NEW IN | Beauty Splurges

As a certified (kind of) beauty junkie, it's my job to spend copious amounts of money on make up and skincare I don't necessarily need, but most definitely want. On my lunch breaks, I tend to find myself wandering round either Boots, Superdrug or Space NK and well this week, I didn't leave empty handed. You might want to grab a cup of tea for this one, there's a lot to get through...

First stop, the drugstore. I initially went in looking for Bourjois' Colour Boost Lip Crayon in Plum Russian - I've yet to try it but after trying and loving Peach on the Beach, I have high hopes. Little Mix recently collaborated with Collection and Perrie's hue in particular caught my eye. It's more purple than I usually go for, but I've had nothing but compliments since wearing it (the beauty advisor in Space NK thought it was one from NARS - win). The formulation isn't the best, it can be quite drying without a lip balm underneath, but at £2.99 you can't grumble and the pigmentation is fantastic. 

Now, my skin has been like a hormonal teenager lately, especially my chin and whilst I was browsing the aisles of Boots I came across the Superfacialist Tea Flower Pore Purifying Clay Mask. I have heard good things about the range, so I decided to give it a try - the whole range is currently on offer in Boots too. I've used it once and on first impressions I was impressed. I will write a full post on it soon. When my skin is horrific, there is only one cleanser that really kicks it into gear and that's (can you guess what I'm about to say?) Liz Earle's Hot Cloth Cleanse and Polish. I've tried a lot of cleansers, both high end and low end but this one comes out on top every time. I decided to get the Limited Edition Christmas Starter Kit, which includes 2 muslin cloths and 150ml pump.

I shouldn't be allowed to walk into Space NK armed with a debit card because it's very difficult to walk out empty handed. I have been lusting after NARS Sheer Glow since the beginning of the year. I did the sensible thing and asked for a sample and after trying it, I loved it. The colour selection is fantastic, and I was surprised that my shade wasn't the lightest in the collection. My shade is Mont Blanc and I begrudgingly bought a pump for the foundation, as more often than not, I waste more foundation when I have to pour it. It was the last Mont Blanc and the last pump so it was fate, right? I then picked up a new Tangle Teezer because mine has seen better days - the bristles were bent and out of shape. On a seperate occasion, I picked up Giorgio Armani's Eyes to Kill Mascara in Selfridges after a make up artist recommended it to me at a PR event. I love it. It lengthens beautifully, adding the right amount of volume which can be built up. 

Now it's time to go hide that debit card of mine... Have you splurged on anything new lately? 

Belle of the Ball: Kate Middleton

I know, I know, where have I been?! I haven't found the time to post in the past week due to finishing work for university, then finishing uni for the year, coming down with girl flu (the ladies alternative to man flu), seeing The Saturdays (SO GOOD), my mothers 60th birthday surprise and I also lost my voice completely...  With all that behind me I've finally been able to come back to my blog and I've missed you all so much! 

Last night was The Sun's 'Millies' aka The Military Awards which was a star studded event to celebrate the British soldiers and all that they do for us.  There were many a star including Amy Childs, Peter Andre, Little Mix and Lydia with her Beau Arg from TOWIE.  As well as all of the celebrities, the soldiers being honoured were rubbing shoulders with Prince Harry, Prince William and of course Kate Middleton who wore a velvet noir fishtail number by McQueen.  

If you've been reading my blog for a while, you'll know I've become smitten with our Duchess and her British style.  I thought she looked stunning, the dress hugged her (ever fading) figure, her hair was tousled as per and her make up seemed to be slightly softer than her usual hard liner.  Kate accessorised her dress with a matching black velvet clutch, ruby and white diamond necklace and bracelet combo as well as her mother-in-laws engagement ring.  

This has certainly been her year and I wonder whether our obsession with Wills and Kate will continue in 2012.  What do you think of her look?  You can watch The Sun's Military Awards tomorrow night (Wednesday 21st) on ITV1 at 8.30pm.