October Favourites

I honestly started the month thinking I was going to have a spending ban. In all truth though, it’s ended up being one of the spendiest months of them all! I will definitely try to do one for most of November though seeing as Black Friday is on the way, there’s not much point buying anything when it will inevitably be discounted! Anyway, these were the standouts from this month.

Pixi Glow Mud Cleanser | £18 | post

Please look past the slightly juvenile packaging and the (annoyingly) rubbed-off text because this product is an absolute winner! Like it’s famous sister, the Glow Tonic, this beautiful-feeling mud cleanser contains 5% Glycolic Acid. However the fact it’s a wash-off cleanser instead of a toner that stays on your skin makes it more gentle, though you still get that instant radiance boost.

Nip + Fab Kale Fix Moisturiser* | £20 | post

Whilst this is a little pricier than some of Nip + Fab’s other products, it also happens to be probably the best thing I’ve tried from them. It’s so beautifully nourishing and hydrating without being too rich or heavy for my combination skin.

Soap & Glory One Heck of a Blot Primer | £10 | post

I think I have finally found the One when it comes to drugstore primers! This has a lovely cream formula that’s so easy to apply and stops the shine creeping in. I love how my makeup goes on when I’m using this and it definitely prolongs the wear-time of my base.

Anastasia Beverley Hills Illuminator in So Hollywood | £28 | post

I no longer feel bad for banging on about this because Cult Beauty have confirmed they will be re-stocking it in limited numbers! This wasn’t what I expected from ABH, but in a good way. I was fearful this would be insanely pigmented and just too much, however it has a gorgeous, natural, glitter-free look and So Hollywood is the perfect pure gold shade.

Zoeva Bamboo Volume 2 Brush Set* | £56.95 | post

I’ve narrowed it down to the 3 absolute standouts for me from this set that I hadn’t tried before. These are the Highlight, Cream Cheek and Defined Buffer. Firstly, I think these brushes are gorgeous and Zoeva continues to be my favourite brush brand. Secondly, there was definitely a gap in my collection for cream product brushes. The Highlight brush is gorgeous for powder formulas, as it picks up just the right amount of products, however it’s incredible for blending out cream highlight to get a natural finish. Other than stippling brushes, I’d never tried something designed for cream blusher as I always preferred to use my fingers. However the Cream Cheek has converted me as it applies them perfectly to give that natural flush of colour, and again I like it for powder products too as it applies them so evenly. Finally, there’s the Defined Buffer, which is the most amazing foundation brush for a flawless full-coverage base in seconds.

Cover FX Custom Cover Drop Brush* | £32

This has inadvertently become quite a brush-heavy post! However I really couldn't not mention this one from Cover FX. I'm still playing around with the famous Cover Drops however this was an instant love for me. Don't let the name put you off, as this is incredible with any foundation. It is pricey but if you're going to invest in one foundation brush, I totally recommend this. The shape and tightly-packed bristles make it unlike anything I've ever used before but it applies any foundation flawlessly. You barely have to blend with this as it does all the hard work for you.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Light | £29.50

I love me a bit of Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup (post here) but it’s seriously full coverage I reserve for nights out or to build a bit more coverage where I need it if I have something lighter on. Double Wear Light is pretty much exactly what I was looking for; a proper long-wearing foundation that keeps my skin free of shine but it’s more of a light-medium coverage.  I have Shade 4, which I was incorrectly matched to but I’m a big fan of the formula so I'm really liking this at the moment.

Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Easy Baked | £14

In all honesty, other than the Naked 1, none of the other pre-made Urban Decay palettes have really called my name so this month I decided it was about time I explored their single eyeshadows. By no means is this the most cost-effective thing in the world (stick with the excellent-quality pre-made palettes if you like the shades) however I’m really glad I discovered these less-talked-about shades. My favourite is a gorgeous, warm light gold shimmer called Easy Baked. It makes a stunning highlight or lid shade and has the signature Urban Decay pigmentation, smooth formula and incredible lasting-power. Also, having seen them swatched together, this looks very similar to the ABH So Hollywood Illuminator. I'd never have thought to dupe an eyeshadow to a highlighter but if you didn't manage to get So Hollywood or want to save some cash... 

Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in Nudist | £8.99

I cannot believe I put off picking some of these up for so long! Bad Blogger! However better late than never and I can tell you these are well worth the hype; I picked up one and loved it so much that the next day I went out and picked up two more! Although they’re pricey for the drugstore, there’s always an offer on and I think they’re so worth it. The formula is so creamy, pigmented and long-lasting. Despite being matte they don’t feel dry on the lips at all. Nude-ist is one of those dusky pink/mauve/nude shades that I seem to gravitate towards.

Urban Decay Original Eye Primer Potion | £16

I finally finished the last tube of my stockpiled e.l.f. primer and though I know they’ve re-launched their UK site, I had a Debenhams voucher so I decided to try something new in the form of this much-hyped Urban Decay offering. I have to say they’re pretty similar but the Urban Decay is just that bit sheerer, which I like and it does make eyeshadow colours pop and last that tiny bit better than the e.l.f. so I may be converted.

Essie Nail Polish in In Stitches | £7.99

Essie is a brand I love for nail polishes and one I definitely need to explore more. This month I picked up In Stitches, a deep dusky pink (see it in action here). It’s such a lovely shade for this time of year and perfect if, like me, you struggle to pull off brighter shades but you want something a little more than your standard nude. The formula is so opaque and it stayed chip-free for several days, even on my weak nails!

What do you think of my favourites and what were yours this month?

 

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*DISCLOSURE - ITEMS MARKED WITH AN ASTERISK ARE PR SAMPLES/GIFTS. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. PLEASE VISIT MY DISCLOSURE PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION.