuperStay Matte Inks. I already own quite a few but there was still a couple of shades that I had my eye on but just hadn't got round to buying. So when work offered me 20% extra off make up alongside my work discount I just couldn't resist picking them up. Lover is the most stunning cool toned pink shade that has a wonderful lilac undertone that pairs well with numerous looks. I've worn this several times and may have brought a couple of t-shirts recently based on how good it's going to look paired with this shade. And Dancer I haven't worn yet but I plan on getting a lot of wear out of during the Summer. It's more orange than the other reds I own from this range and I think it's going to look amazing paired with my fair complexion and dark hair.

Earlier in the year Pixi released a shit ton of new products and one that really caught my eye were there packs of sheet masks. There are two types, the Glycolic trio and the Collagen Boost trio that I picked up. There are three in this box and they only cost a tenner. A TENNER! There are some brands that charge double that for just one. I've used one of these already and I really like how it made my skin feel. However recently I've let my self care/skincare routine drop and it's definitely showing.

Last year Simple launched a range of sheet masks but they left a lot to be desired which they obviously realised and this year they've come back and launched a new range of under eye patches and hydro gel sheet masks. These Brightening Under Eye Patches are amazing. I actually brought two packs, one of which I've already worn and I love them. They don't fold in on themselves as you apply them, they're not saturated in too much product and they don't slip down your face when you move. They don't have the most groundbreaking results but they do leave the skin under my eyes feeling super soft and hydrated.

And finally I have another pair of Simple Under Eye Patches to share with you and a Hydra Gel Sheet Mask. Both from Simple's Water Boost range, these claim to keep skin hydrated for longer but without the heavy feeling of cream. I'm always sceptical when brands make claims like these but I'm willing to give them a go. And as with all the new products in this haul if I like them then you'll see them in a favourites or review.

Haul: Make Up And Skincare

There's nothing more that I love than a good haul. I love seeing what other people pick up when their out shopping because not only extremely nosy but I love finding new products via other people's hauls. Some of my favourite products I've discovered by watching other people's hauls. And over the last few weeks I've been collecting a few bits and pieces I've picked up and thought today would be a good time to share them with you.

I'm going to start with the product I was most excited to pick up. This is the Maybelline Dream Cushion Foundation. I picked up the shade Natural Ivory which is the lightest shade in the range. This is a medium coverage foundation that comes in a compact cushion form, making it perfect for doing make up on the girl. This is very remniscent of the Loreal Cushion foundation and there will be a post comparing the two coming in the next two weeks. If you'd like to catch my first impressions of this foundation, keep your eyes peeled on Friday for a first impressions post, including this and a few more new releases.

Another new release I'm looking forward to trying out is the new Collection Lasting Perfection Colour Corrector Concealers. There are three of these in total but I only picked up two. The two I picked up are Lemon for eradicating dark circles and Green for disguising redness. From just swatching these on the back of my hand, these are highly pigmented and actually cover what their meant to unlike other colour correctors I've tried before. A full review of these will be coming soon but my first impressions will be in Friday's post.

Barry M have recently release a slew of new products including this loose setting powder. Their Ready Set Smooth setting powder is a lightweight transparent setting powder that is supposed to mattify skin and absorb any excess oil. Maybelline have also recently released a loose setting powder but it's really bad value for money and lacks a few extra bits that makes the Barry M better value and quality.

Another new release from Barry M is their Lash Saver Lash Primer. This is a conditioning white lash primer which is supposed to condition lashes whilst adding volume and encouraging growth. It has a curved rubber bristled brush that is supposed to fit to the contour of the eye. I'm definitely going to be comparing this to the Benefit They're Real Primer, a post which will be coming soon.

Some new nail polishes from Barry M include these stunning Summer shades in their Coconut Infusion Range. These four shades are opaque in two coats, are extremely bright and don't stain the nails when you take them off. These are all very bright summer shades that'll look stunning against a tan. Infused with Coconut Oil and Water these are supposed to help look after the nail as you wear them.

Another Collection product I nearly forgot to mention is their Primed and Ready Make Up Fixing Spray. This claims to look make up into place with it's lightweight mist, leaving behind a natural yet matte looking finish. For a budget brand I have to say I'm impressed with it. I couldn't resist spritzing onto the back of my hand when I brought it and it's very fine mist doesn't leave skin feeling drenched in product. I think this could definitely become a favourite.

