When I saw Julia from rainbeaubelle Five Under £5 posts I thought it would be fun to get involved and share a few of my bargain finds this past month. I’m currently in Scotland visiting family and finishing off the last of my Christmas shopping & I have of course been treating myself to a few bits & bobs too.
First up is this Alphabet Makeup Bag from Matalan it was such a bargain at £4. It is 100% cotton and very well made. I have quite a few makeup bags but I couldn’t resist this one & I bought a couple as gifts too.
I also bought two tree decorations from Matalan too, a V & J in vintage looking gold. I think they have an Art Deco look. They’re quite heavy and were only £2 each. I won’t get to put my tree up until about the 19th but I am excited to add these to our eclectic mix of decorations. Matalan has some beautiful Christmas decorations this year its well worth a visit.
Tiger recently opened in Dundee so I popped in but it was so busy it was hard to browse. I did get 2 rolls of Washi tape for £2. I have a bit of an addiction to buying tape but never seem to use it. If you have any suggestions for crafty things I can do with all my rolls of tape then I’d love to hear them These were too pretty to leave behind.
I can’t believe that these cute gold detailed notebooks were only 99p each from Home bargains. I am going to go back and stock up on a few more. We don’t have a Home Bargains in Cornwall so when I visit a city that has one I have to visit and it never disappoints.
It wouldn’t be Christmas without something from LUSH & Butterbear bathbomb is my all time favourite, its only £1.95. It leaves my skin so soft and it smells lovely and fresh. Makes me sad its only out for Christmas
These two beautiful products from Heathcote & Ivory are from their Morris & Co. range. This collection of products have been inspired by the uplifting ideals and superb designs that are the William Morris legacy to British art.
William Morris (1834-1896) he was an artist, philosopher and political theorist. One of the most outstanding and influential designers of the Arts and Crafts Movement and through his company, Morris & Co., he produced some of the most fashionable and exciting textiles and wallpapers of his era.
I love the beautiful designs and think this collection make the most thoughtful gifts. Especially for people that love design and are familiar with the work of Morris & Co.
This travel-sized trio of hand creams come in very pretty tubes that look like paint tubes which is a real nod to William Morris the artist. I think they look really cute & the patterns on all three tubes are botanical and very pretty. This trio of mini hand creams are perfect for keeping your hands nourished, feeling soft and looking smooth. They all contain these nourishing ingredients – vitamin E, cocoa butter, shea butter, lemon and aloe extracts, jojoba oil and macadamia oil. So lots of goodness for your hands!
As I said they are beautifully packaged and are perfect for popping in your handbag to keep your hands moisturised on the go. I have one in my car, handbag and on my bedside table so all within easy reach. My hands are always terribly dry and I like to have a cream with me to soothe them and keep them hydrated. These have been doing a good job & don’t feel greasy, I also like that they have a light citrus scent which smells fresh and not overpowering. These creams contain no parabens or sulphates & are not tested on animals
This is decorated in the most beautiful detailed pattern with flowers and foliage, the Golden Lily print is quite a recognisable Morris & Co print and dates back to 1899. With a chunky sturdy zip with gold detailing which has the letter M on it. It feels sturdy and looks luxurious. The cosmetics bag is a really good size, you can fit all the cosmetics you’d need for a short break. As well as the main large compartment it has a smaller side pouch inside the bag to keep any little items that you want to be kept separate. It’s practical & pretty.
I really like the Morris & Co. designs and think they look bold but pretty. The attention to detail is as you would expect from both Heathcote & Ivory and Morris & Co. also the colours and designs are vibrant and really detailed. I think this collection is a lovely slice of history.
These are just two products from the Heathcote & Ivory Morris & Co. range – they have much more in their online shop so make sure you check them out. As I said they make really sweet gifts.
Products that are marked with an * have either been sent to me for my consideration or I’ve received at events. I’m under no obligation to review them on my blog. However if I do, the reviews are 100% my own.
I wouldn’t say that I change up my makeup every season but I have been using a few new products this past few weeks & also rediscovered a few old favourites too.
Origins Nanette Lepore. Makebag* – This is a great size makeup bag & manage to fit so many products in. Its the perfect size for a weekend break. It’s a limited edition makeup bag and sees Origins team up with fashion designer Nanette Lepore. Origins are offering this complimentary makeup bag with any purchase over £50.
Available while stocks last at Harrods, Selfridges London, John Lewis nationwide and Arnotts Ireland.
Bourjois Bronzing Duo– This is quite a new addition to my makeup collection, it came in the recent British Beauty Box. These make a pretty pairing and I have been wearing them both a lot. The bronzer isn’t at all orange & gives you just the right amount of colour, no shimmer. I have been attempting to contour with it & so far so good. The highlighter is a pretty pearl shade, not white & stark. This gives your cheekbones an instant lift & and adds just enough glow without looking like a disco ball. This will be a staple in my makeup bag this winter for sure.
