January Beauty Buys

Hello hello hello! So last month, I went a little bit crazy buying loads of new makeup and other little beauty products to try so I thought I would share it with you all. I'm going to be writing more in-depth reviews on most of the products featured in this post in the future, so enjoy!

First on the list was a sneaky trip to Boots for my two new Real Techniques brushes. I already have the Expert Face brush and it's incredible, so I decided to build up my collection and invest in the Powder brush and the Blush brush, which were £12.99 and £9.99 respectively. After that was a little trip to the No. 7 counter to use my £3 off voucher where I decided to try the Stay Perfect Smoothing Eyeshadow and, seeing as everything was also on 'buy one get one half price', I picked them up in 'Nude' and 'Bronze'. Taking full advantage of the above offer, I then had a nosey around the Maybelline section where I picked up the Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser and also the Master Shape Brow pencil in the shade 'Soft Brown'. I also couldn't help but treat myself to one of the Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipsticks in the absolutely divine shade 'Mayfair Red Lady' because my previous Kate Moss one is sadly on its last legs!

I couldn't resist when walking past L'Occitane but call in and treat myself to their amazing Shea Butter hand cream, before making a little trip to Topshop to try my first ever one of their makeup offerings- a gorgeous little cream highlighter in the shade 'Polished'. I also included a sneaky little Christmas present from my amazing chum Holly- yes, she got me the Basics palette. I opened it up and almost cried, she is the best.

My favourite purchase of all had to be the YSL set. I found this when tidying the shelves at work and it was retailing at £35, which I knew was a bargain at first glance. I mean, come on, how can you not? The set has one of the False Lash Effet Faux Cils mascaras in 01, a Touche Eclait in shade 01, a miniature Long-Lasting Eye Pencil and also a travel sized bottle of their eye makeup remover. 

 What have you been buying and loving lately?

Sophie

London!

Eventually, the post I've been talking about for weeks arrives. I'm going to try and put as many pictures in this as I can so.. enjoy!

We travelled down to London on the Megabus (7 hours, good lord it was a long one!) and got there at half 3 so we didn't really do too much on the first day. We unpacked and then set off to have a little look at the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park- it was gorgeous, all the little stalls were lit up and it was so cute and Christmassy.

The next day we decided to pay a visit to Camden and I was so excited, I'd been wanting to go for ages and it was fab. We had a little wander around the market where I got a really cute little vest top for a fiver before we went to this gorgeous shop called Lily J. All the clothes were like, lace and crocheted patterns and I couldn't resist buying a gorgeous pair of black shorts for £20 which are ideal for summer! We also had a look in a really cool vintage shop where I bought a red bandana for £2.50 (total bargain!) before heading down for a nosey around Camden Lock.

After having a spot of lunch, we decided to head to Abbey Road because I love the Beatles and I had been dying to go there for ages! We got the tube all the way out to the Abbey Road station only to find that we'd been conned- Abbey Road is at the other blooming side of London! After a lot of cursing we headed back over to Westfield (which, for the record, is amazing) because it was only a few stops away and had a look in Forever 21 because there isn't one in Newcastle. I got some four really sweet ear cuffs for £3.15, this gorgeous necklace and a couple of makeup brushes, which I think I might review in the future!

The next day, we went to one of my favourite places in London- Madame Tussauds. I'm such a sad sack, I was having the time of my life taking photos with the waxworks! After spending ages in there, we went back over to have a look around Oxford Street before going back to the hotel to get ready for the show that night! We went to the evening show of Les Miserables and it was absolutely incredible, we were sat in the front row and, naturally, I cried my eyes out- it's so sad. Being so close to the stage was an amazing experience and the cast were spectacular as always. Afterwards, we met a few of the cast including the lovely Carrie Fletcher who was an absolute darling, one of the sweetest people I've ever met.

On the last day, we went shopping and let me tell you, my bank balance suffered. After a trip to Harrods to check out the Christmas window (I didn't think it was as good as last year, nothing could top the Disney themed dresses they had!) and a cheeky browse, we headed back over to Leicester Square where we couldn't resist a look in M&M World! I came out with these pyjama bottoms, which are soooo comfy, and a  tub of M&Ms which you can now get personalised! We also had a wander around the fair that was on in Leicester Square and couldn't help but go on one of the rides. After browsing the shops for the rest of the day, we took a trip over to Covent Garden where I bought an adorable cushion which looks like an owl and is now pride of place on my bed! The bus didn't leave London until 10:30pm, so we had a pretty long day but all in all, the trip was absolutely fantastic. 

Side note: last month was horrendous for posts from me, sorry guys- so many deadlines and exams at uni I never had the time to write anything! Buuuut, I have quite a few posts in my drafts at the moment so February is going to be a lot better!

Sophie