Something I didn't purchase but thought I'd include comes from Benefit. I recieved a sample of their Browvo Conditioning Primer free when I went to have my brows waxed last. This is a conditioning brow primer that you can apply before brow products or on it's own before you go to bed and it's supposed to prolong the wear of your brow products as well as helping brows to look healthier, thicker and fuller. I wasn't too interested in this to begin with but am now really intrigued to see what this does to my brows.

A couple of lip liners I picked up come from Essence. I didn't intially plan on picking any new lip products up but these two caught my eye. I have the shades Satin Mauve (top) and Honey Berry (bottom). I've already used these several times have to say I'm quite impressed by them. For a standard wooden pencil liner, these are quite creamy and don't drag or pull at the lips. And the best bit they only cost a pound, I'm definiteley going to be picking some more of this.

A couple of skincare repurchases I've made come from Liz Earle. The Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser and the Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritzer are both holy grail products for me so when they began to run low I just had to pick some more up. Both of them are packed with natural skin friendly ingredients including Aloe Vera, Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter and Calendula. The Cleanse and Polish works well both day and night and really soothes skin as well as cleanses whilst the Skin Tonic Spritzer is perfect for waking skin up in the morning.

La Roche Posay is a brand that I've never tried anything from but heard great things about. So to dip my toe into the brand I picked up a small bottle of their Thermal Spring Water. Aimed at sensitive skin this claims not only to hydrate skin but protect and soothe at the same time. I've been really enjoying this in the evenings and on no make up days as it really does soothe skin as well as adding another layer of hydration to the skin. Definitely something I'll be picking up in a larger size when I'm in Boots next.

I love a good serum and usually use them to add a moisture boost to my skin but recently there have been a few days when my skin looks like it could do with a brighten. I had a scour of the Boots Skincare aisles and found this little number from Botanics. There Radiance All Bright Concentrate Serum is supposed to brighten skin's appearence in two weeks. I've been using this and have seen a slight difference but haven't used it enough to see a dramatic change in the appearence of my skin.

I absolutely love the Garnier Moisture Bomb Range and how hydrated the products leave my skin feeling but since I saw the launch of the Neutrogena Hydro Boost range I've been intrigued to see what it's like. So when I saw that their entire range was half price I couldn't resist picking up their Water Gel Cream. Containing Hyaluronic Acid, this lightweight cream claims to boost skins feel and look without leaving it looking greasy or oily at all. I'm definitely going to be putting this against my favourite Garnier Moisture Bomb Water Gel Cream.

Now all that I have left to show you is masks. I'm a face mask fiend and can't go out shopping without picking up at least one. The first two I got were the Garnier SkinActive PureActive Self Heating Sauna Mask. Each sachet contains two servings of mask and it's salicylic acid and zinc formula works to purify the skin without leaving it feeling dry or irritable. Plus I received a free reusable tote bag when I brought two of these which was the cherry on top.

Another set of Garnier masks that I purchased are their Moisture Bomb Tissue Masks. They have added two new varieties of masks recently and I love them both so when I saw them on off I stocked up. I picked up two of the Chamomile Mask and only one of the Green Tea Mask as I don't need to mattify/purify my skin as often as it needs soothing. I love these masks, they sit in place, aren't that saturated in product that they drip everywhere and don't break the bank. These have really set the standard for my sheet mask obssession.

A unique looking sheet mask that caught my eye was this new Sanctuary Bubble Sheet Mask. A oxygen and charcoal duo based formula that purifys the skin as well as deep cleansing and leave it looking revitalised. I'm very intrigued by this masks but also wary at the same time. I think it's the bubble aspect that's putting me off. A full review of this will come once I've used it and check out my Snapchat (zoe_holborn) to see what it looks like on.

Superdrug have recently started selling Yesto, including some products that you wouldn't find within the range at Boots. Two of these products are their paper masks. And course being a sheet mask addict I just had to pick them up. The first one I got is their Yesto Coconuts Ultra Hydrating Paper Mask. And the second one I picked up is the Yesto Cucumber Calming Paper Mask. I'm looking forward to trying both of these but more so the Coconut mask as I've not tried a lot of coconut based skincare products before. A full review of these masks will appear on here once I've used them both.

And the other two products I picked up from Yesto are a couple of their Mud Masks. I have the Yesto Primrose Oil Mud Mask and the Yesto Argan Oil Mud Mask. The Primrose mask claims to calm and soothe skin, something my occasionally sensitive could do with. The Argan Oil Mask on the other hand claims to condition and brighten skin, something I'm not always worried with but as I was making an order I couldn't resist adding it to my basket. And can we just talk about how cute the Yesto Mask packaging is. I keep putting off using these as I don't want to rip them open yet.