Clinique All About Shadow Quad* – These colours although not bright or too out there are still not in my comfort zone when it comes to eyeshadow but I have been trying to use some of the less loved products in my collection. The colours are beautiful & after getting to grips with what colour to put where on my lid I have been creating some winter appropriate smokey eyes. The plum & browns work so well together. The shadows themselves are easy to work with & very pigmented. The palette is packaged really nicely too & is so slim. So ideal for travel.
Origins GinZing Brightening Mascara* – This mascara has a HUGE wand & I have little eyes so I thought that was going to be a major problem, but I have discovered that it means I can apply my mascara in double quick time. This mascara isn’t going to wow you if you’re looking for volumised lashes, but this mascara is great at separating your lashes & it keeps a curl like no other! I like my lashes to look fluttery and this works well at achieving that. I also like the chunky packaging & I’ve grown to love the big oversized wand.
Korres Wild Rose Lip Balm – These Korres Lip Butters are fantastic, not only are they hydrating but the colour pay off is pretty damn good too. These won’t hang around for hours & hours on your lips but still they will give you a pretty flush of colour & keep your lips moisturised too. I need to get a few more of these in different colours.
Soap & Glory Glow All Out – I’m still on the fence about this powder, I like it & think it gives a illuminating glow but I’ve heard some people say they sweep it all over their face, I am a little scared of that & use it as more of a cheek highlighter. Its beautiful used like that & think I will stick to using it that way. I hate the cardboard packaging & wish they would repackage it.
L’Oreal Super Liner – L’Oreal make my favourite liners, there are a few but this Super Liner is the one I have been reaching for the most. The nib is long and easy to get right up close to you lashes. I like to wear eyeliner most days & like it to be subtle. This liner is great at getting a precise line. It has a glossy deep black finish, that stays put all day.
Seventeen Stay Time 18 Hour Concealer – This is great for both under eye area & blemishes. I do powder over the top to ensure it stays put all day. Its a great affordable concealer and I’m thrilled with it. Although not too sure about the 18 hour claims, nothing a quick touch up won’t solve.
Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation – This foundation, applies really nicely & gives me a natural finish with a good amount of coverage. Never does it look cakey or too much. If I want it to last all day & in to the evening I do need to wear a primer, but thats OK with me. I might be speaking a little too soon but I may have found something to rival my beloved L’Oreal True Match.
What is in your winter makeup bag, have you switched up any products?
Products that are marked with an * have either been sent to me for my consideration or I’ve received at events. I’m under no obligation to review them on my blog. However if I do, the reviews are 100% my own.
I try to change up makeup that I use, if I didn’t I’d wear the same products all the time. So here are a few products I have been using these past couple of weeks & what I have had with me in my handbag.
Mac Select Sheer Pressed Powder NW25 12g for £20 – This powder is great on top of my foundation. It gives me a very flawless finish without looking too heavy or overdone. It gives me a little added coverage and it is keeps me shine free. The compact has a mirror and is sleek and durable. So great to throw into your handbag.
Me Me Me Sweep Precision Eyeliner £6.50 – I’m trying to use this up as I’ve had it on the go for a while. I like it for quite a dramatic eye look. Its nib is easy to use and as the name suggests, good for a precise line. I use this for getting a cat flick look. I have it in black and its very deep black, but not waterproof. I would recommend it if you like using liquid liner.
Bath & Body Works Pocket Bac in Sweet Pea – I love these. This one smells so good and they’re very handy to have with you.
Giorgio Armani Rouge Ecstasy CC Lipstick* 510 Dolci £25 – This is the creamiest most hydrating lipstick I have ever used. This colour is perfect for the Autumn and I feel so swish using it. The product is lovely & the so too is the packaging with its magnetic lid, Armani Logo and bright glossy red bullet. These are luxurious but if you are a lipstick lover then you will enjoy wearing these.
Cat Mirror – Just too cute to leave behind!
Valentina by Valentino – This is quite a sweet perfume. More of a summer fragrance, not one I would purchase in full size. My mum likes it though.
MUA Blush Shade 4 – I have a few of these and for £1 they are great. I don’t like carrying my more expensive blushes with me as I’m so clumsy and tend to break them, so these MUA ones are great for that & they’re pretty. This one is such a wearable peach colour and I rediscovered it this month. What MUA blushes would you recommend?
e.l.f Kabuki Face Brush £6 – I always carry this with me as it is such a multi purpose brush. Great for blush and powder, it’s also small and fits well in my makeup bag. I need to buy a backup of this.
Nivea Lip balm – Good for this time of year as I get such dry lips.
Benefit Badgal Mascara £17.50 – Not a fan of this, I feel like it doesn’t grab my lashes & hardly any product goes on them. It takes ages to build up any volume. Wouldn’t buy the full size of this.
So thats what I have been using this past week. Some products I love & others I am trying to use up so I can open something new.
Products that are marked with an * have either been sent to me for my consideration or I’ve received at events. I’m under no obligation to review them on my blog. However if I do, the reviews are 100% my own.
