BEAUTY BUYS IN RECENT MONTHS

 I spotted the new Dior Fluid Stick ("liquid lipstick") range and their new Gel Effect Nail Polishes in Myer, which just came out here in Australia just in the last week.  So of course, I couldn't resist picking up a couple of gorgeous shades.  I may go back for a few more of the nail polishes.  Eeep!  The lovely SA gave me quite a few samples (very unusual in Australia!) of the new Miss Dior fragrances and the new Capture Totale DreamSkin skin care range.

Above (L - R): Dior Fluid Sticks in 'Magique' (479) and 'Kiss Me' (369); Dior Nail Gel Polishes in 'Mirage' (338) and 'Wonderland' (575). 

 Below show the result of my first purchase from Net-a-Porter - enabled thanks to Makeup Stash (for the free shipping code and candle recommendation). *grin*  They do such beautiful, luxurious packaging!

If you follow me on Instagram (if you don't - I'd love it if you do! ;) ), you might've seen my post about my recently empty Neom 'Tranquillity' candle in the small size (also featured here and here).  It turns out I can't live without this candle and have purchased the BIG one.  I bought it in my local store, which still have them for 20% off! *joy*  Such an awesome quality and the scent is just deliciously divine.  It's really calming and comforting, too.  It's the first candle I've come across that burnt so cleanly all the way to the very last bit of wax!  The glass was completely clean.  Money well spent (and worth spending again on).  I highly recommend!!

I rarely take notice of the makeup in clothing stores, but Karima from Shameless Fripperies recommended the Pout About It Lip Colour Lipsticks from Sportsgirl on her video tutorial and shown in action here.  I picked up three shades (L - R in picture below): 'Enchanted' (for fun ;) ), 'Violet Crumble' and 'Pretty Please'.

From Priceline, I purchased several items that are new to me, including:

- Two of the Rimmel Moisture Renew lipsticks (actually newly released here in Australia) inspired by Essie Button.  I chose the shades 'As You Want Victoria' (uber bright, cool-toned red pink) and 'Piccadilly Pink' (everyday nude rose).

- One of the new Revlon ColorBurst Lip Lacquers in 'Demure' and Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm in 'Showy' (from the 2-for-1 sale which is still currently on for another week!)

- FOA (Face of Australia) Nail Polish from their new 'Screen Siren' (limited edition) collection in 'Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend'.  I couldn't miss this in store - look at that amazing vibrant pink shade!  It also happened to match the Maybelline Express Remover label. ^_^  I've been wanting one of these types of nail polish removers since I saw the one from Bourjois online (the latter is unavailable here in Australia).  I like the idea of not having to use up a million cotton balls and just sticking my finger nail in this tub.  No waste, no spillage and it's super convenient.  I've used it a couple of times already and it works a treat in just a single dip.

- Loreal Colour Riche nail polish in 'RockNRoll Denim'.  I'm always a sucker for these tiny bottles (maybe one I will actually use up?).

For skin care and bath products, I finally got my hands on the forever-sold-out GlamGlow Super-Mud Clearing Treatment & Exfoliating Mud Mask from Mecca Cosmetica - a favourite of Rae's from RaeView.  (Can you sense a pattern here?  Whilst I haven't been busy blogging, I've been busy reading/watching blogger reviews and hauling. LOL).  I have the original, which I like the resulting effect of, but always makes me feel like my face was on fire (not kidding!) and therefore, makes the experience rather traumatic.  I thought I was having a horrific allergic reaction to it, but when I looked in the mirror my skin looked completely fine (no redness) and it was still attached to my body as normal.  Phew!  Without mentioning my own personal experience first, the SA at Mecca Cosmetica shared his and it was the exactly the same.  I was glad of that.  Have you had the same problem?  The SA has since tried this Clearing Treatment version and says it's more gentle and doesn't have the painful sensation.  Will see.

From Space.NK.apothecary, I picked up my first purchase from the Ren brand and decided to go with their Mini Rose Gift Set, which I thought was good value for money and a great way to try a few of their products in the smaller size (in case I don't like it, I won't have spent too much on a full size version).  The set contains:

For the same reasons, I also picked up the Eve Lom Travel Essentials Kit, which includes:

I have used a sample of their famous Cleanser before, which I thought was nice, but a little time consuming to use and I haven't felt inclined to invest a lot of money on the full size.  Of late, I've been enjoying the Clinique 'Take the Day Off' Cleansing Balm, which is more affordable and quicker to use.

Again, from ASOS, I purchased the Percy & Reed Va Va Volume Mini Zip Lock Bag.  I first heard about this brand from Lily Pebbles.  The bag contains:

I've tried the shampoo and conditioner a couple of times and so far I love the volumising effect it has on my hair and it does last at least a couple of days.  The only thing I don't like about it is the scent.  It's far too strong for me (it almost makes my eyes water!) and it isn't really to my taste, which is a shame.

Finally, I picked up the John Frieda Loose Curls curling iron from Priceline.  I'm motivated to give my hair some biggish, bouncy curls for a change now and then. :)  So far, I like it.  It does the job.