And the last thing I picked up were these Rodial Dragon's Blood Eye Masks. I picked up two patches and used one on Monday. These are supposed to smooth, depuff and hydrate the under eye area. I really liked this and am definitely going to enjoy using the second pair. A bit of a more pricey purchase in the long run but well worth it when you see the results.

Skincare Haul

Recently I've been buying quite a few skincare products and meaning to haul them but never getting round to it. So today when my New In Basket is overflowing I thought it was time to get everything together and haul it. So let's get going,

The first thing I've been picking up recently is the Masque Bar sheet masks. I've been looking to try these for a while now and just haven't gotten around to trying them. So when I saw them on offer in Boots I bit the bullet and picked up three packs. I picked up the Luminizing Charcoal Mask, the Anti Wrinkle Sheet Mask and the Dark Circle Reducer Patches. So far I've tried the luminizing mask and the dark circle reducers and I'd have to say that whilst I like them, they didn't do anything miraculous to my skin. I'm looking forward to trying the anti-wrinkle sheet mask and also the anti-blemish mud mask when I pick up a pack.

Next I repurchased two of my all time favourite skincare products. They are the Clearly Youthful Retexturising Glycolic Peel Off Mask and the Hydrating Day Serum. The Clearly Youthful Range is one of my favourite ranges on the high street and I've lost count of how many times I purchased products from it. The Hydrating Day Serum is the only serum I'll use as it's light enough to use in the morning as well as in the evening and soon as it's applied, it leaves skin feeling super hydrated and soft. The Glycolic Mask is one of my favourites out there as it completely changes the texture of my skin after every use. I plan on doing a full review of the mask but I have done a mini review over on the full review of this range here.

Soap And Glory have recently released a new scent in both their hand gel and hand food and it smells amazing. If you're a fan of the Sugar Crush Range then these new releases are going to be right up your street. There is nothing different about either of these products except the smell. Hand Food is my favourite hand cream out there as it leaves skin feeling ultra smooth but isn't greasy and doesn't leave skin feeling all slippy. The same goes for the hand gel, it's not one of those formulas that leaves hands feeling sticky for ages afterwards and you can get on with your day quicker than others.

Next up I've picked up a couple of things from Simple and before everyone screams at me, I do not use the face wipes all over my face, I just use them to take my lipstick off at the end of the day. I find no other wipe will remove all traces of my lipstick better than the Simple wipes and if (it's a big if) use these on my face they don't break me out which makes me feel happier about using them. Also I picked another Revitalising Age Resisting Face Wash. This contains Green Tea and is really soothing on my skin when I use it. I like to use this mid week instead of my Olay exfoliating face wash as it's gentler on the skin whilst giving the same results.

I also picked up another shampoo and conditioner. Yes I know it's not technically skincare but it happened to be in my pile as I photographing everything. This is the Garnier Ultimate Blends The Strength Restorer Shampoo and Conditioner. I absolutely love this combo when I wash my hair. It leaves my hair feeling soft and stronger than before. I also like the leave in mask but don't use it as much as I have so many hair masks to get through.

I actually brought this next product on my birthday which was nearly two weeks ago and I still haven't used it as I wanted to photograph it first. I've been wanting to try the Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm for so long and when I was looking for gift ideas for my Gift Guides and spotted this, I knew I had to get one. In this stocking filler sized set you get one 15ml cleansing and a free muslin cloth as well. I can't wait to try this out as I've heard so many good things about it.

Another repurchase, another holy grail item. The Garnier Miracle Sleeping Cream is my favourite night cream and actually does what it says on the box. A thick bouncy formula this cream doesn't take long to sink into the skin, leaving it feel soft and hydrated. And the next morning skin looks refreshed, dark circles are diminished and skin still feels as hydrated as it does when applied the night before. If you want a full review, you can find one here.

And finally two things I picked up today. The first is not a skincare item but I didn't take a picture of it seperately so I thought I'd put them together. I picked up the B Powder Brush as I've had my eye on it for a while now and it was reduced so I couldn't resist. It's so big and fluffy and I can't wait to use it to set my make up. And secondly I picked up the Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Treatment Pads. These are another thing I've had my eye on for a while and just haven't got round to picking them up. I hope these are as good as they say as I really love how my skin feels after I use products that contain Glycolic Acid.

So that's it for this haul. On Tuesday I'll be hauling all the make up I've brought recently so until then have a nice weekend.