The Mascara Mission

The Mascara Mission (def): the ultimate hunt for the perfect lash lengthening, volume boosting, eye defining mascara; usually undertaken by beauty bloggers and fellow makeup maniacs. 

Please tell me you relate? I am seemingly on a never-ending mission to find the perfect mascara. I want one that makes my lashes look dramatic but subtle enough for day time wear, lengthens but doesn't make them look freakishly long, and boosts volume whilst defining the eye. My ultimate favourite mascara of all time has to be Estee Lauder's Projectionist; introduced to me by my friend Jenny at the tender age of around 15. I had been wearing it ever since then until last year, (to my absolute horror) it was discontinued. My devastated reaction must have worried the lady in Boots, as she quickly rushed to fill my mascara void by offering me their newer alternative: Magnascopic. This, along with 3 others, has slightly helped to ease my pain since Projectionist-gate, and here's why: 

Estee Lauder Magnascopic mascara, £20.50: This has very nearly filled the void that Projectionist left. It has a nice natural brush which picks up the perfect amount of product, and is best at lengthening lashes. This may be my favourite of the bunch. Estee Lauder really excels in mascaras so if you're looking for a new one give theirs a whirl! 

Chanel Le volume de Chanel mascara, £24: Chanel's latest mascara offering (which only came out this summer) is one of their best yet. At first I didn't think I was going to be a fan when I realised it came with one of those plastic-y brushes, but I've really got on with it well and in my eyes it's probably a close second to Magnascopic. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a more dramatic eye; it is much better suited to evening makeup rather than a subtle day-time look. 

Benefit They're real mascara, £19.50:  This is seriously worth the hype it's been getting over the past few months as it gives the perfect volume boosting lash effect which is supposed to make people ask, 'Are your lashes real?' Although the mini version is shown here, I have actually owned the full sized They're real. I would however recommend buying the smaller versions which they sell because the product tends to dry up very quickly and so a full sized tube doesn't last as long as it should. 

Clinique High Impact Mascara, £16.50: Despite sounding very dramatic and dark, I have found this mascara to be subtle enough for daytime wear also. It's a good all rounder and definitely worth picking up if you want to try something new as it lengthens and boosts effectively. It also comes in lots of other versions, but I am yet to try these. 

What's your favourite mascara? 

B. 

The (massive) Airport/Holiday HAUL

Hey guys! So I am excited (and a little miffed) to be back from holiday, as this means back to blogging and making some hard earned dollar. I am off to Barcelona on Sunday however for my 21st, so not long to go until I'm jetting off again! I had a great holiday and picked up a little TOO MUCH at duty free and when I was away. 

So let's start with the airport. Our flight was delayed so naturally the only thing to do was SHOP. I headed over to Mac, and picked up far too much. I firstly grabbed their 168 contouring brush and blush in Harmony to contour with, as I had seen both used in a Tanya Burr tutorial. Next I picked up a Ruby Woo lipstick; a cult shade I had been wanting to add to my collection for ages. I had also planned on getting a pro eyeshadow palette, but sadly they didn't sell them at the airport, so I just picked up the shade I had been lusting after most: woodwinked. Lastly I bought a bottle of brush cleanser and a YSL lipstick in the shade Peach Passion which naughtily caught my eye on the way out. 

When I arrived in Cyprus, we did a little shopping one day and I couldn't believe my luck when I stumbled upon the highly lusted after Estee Lauder gelee blush in Tease; something I had been after for AGES but didn't pick up when it had been in stock (damn you limited edition wonder products!). I also managed to find the new Chanel les beiges powder in my shade (10) which had been sold out in most places I tried in the UK. So if you're going on holiday always remember to ask if counters have any products which were limited edition or always sold out lurking around. I also picked up the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour set, which became my saviour when the air-con targeted my skin. I then bought two bits from Loreal; an infallible shadow in Sahara Treasure and their new super liner eyeliner, which so far I actually don't think too much of. Lastly I grabbed the new Le volume de Chanel mascara (which I am LOVING), and an OPI polish in 'A roll in the Hague'. 

Have you guys been picking up any bits in duty free or on holiday? Remember to follow me on Bloglovin' HERE. 

B.