So I could start this blog out with some kind of introduction but I think it's better to just dive right in to the good stuff (if anyone is reading this, I'm assuming this is the only reason you're here). Being a bit of a beauty addict, and all round spending maven in general, I picked up a few little unnecessary treats today from Space NK and & Other Stories. 

The Fig Body Scrub

I've heard so many good things about the Fig range from & Other Stories, and boy did it not disappoint. It goes without saying that if you're a fig smelling fan then you'll love this Fig Fiction Body Scrub, not only is the packaging super cool on your bathroom shelf the product itself softly buffs away dead skin whilst also leaving you silky soft and figgy scented. I've only used this once but I can tell this is going to be a frequent re-purchase.

 The Nail Pot

I get bored with my nails quite easily and like to change up the colour quite a lot, however the effort of doing this means I end up sporting a colour for 2 weeks straight right up until the very last chip. Step in the Simply Dip Nail Colour Remover, a quick and easy way of taking off colour at the end of a tiring day commuting/working. Does what it says on the tin and follows through, a very pleasing new staple to my beauty arsenal and only a fiver (score).

 

Space NK

The Eyebrow Tamer

Having earned almost holy grail status amongst the beauty blogger elite, the Hourglass Brow Sculpting Pencil has been high on my wishlist for quite some time. Both the hefty price tag and safety blanket of my long-time routine with a MAC shadow and angled brush have deterred me from picking this up; however as I mentioned earlier, I was feeling rather adventurous this morn so skipped my way to Space NK to pick this bad boy up.

I was actually recommend the shade 'Warm Brunette' which was a perfect match for my brows naturally but I like to go slightly darker so opted for 'Dark Brunette' in the end. Having tried this the second I got home I can see what all the fuss is about, the slanted nib allows you to impart the perfect amount of product and the spoolie is on hand at the other end to brush any extra product and keep things looking natural. The waxy formula will keeps things in place all day and the formula is also sulfate, fragrance, phthalate and synthetic dye free (yay!). The only negative thing I have to say about this is that it takes me slightly longer to do my makeup routine, but with a natural looking and perfectly groomed set of full brows I'm not going to complain anytime soon.

Catch you in a beauty minute x

 One of my favourite parts of any holiday is the pre-flight browse of the duty free shop, I don't always find that the tax free discount is significant enough to warrant a purchase (I'd prefer to spend slightly more and collect Space NK/Boots points - hey, I'm weird), but I do love it for the travel exclusive sets. I was mighty tempted by many a shiny thing on my flight home but eventually settled on a Clarins Instant Light Lip Perfector duo.

 (Left: 02 Apricot Shimmer, Right: 01 Rose Shimmer) 

Now it might be a bit of a mouthful to say but they sure make your lips look good as you're saying it. Clarins describes these as: 'The ideal lip perfector for smooth, perfectly shaped lips with subtle, natural colour. A soft, gel formula that nourishes repairs and protects.'  I think that pretty much sums them up, they kind of sit somewhere in between a lipstick and a lip balm and aren't at all sticky. They're very long lasting and definitely do give the appearance of smoother, fuller lips - they contain shea and wild mango extracts so I think these will be great for keeping things smooth and hydrated in the winter months. 

Despite the strong colour variance in the tubes the difference between the shades is quite minimal. 01 Rose Shimmer is slightly more pink toned (duh) and I would say looks more obvious on the lips whereas 02 Apricot Shimmer has more of a nudey vibe and looks quite pared down and natural.

I paid €24,50 for the set (roughly £19.50) which is incredible when you consider that one Lip Perfector on its own retails for £18 in the UK, you're basically getting one for free! If you're travelling anytime soon, or have a friend/family member traveling that can be bribed, then I highly suggest picking this up. Great for all year round and perfect if you're a natural lip lover or looking for an amped up lip balm.