I always seem to justify being able to spend money when the high-street/drugstores run promotional offers like 3 for 2 or Buy One Get One Half Price. Although you seem to spend more money in that particular instant (which almost always falls in week 1 after payday so then you’re typically struggling to stretch your finances until payday in week 4 or even 5!), you are technically saving money in the long-term, especially if they are products that you use religiously or would have end up buying at full price. This is what happened last weekend when I casually popped into both Boots and Superdrug. A few minutes later I walk out with bags on each arm and a few (alot!) quid lighter.
Boots are currently running a 3 for 2 across all Revlon products whilst Superdrug are running the same promotion across Rimmel. So despite not setting out to buy anything cosmetic-wise, I thought it would be rude not to take advantage of this offer. Ok so maybe I like to compile a list of products from time to time, of products (stored in my trusty iPhone) that I like the look/sound of and want to try so as soon as a promotional offer is on, I am out the door in a flash and bulk buying like no tomorrow. I find that promotions like these are a good opportunity to test drive new products as essentially you are paying less for each item so if you’re not sure of a particular product, you won’t feel too bad if the product doesn’t work out as you had hoped (because you’ve paid less money for it). Obviously I don’t wait around for these promotions when it comes to my staple products, I just go out and purchase it straight away, unless of course I have already stocked up on it from previous in-store and online promotions *guilty* (although I don’t have enough storage space at the moment to be able to do this and also my bf would go ape sh*t).
Without further ado, heres what I picked up on my shopping travels:
Superdrug
Rimmel 3 For 2
Wake Me Up Concealer in No.2 True Ivory.
This is a very popular concealer that is apparently amazing for under the eye and gives that bright and awake look hence the name. I was quite surprised that there were only four shades to choose from and even more surprised that the best match for me was the 2nd shade of the four. This was the most yellow toned shade of the four and better suited for my asian skin tone, too light for concealing spots on the face (plus its light reflective so you don’t really want to highlight your spots!) but perfect for under the eye as with a lot of people, I prefer a shade or two lighter under the eye as this illuminates the eye area and adds to an overall healthy look.
Rimmel Mono Eyeshadow in Smokey Quartz
I was drawn to this shade because it’s a neutral, earthy, taupe shade. I love neutral colours and there’s just something about taupe as it’s just such an easy colour to wear day and night.
I was intrigued by this, if not for the name. When I was much younger and growing up at home with the family, myself, my sister and my brother, who are both a year and 3 years younger than me respectively, had silly nicknames for each other (as you do when you are young and forever squabbling). Unfortunately back then for me, and as you can probably see from my photos, I have quite full lips. They decided to bless me with the nickname…wait for it…. “Apocalips”. Seeing as nowadays full lips seem to be on trend, I have the last laugh (collagen who?)!! Anyway, this product is a liquid lipstick which is totally new to me. It comes in a tube with a doe foot wand just like a lipgloss, but the consistency is thick and very opaque. The shade I got, “Aurora”, is a very bright warm, pinky coral. On a first impression basis, I’m bowled over. Can’t wait to give this a test run and see if this really does live up to my expectation.
Boots
Now this was a product I was very keen to try. I’ve heard much good things about the La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo from fellow bloggers but they’ve only gone and come out with a new and improved formula (hence the “plus” sign). Now I had been putting this off for far too long now and to make this proposition even more enticing, Boots are offering it at an introductory price of £11.62 until the 19th February (before it goes up to £15.50).Say. No. More. I’ve heard that the original is great for dealing with break outs and whilst I don’t get them too often, when I do, they tend to spread, are very enduring AND they leave behind scars that linger for months. Apparently the new formula is designed to not only manage oily, blemish-prone skin but they also reduce inflammation and manage any hyper-pigmentation which can be left behind and linger for weeks, or even months (in some cases stay permanent). This is the key selling point for me as my scars tend to be so persistant and I’d never know what to do with them but try to cover them up with foundation and concealer. I am very eager to try this out so watch this space for a review.
Collection Colour Lash Mascara in Clear
This is a staple in my makeup bag and although I wasn’t quite through with the whole tube, it had gotten to a stage where it was no longer clear but had turned into a murky dark brown shade from my eyeshadow (I apply this after I do my eyebrows to set it in place and unfortunately it picks up the shadow each time). I know it’s mine and the brown is just from eyeshadow but still, yuk!
Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in shade 03 Warm Medium.
Now this is another product that has had a lot of hype and at just over £4, is there any need for an excuse to buy this? I have heard that this gives great coverage for under eye dark circles AND for blemishes. I am on a bit of a quest to find the right concealer for me at the moment so keen to give this a go.
Revlon 3 For 2
Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Lovesick
I have the Clinique Chubby stick but was eager to try out the offering from the drugstore brands. This particular formula is a both a balm and a stain so not only is it hydrating, it stays on your lips for ages without needing to reapply. I bought it in the shade Lovesick which is a mid-toned bright pink.
Revlon Colourburst Lacquer Balm in Vivacious and Provocateur
These and the Matte Balms are Revlon’s latest offering in lip products, building upon the success of their balm stains and of crayon lip products full stop. Although I like the idea of the matte balms, I do worry about my lips drying out plus after swatching them in-store, I couldn’t quite find a shade that wowed me so I ended up purchasing two of the lacquer formulas instead. After almost running out of swatching space on the back of my hand, I settled for the shades Vivacious and Provocateur (love the names). Vivacious is a bright, warm, fushcia pink whilst Vivacious is a bright, warm, mid-toned red. Initial thoughts are “these would be great for taking away on holiday”. Reviews to follow soon.
After being quite impressed with my purchase of this product in the shade Aurora, I decided to pick up the shade Celestial which is a very easy to wear dusky pink. It just so happens that they had a promotion running too so I picked this one up for a fiver.
Have you been shopping recently? If so, let me know what new products you have bought and what you would recommend me trying out.